Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

LQ4 vs LQ9 vs LY6 for Boost

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-02-2015, 03:59 AM
  #1  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
1slowhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default LQ4 vs LQ9 vs LY6 for Boost

I'm planning a turbo LS swap in my '91 foxbody Mustang. I'm on the West Coast and it seems that LS engines are more expensive than other areas of the country. I want to make a reliable 700 rwhp. I understand the earlier rods are really being pushed at 600+rwhp, so I've considered doing a newer '05+ LQ4 or LQ9. I then realized that I can get the LY6 engines complete with accessories, harness, ecu, etc for only $1250 (170k miles)

The newer LY6 have the better heads, stronger rods, and accept the newer style LS2/3 intakes. Am I correct in my thinking that a LY6 would be a great way to go for a reliable 700 rwhp? My thoughts were to do a turbo cam swap, valve spring upgrade, VVT delete, LS9 gaskets, studs, cast T6 S480, 4l80e trans with good billet converter. I plan to have a friend tune it with factory ECU and harness. Which harness will I need? Which ECU? Is the best way to go for the strongest stock bottom end? How much will my stock foxbody fuel lines support with twin 255 walbros in tank? I plan to do 80 lb injectors.

My goals are to have a more street friendly car than the current SBF set up. Overdrive, power steering, trans that shifts on its own, and run in the 9's at 5000 ft elevation. Car will weigh around 3200 with driver. Is this possible? Would it be smarter to put rods and pistons in an earlier LQ engine? Are there more tuning issues with the newer setups?
Old 06-02-2015, 07:02 AM
  #2  
Restricted User
 
JoeNova's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Ohio
Posts: 7,194
Received 104 Likes on 87 Posts
Default

Strength wise there won't be much of a difference between an LQ9 and LY6.

The LY6 will be 4th gen, so you'll need an ECU that can run the 58x crank wheel, or a converter box to run it on an older 24x ECU.

I know the guys over at 417 Motorsports have had good luck with their LY6.
They pushed the stock bottom end in their Mustang with a pair of On3 turbos over 1000 whp through an automatic trans (non lockup) with a small cam.
Old 06-02-2015, 11:23 AM
  #3  
8 Second Club
iTrader: (3)
 
RonSSNova's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,596
Received 698 Likes on 439 Posts

Default

I think by the time you remove the VVT, then deal with the electronic throttle, and the later 58x ecu, the LQ4/9 becomes the better choice.
I'd check with your tuner and see if he has experience with the later ECU as well. Find out if they update to an easily tuned 3 bar config.

Personally I think the earlier drive by cable TB and 0411 ECU just greatly simplify things.

05-06 get the better rods and there is nothing at all wrong with the 317 cathedral heads.
Old 06-02-2015, 12:12 PM
  #4  
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
35spline's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I then realized that I can get the LY6 engines complete with accessories, harness, ecu, etc for only $1250 (170k miles)
Where?
Old 06-02-2015, 01:37 PM
  #5  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
1slowhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 35spline
Where?
I've seen them at wrecking yards for that price in/near Sacramento.

LQ9's are usually the same price at wreckers, but seem to be cheaper purchased from a private party.
Old 06-02-2015, 01:44 PM
  #6  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
1slowhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RonSSNova
I think by the time you remove the VVT, then deal with the electronic throttle, and the later 58x ecu, the LQ4/9 becomes the better choice.
I'd check with your tuner and see if he has experience with the later ECU as well. Find out if they update to an easily tuned 3 bar config.

Personally I think the earlier drive by cable TB and 0411 ECU just greatly simplify things.

05-06 get the better rods and there is nothing at all wrong with the 317 cathedral heads.
So you don't think for boost the better heads are worth the hassle? I think initial starting price will be a bit less for the LY6, depending on where I source it.

It seems everybody wants big money for complete 05+ LQ4/LQ9. I think the LY6's are a bit cheaper because people aren't as familiar with them.
Old 06-02-2015, 03:44 PM
  #7  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (11)
 
69-chvl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: THORNTON, PA (NEAR PHILLY)
Posts: 1,620
Received 31 Likes on 23 Posts

Default

FWIW my ~04' LQ9 had the strong rods and 24x system. I paid 1300.00 for the complete motor, but sold off the manifolds, pan, ecu/harness and ran the Holley system.

I think all LQ9's got the beefier rods.
Old 06-02-2015, 06:31 PM
  #8  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
1slowhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 69-chvl
FWIW my ~04' LQ9 had the strong rods and 24x system. I paid 1300.00 for the complete motor, but sold off the manifolds, pan, ecu/harness and ran the Holley system.

I think all LQ9's got the beefier rods.
That's good to know. I don't have any experience with any of the LS tuning software. I plan to run an 80e, so I guess I'm stuck with HP tuners, stock ecu and modified stock harness.

How do you like the Holley setup?
Old 06-02-2015, 06:54 PM
  #9  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (11)
 
69-chvl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: THORNTON, PA (NEAR PHILLY)
Posts: 1,620
Received 31 Likes on 23 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by 1slowhatch
That's good to know. I don't have any experience with any of the LS tuning software. I plan to run an 80e, so I guess I'm stuck with HP tuners, stock ecu and modified stock harness.

