Ok, so i've pretty much finished off the bolt-ons, need to pick up a pulley when i can. But now i've gotten to the point where i need to make a decision which direction i want to go in my quest for more power. First off my car is my only and daily driver. So its just a street/strip car, more so street, as i only go to the track a few times a year. I know i want nitrous because i love the idea of only using the power when i need it. But my engine is getting rather old, nearing that 100k mark. So i had thought about rebuilding, but an engine swap is starting to look more appealing. Also this just a minor build i'm not looking for anything fancy or expensive, i'm on a very limited budget. So let me just post up what i'm considering and you guys let me know if thats good.

low(ish) mile LQ9
arp rod bolts
stock L92 heads
PRC dual springs
tsp custom cam
tsp pushrods
LS3 intake manifold
3-3200k stall
4l80e
200 wet plate kit

What i want is good streetability, i have reputable tuner near me to take care of the tune. i have a few specific NA hp goals, i want a good bit over 300rwhp at 4k, and would like peak power ~6k and shift around ~6300. I feel the 228r is a good off the shelf cam for that, however if i do this i will get a custom spec'd one for my needs. (perhaps Pred-Z can read this and give me a quick spec??) L92 should flow nicely nice for this combo, i would like to bump the compression up some though, maybe mill them 30 or 40. As far as the rest of the drivetrain, i don't want a huge stall, i want something small and tight. And i figured a 4l80e can handle the power.

now for a few concerns:

can i just use the lq9 rockers on the L92 heads? ii didn't know if there compatible or a different ratio?

the cam, a 228r or similarly specd cam should be good for my goals right?

What head gasket thickness should i use?

milling the heads 30 or 40 what does bring the cc to? scr on a stock piston? and will there be ptv issues that can't be solved with shorter pushrods?

i currently have 1 3/4" longtubes, should i go 1 7/8" or stepped?

After its all said and done, will the extra power outperform the added weight difference?

Thanks for reading all that, and keep in mind, this is just a budget build, i'm NOT expecting any miracles or huge numbers. I appreciate any and all feedback/experience!

 

well honestly i would just have the 317 heads that come on the lq9 ported, and milled to raise the compression a bit more. also as far as a cam goes a torquer v.2 might do you some justice. as far as the shifting at 6300 all depends on how the engine reacts to the cam choice and head choice. while you are switching oil pans on the engine, you might take the time to upgrade the rod bolts. a 4l80 is a great transmission, but i think with the power that you are pushing you could upgrade your 4l60 for less and save some money for the mean time.

talk to Frost he is one of the best tuners that i know and can get that machine up and going for ya.
thats my .02

 

L92 heads with definitely a different cam than 228/228
Something similar if you so wish but not a single pattern cam.
Also LS3 heads are better for they have lighter valves (will go well with your 918s but I'm more partial to Pac 1518 nowadays)

 

yeah i mean really just threw the 228r out there cuz that was about the range i was thinking for a cam around 23X, not that cam specifically. in fact the specs of the cam i could care less about as long as it gives me what i want. you could tell me 21x or 25x, as long as i get results. but i would like to order my custom cam threw them there a great company and have good package deals.

and i figured with a cam spec'd for my needs 918s would be enough, but if the best cam setup for my goals requires better springs, then i'll definitely get better springs.

 

It all depends on the lobes you want to use. 2.16 intake is a bit heavy, that is why a LS3 head is a bit better.
Match the springs to your cam not vice versa

 

bump, answer my other questions!!

 

can i just use the lq9 rockers on the L92 heads? ii didn't know if there compatible or a different ratio?

Search is your friend here. You will need 8 offset rockers specific to L92's

the cam, a 228r or similarly specd cam should be good for my goals right?

I have a LQ4 build with the only difference being 7cc dish pistons. My choice is a XER 220/228 I'm looking for low to midrange power. IMO would not suggest going bigger than 226/236 and I'm partial to XER lobes, just upgrade the springs to PRC golds and shim to withen 0.050" of coil bind and it will run a long time. PREDATOR-Z would be one to ask for recomendations...

What head gasket thickness should i use?

Use a good MLS 0.040" - 0.050"

milling the heads 30 or 40 what does bring the cc to? scr on a stock piston? and will there be ptv issues that can't be solved with shorter pushrods?

If you go 0.035 your LQ9 will be right at ~11:1 / I milled my L92's 0.035" to 64cc SCR 10.2:1 with DCR 8.25:1 Piston to valve and push-rod length should aways be checked and are not related. Again search is your friend here.

i currently have 1 3/4" longtubes, should i go 1 7/8" or stepped?

The 1 3/4" will work and give better low end but the L92's seam to like the bigger 1 7/8". I'd say try the 1 3/4" first since you got them...

After its all said and done, will the extra power outperform the added weight difference?

I'm guessing so with ~500HP crank on tap...