Repping all LS motors
Repping all LS motors Hey Everyone,
I am building my LQ4 to handle some boost to go into my 74 Camaro to replace Bumblebee. I have a 7875 Turbo doing in as well. Is there anything I can upgrade from any of these? For example, I am getting an oil pan from an LS1 Firebird donor, etc...
This is what I was thinking so far. I think it is a long shot to get any LSA or LS4 in here, but let me know if it is possible. Would like to get something from eveything.
LS1 - Oil pan
LS2 - Oil Pump
LS3
LS4
LS6
LS7 - Lifters
LS9 - Cam
LSA
I am building my LQ4 to handle some boost to go into my 74 Camaro to replace Bumblebee. I have a 7875 Turbo doing in as well. Is there anything I can upgrade from any of these? For example, I am getting an oil pan from an LS1 Firebird donor, etc...
This is what I was thinking so far. I think it is a long shot to get any LSA or LS4 in here, but let me know if it is possible. Would like to get something from eveything.
LS1 - Oil pan
LS2 - Oil Pump
LS3
LS4
LS6
LS7 - Lifters
LS9 - Cam
LSA
If you got an ls4 intake manifold, since that is arguably the worst part of an ls4, it would compliment your cam, which is the worst part of an ls9. Maybe try ls3 heads and lsa fuel pump for good parts. Out of ideas for the ls6.
I have a TBSS intake manifold, but I am not 100% set on the cam. I have just been told that would be a good one to use. I plan on keeping the 317 heads on there and just porting them. Is an LSA fuel pump common on FI swaps on LS motors?
No, an lsa pump is not a common swap at all. That comment was just directed at your "one from each ls" idea. It would likely be more expensive than better options. The ls9 cam has a very week bottom end and revs good, which is perfect for a big PD blower with a drivetrain warranty and emissions testing, and good for nothing else.
The LS4 front exhaust manifold can be used for a forward turbo setup.
My LS4 has:
My LS4 has:
- LS7 Lifters (used to also have LS7 MAF and Exhaust Manfolds)
- LS2 Throttlebody & Intake (now the dorman version)
- LS6 PS Exhaust manifold (front manifold)
- Truck PS Exhaust manifold (modified to rear turbo manifold)
- LS1 3 wire temp sensor
- L33 configuration in Rebel LS (used to run LS2 SSR E40 ecm)
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 1,137
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
LS4 Intake = Junk. 317 heads = Junk. LS9 cam = Junk. People may say 317 heads are good, but they're trash. They have a weak 71-72 CC combustion chamber that is lazy as hell. You're leaving power on the table over ANY other LS head. You want both an LS4 AND LS6 part? Go get a set of 243 heads, they came on both engines.
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Verdad Gallardo I have to disagree on the 317 heads. They are certainly not the best, but are far from trash. Since they already come on the 6.0, you have to balance the cost of porting them over the cost of buying 243 heads, and ported 317 heads will easily outflow stock 243 heads. Plus, some of us prefer the slight drop in compression on a turbo pump gas build.
edit-- Ls boost build = just use whatever heads you have laying around and make more power than your chassis is set up for anyway, lol.
edit-- Ls boost build = just use whatever heads you have laying around and make more power than your chassis is set up for anyway, lol.
Last edited by gametech; Dec 7, 2025 at 11:11 AM.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 1,137
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
317 and 243 heads use the same port cores, so aside from the extra flow provided by the unshrouded chamber, they should flow pretty much identical, even after porting. However, the chambers are awful, that's common knowledge. I'd rather have a small chamber with quench pads and a dished piston than flat tops with a 317 chamber. Especially with a turbo. 243s are not super expensive IF you go to a pull your own yard. LKQ has them for $282 a pair, and I've never went in without finding 3-5 pairs on everything from 4.8s in trucks to LS4s and HO 5.3s in SUVs. Are317s totally useless? If you already have them, I guess they can work, but they can always be sold and better ones bought. Hell, I sold my 317s for $300 a couple years ago because they were taking up space in my garage. I guess it's whatever someone wants to use.
LS4 Intake = Junk. 317 heads = Junk. LS9 cam = Junk. People may say 317 heads are good, but they're trash. They have a weak 71-72 CC combustion chamber that is lazy as hell. You're leaving power on the table over ANY other LS head. You want both an LS4 AND LS6 part? Go get a set of 243 heads, they came on both engines.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 1,137
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Oh, I know you can make power with them. But all things being equal, I suspect your combo would be around 25 HP stronger with a set of 243s. Same compression ratio. Combustion chamber shape makes power, I'm a firm believer in that.
Wouldn't matter on E but because the PNW blows goats all we have is 91 rams **** so we need all the help we can get lol.