Buttz1969

iTrader: (2)

I am about to start getting the new parts together for my LQ4 build and I need some advice on components.

First, a little background:
This will be going into a 1969 Camaro that will be street driven and probably see some performance driving. It is NOT a dedicated track car. My goals are to make 450 rwhp/450 rwtq, but even more important, is to make torque at lower speeds that will make it fun on the street. The engine will be NA (no nitrous, no turbos, no superchargers). It will be mated to a T-56 and a 12 bolt rear. I also want to keep the budget as low as possible.

My current plan:

• LQ4, cleaned up, probably needs bored
• LS6 Intake Manifold
• Long tube headers (it's a 69, no emissions crap here)
• New pistons (probably needed because of the bore)

Questions:

• Pistons: I think I want to go flat top as this will be completely NA. I am thinking about staying with a hypereutectic, but I have not found many options. I do not need a full forged bottom end for this thing. Anyone know of some cheap flat tops at something like 4.010 or 4.020?
• Heads: I have the 317's from the LQ4, but I want to get closer to 11:1 on CR. Should I mill the 317's, or try to trade/sell them for a set of 243's?
• Cam: I have no idea here. I think a 224 would be too small, but again, this is street driven and I want to keep that very much in mind.

I'll know more about the condition of the block this weekend when it gets blown apart.

Thanks for any and all help.

dre2013

iTrader: (7)

as far as the heads, i would just have them milled...they flow about the same amt as the 243's. for the cam, i would go for something in the mid 230s, look at dynographs and see what cams are putting down good tq under the curve. hope this helps ya a lil

lifeisgood

iTrader: (4)

how streetable do you want the engine?

Buttz1969

iTrader: (2)

I don't need to be able to sit in traffic (this is no daily commuter), but I will want to be able to drive around town, or take a long road trip without worries. So it can be a little wild (it is a Camaro after all), just not so wild that it makes it a bear to drive around.

lifeisgood

iTrader: (4)

well theres plenty of cams you can run that can make that power.
the t56 will help but the 12 bolt is more to turn over.
you could use ported stock heads and a cam like the ms4, it would get you close to your goal.
theres just a big selection of cams out there.

sroach20

iTrader: (31)

mahle makes some good budget pistons. if you mill .030 off the 317s they will be close to the ls6 heads and with the right pistons you could easily get to 11:1. as for the cam, how much does the car weigh? i know the old muscle cars were heavy and should be used to determine where you want the power band, IE. cam selection.

Buttz1969

iTrader: (2)

I honestly have no idea how much my car weighs. Let's say it comes in somewhere around 3500 - 3700 lbs.

Can you point to the budget Mahle pistons? I have only seen their forged offerings that are about as much as Diamonds, Wisecos, etc.

Thanks for all of the help.

sroach20

iTrader: (31)

mahle powerpaks come with the piston rings, others do not usually include them. so when you are looking at the prices make sure you add the piston rings to the total.

utahws6

iTrader: (11)

unless your camaro is optioned out it shouldnt be that heavy...my 69 firebird sits at 3350 with heater removed no air and manual drum brakes. i think the camaros were 200 lbs lighter than the firebirds. course thats with draglites but the ls1 is alot lighter than my 428