How do you like the Holley setup?
Absolutely love it and it changed my life. The Dominator will control the trans - just throwing it out there!

If you don't have experience with any of the stock ecu tuning software be prepared for a VERY steep learning curve...RonSS will tell ya.
Old 06-02-2015, 09:25 PM
  #10  
Restricted User
 
JoeNova's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Ohio
Posts: 7,194
Received 104 Likes on 87 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 1slowhatch
That's good to know. I don't have any experience with any of the LS tuning software. I plan to run an 80e, so I guess I'm stuck with HP tuners, stock ecu and modified stock harness.

How do you like the Holley setup?
Megasquirt can now control the 80e. If it had been able when i started building mine, i would have went that route.
Old 06-03-2015, 11:58 PM
  #11  
TECH Regular
iTrader: (17)
 
BOOSTAT4500's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Little off topic, but what 5000' elevation track are you running near Sacramento?
Old 06-04-2015, 02:27 AM
  #12  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
1slowhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BOOSTAT4500
Little off topic, but what 5000' elevation track are you running near Sacramento?
Fallon, NV. I'm in Reno. What's the business for fuel pump setup in a foxbody? I'm thinking twin 255 walbros in tank, with stock lines, 80lb injectors and LS truck rails. What will this support? I have single Walbro 255 in the car now, and really like it. I also have a set of 48lb/hr Ford injectors, which I guess will be closer to 54lb on LS fuel pressure.

I found a great deal on an A1000, but I don't really like the external mounted fuel pump setups. I really like keeping the stock tank and fuel gauge working, what should I be looking at?
Old 06-04-2015, 02:30 AM
  #13  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
1slowhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by JoeNova
Megasquirt can now control the 80e. If it had been able when i started building mine, i would have went that route.
I've heard that, but I'm not sure how I feel about jumping into MS trans control. In a year or two, I'd feel a lot more comfortable about it.
Old 06-04-2015, 03:12 AM
  #14  
Registered User
 
fuqtianba's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I think the earlier drive by cable TB and 0411 ECU just greatly simplify things.
Old 06-04-2015, 09:14 AM
  #15  
TECH Regular
iTrader: (17)
 
BOOSTAT4500's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Cool, I'm in Reno too. I headed out to Fallon tomorrow night for the maiden voyage with the turbos.
Twin 255's should be ok, along with the 80 pound injectors for that power level. The stock lines won't cut it though, and the truck rail would be iffy. I run twin 320 lph in tank (I've had bad luck with walbros), -8 feed and -6 return, and 120 lbs. injectors, but I'm running E85.
Old 06-05-2015, 04:49 PM
  #16  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
1slowhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BOOSTAT4500
Cool, I'm in Reno too. I headed out to Fallon tomorrow night for the maiden voyage with the turbos.
Twin 255's should be ok, along with the 80 pound injectors for that power level. The stock lines won't cut it though, and the truck rail would be iffy. I run twin 320 lph in tank (I've had bad luck with walbros), -8 feed and -6 return, and 120 lbs. injectors, but I'm running E85.
Who makes the 320 pumps? Are they mounted in the stock tank? Sumped?
Old 06-05-2015, 07:20 PM
  #17  
9 Second Truck Club
iTrader: (17)
 
stock48's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Colorado Springs, Co/ Central, Ca
Posts: 3,672
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

If it were me Id go with the 04-06 lq4 and cam it fairly mild. I have ran 8.6/160@6000'/9800' DA with mine andna little t4 76mm. I think the big sq ly6 head will be harder to get turbo going in the high DA. The lq9 would also be a good choice if running E85 and not planning on pushing engine to the max. The lower compression lq4 will take you farther with stock rods IMO.
Old 06-06-2015, 12:04 AM
  #18  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
1slowhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by stock48
If it were me Id go with the 04-06 lq4 and cam it fairly mild. I have ran 8.6/160@6000'/9800' DA with mine andna little t4 76mm. I think the big sq ly6 head will be harder to get turbo going in the high DA. The lq9 would also be a good choice if running E85 and not planning on pushing engine to the max. The lower compression lq4 will take you farther with stock rods IMO.
Cool. So, that would be '04-06 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 trucks, 2500 Suburban, 2500/3500 Savana/Express? I'll see what I can find.
Old 06-06-2015, 12:07 AM
  #19  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
1slowhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Next question... I want to keep the stock hood. The car has tubular control arms, but stock K member.

Is it possible to keep truck accessories and intake with homemade mounts when running a shorter than stock oil pan? I have a GMPP hotrod pan.

Or would I be better off buying an aftermarket K member, and LS swap mounts? It looks like the price would be similar to having to purchase an ls1/ls6 intake, and car accessories.
Old 06-06-2015, 11:50 AM
  #20  
TECH Regular
iTrader: (17)
 
BOOSTAT4500's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

The 320's are made by High Flow Fuel out of southern California. Cheaper than Walbros and have a lifetime warranty. I've had Walbros fail in under 2 months, and never had a problem with these. Stock tank, not sumped. Both in the stock location.


Quick Reply: LQ4 vs LQ9 vs LY6 for Boost



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:11 PM.