squirlNUTZ

I have an engine from a 2003 Denali and was told it was an lq9 from a local salvage yard. The engine is now in my trans am with 10,000 miles driving on it. I'm about to do a cam swap. It does have 317 heads.
Is there any way to tell the difference between the two engines with out removing the heads?

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

I thought the only difference was in the pistons (dished vs flat??)

Any casting #'s?? Should say 6.0L somewhere on the block..

squirlNUTZ

Yes it says 6.0 on the block but all iron 6.0 do. They are the same block. So far the only way I can find to tell the difference is to pull the heads.
My problem is I have a ms4 and with 9.5:1 compression it would be a dog. I do have a set of 241 from the original engine and a pair of 706 fully cnc ported but I don't think those heads are enough for that size of cam. Although either will bump compression I just don't think either head will flow well enough for that large of camshaft.

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

AFAIK the only way to identify the LQ4 from the LQ9 is the pistons then.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Pull a Spark Plug out and look in there with a small flashlight..no need to pull the Heads for that.

You will be able to tell, I've looked at quite a few that way.

squirlNUTZ

Damn Merv, that's great idea. So simple it was overlooked. Thanks

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Haha the simple stuff is what gets ya..

I would also look into the MS3..seen that work a little better.

boogiewonderland

car-parts.com best source for all parts period.

parker440ls7

Harbor Freight digital bore scope less than 200 or 100 depending on size, if you cant tell with the light..

squirlNUTZ

I used a snap on camera scope and found out it is an lq4. So now comes how to make my cnc ported 706 heads work on that block. Hopfully with a ms4. I researched fly cuting last night and it didn't look bad.
Also I started a thread in gen lll internal engine.
From my measurement the 5.3 have been milled seven thou. I was wondering if I could use a thicker gasket to make up the difference. Ive some about quench but it should be fine I would think if the gasket is 9 thousandth thicker then stock and the head mill is 7 thousandth

A.R. Shale Targa

iTrader: (2)

Having a fresh valve job performed will require a regrind on the valves and
seats which will move the valve north (away from piston) enough to comp-
ensate for the .007" mill. The 56 thousandths MLS gaskets give about .048"
quench clearance. Also are those heads set up w/2.0" intakes ?? This would
also help w/clearance as opposed to 2.02/2.04 which can interfere with the
edge of the piston dish.