Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

6.0L question on compression

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 25, 2010 | 11:37 PM
  #1  
Mkos1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Macedonia, OH
Default 6.0L question on compression

I'm new to the LSX world so be easy on me lol. I am installing a 01 6.0L into my 89 Formula and currently have the engine down to the long block. Engine has 60K on it. Looks like it has a few more miles then that only which worries me. My goal is 400 RWHP . I already have an LS6 intake for it and a TF 228/230 585 585 cam. I am thinking of just going though the motor with new bearings bolts and rings. Keeping the stock rotating assembly. How much power am I going to be loosing by staying with the stock pistons but with the heads milled a little. I assume I'm going to be around 10:1 Thoughts?
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 08:52 AM
  #2  
TooLateVTEC's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,445
Likes: 2
From: FredVegas, Va
Default

It depends on which 6 liter you started with, an LQ4 or LQ9.

The 4 will have dished pistons and the 9 will have flat tops.

I cant remember right now what the stock compression is for either of them, but obviously the LQ9 wont need as much milling to get 10:1.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 09:08 AM
  #3  
Mkos1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Macedonia, OH
Default

The LQ9 already has the 10:1 but I'm running the LQ4 at 9:4:1

This is a budget build and not alll out.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 11:40 AM
  #4  
-Q-'s Avatar
-Q-
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 2
From: St Simons Isl, GA
Default

Which heads are on it now?
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 12:48 PM
  #5  
Mkos1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Macedonia, OH
Default

317's
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 07:41 PM
  #6  
FastKat's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

Not sure what you will lose, but if the heads are already off, it might make sense to sell your 317s and buy a set of used LS1 heads. They will bring your compression back down. I bet you would almost break even after you sell your 317 heads.

I am not very familiar with all the different castings, but I think all of the LS1 "car" heads have the same valves as the 317, and they're all aluminum too. There are a bunch of castings, and not all are created equal. You could also use the LS2 or LS6 heads if you were willing to spend a little more money.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 08:51 PM
  #7  
-Q-'s Avatar
-Q-
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 2
From: St Simons Isl, GA
Default

You may have to mill quite a bit to get to 10:1 with the 317s...they do flow well though.

If you use 241s, you'll be right at 10:1 with a stock head gasket. If you use LS6 heads (243s/799s), you'll be at roughly 10.26:1 with a stock head gasket. Not sure if you want to spend any more money on heads at this point, though. 241s are cheap, but they don't flow as well as the 317s. LS6 heads would be your best bet, but you'll have to spend $400-$500 for a set.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 09:44 PM
  #8  
Mkos1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Macedonia, OH
Default

Am I just better off milling 30 and being done with around 10:1? My old SBC put down 368RWHP so I'm hoping for anything above that lol.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 10:00 PM
  #9  
speedtigger's Avatar
Old School Heavy
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 8,835
Likes: 84
From: Florida
Default

With your horsepower goals, I would get some of the ported ls6 heads from Texas Speed or similar vendor. They flow 300 cfm, will raise the compression to over 10:1 and are only 1300 bux or so. These would almost assure that you reach your goal with that cam.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 10:15 PM
  #10  
OUTLWZ's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Waco,Tx
Default

You will be almost there if not alittle over 400rwhp.

Im just a tad under that with an ASA cam and a stall. Im also running the LQ4 with 317's with a shitty tune.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2010 | 06:37 PM
  #11  
FastKat's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

Keep in mind, if you spend $500 on a set of stock LS6 heads, you'll probably be able to turn around and sell your 317 heads for about $250. That might be the easiest way to get the compression!

How much do you have to mill your heads before stock pushrods don't fit anymore?
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2010 | 09:59 PM
  #12  
Mkos1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Macedonia, OH
Default

Does it matter if its ls2 or ls6 heads? I see both under 243 castings. I finally pulled my heads tonight off the LQ4. Heads look good. Bores looks awesome with the cross hatch still there. Can I get the 243's mill 10 to clean and run the 585 lift cam with no PTV problems?
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2010 | 10:04 PM
  #13  
-Q-'s Avatar
-Q-
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 2
From: St Simons Isl, GA
Default

Originally Posted by Mkos1980
Can I get the 243's mill 10 to clean and run the 585 lift cam with no PTV problems?
My 243s are milled .010 and I had the cam in my sig spec'd for my combo with a prerequisite of no flycutting. Keep in mind, though, its the duration on the cam you need to worry about, not the lift. It's all about the valve events on the camshaft when it comes to PTV issues, so I'd definitely clay it and check to be sure...but I'd do that with any cam install.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2010 | 10:44 PM
  #14  
The_Rizzle's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Mkos1980
Does it matter if its ls2 or ls6 heads? I see both under 243 castings. I finally pulled my heads tonight off the LQ4. Heads look good. Bores looks awesome with the cross hatch still there. Can I get the 243's mill 10 to clean and run the 585 lift cam with no PTV problems?
you should be fine with ls2/truck 243/799 castings, since just the valves are lighter on the ls6 ones, and you'll need springs to go with the cam you're thinking about anyways. A set of 918's/1218's will control the slightly heavier valves just fine.

I installed that same cam in a carbed 10.5:1 5.3, and we easily got 7500 out of the old girl, no valve float, with 918's. now 5.3 intakes are 89 grams, but even the heavier valves should be good to 7000 with a set of 918's. You can also shim the springs to get a little more pressure out of them if you plan on really cranking it. A .015-.020" shim should get you a little extra seat/open pressure w/o messing with coil bind, since both sets mentioned are good till .625.

You should easily hit your goal if you use 243/799 heads. They like a nice valve job, so if its in your budget, get that done while they see the machine shop.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2010 | 11:10 PM
  #15  
Mkos1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Macedonia, OH
Default

Yea, I'm looking hard for a set now. My buddys friend works for TEA which is down the street from me and hes always coming acorss heads for dirt cheap. He texted me about a deal hes got so i'll see what happens when I see him tomorrow. Is there any other heads I should look for?
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2010 | 11:34 PM
  #16  
-Q-'s Avatar
-Q-
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 2
From: St Simons Isl, GA
Default

243s or 799s are going to be your best bang-for-your-buck stock casting.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 08:31 PM
  #17  
Mkos1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Macedonia, OH
Default

Ok I just bought a set of 243's from the classifieds lol. This LS stuff is like a drug. Going broke lol. Luckly enough. I sold alllll my SBC parts and I'm still in the green. I havent had to spend my own money yet.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 08:38 PM
  #18  
-Q-'s Avatar
-Q-
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 2
From: St Simons Isl, GA
Default

Good deal, man...I think you'll be happy with them.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:54 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE