Head Choice for LQ4 build
I have a number of heads that I could use, and wanted to get a few other opinions as to what you'd run. I'm using the Vinci Butt-kicker (210*/218* @ .050 .551/.551 lift on 116 LSA), Ls7 lifter, and GM replacement MLS gasket at .051 compressed.
My main concern is that mid-grade around my area is 89, premium is 91. I'm looking for something that could regularly use 89 without too much worry. Obviously I could knock a few degrees timing out of the low octane table, which I intend to do.
My Choice of heads is as listed below:
LE2 ported 853's - 2.02/1.60 valves, 63cc chamber - Net SCR of 10.41:1
Patriot Stage 2 5.3's 2.02/1.60 valves 64.5cc chamber - Net SCR of 10.23:1
Stock 241's - 66.7cc chamber - Net SCR of 10.0:1
317's cut .015 - 69cc chamber - Net SCR of 9.7:1
What heads would you run? I'm really tempted to do either the stock 241's or slightly milled 317's since I have other projects I'd like to put the ported heads on.
I would also look into a little bigger cam like a 224/224 on 114, you wont even know it is there and will gain a good amount of power over the cam you have now.
The one thing that I'm not certain of is if the added airflow of the 317's is worth the .3 drop in compression. As I've always understood it, an increase in compression will yield an across the board increase in torque.
The one thing that I'm not certain of is if the added airflow of the 317's is worth the .3 drop in compression. As I've always understood it, an increase in compression will yield an across the board increase in torque.
I've also done a little further research on octane and compression on these motors. I think I may be a little overly worried. Looking at the newer Gen IV motors, they're pushing close to 11:1 stock in some applications.
With that all said, it does make sense to use one of these better sets on my current build where they'll be better utilized. Does anyone think running 10.2 or 10.4 on mid-grade pump gas would cause any issues?
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I thought about a thinner gasket on the 317's, but the LQ4's piston to deck height is, on average, is .007 out of the hole. With a .036 gasket (Thickest Cometic I could find) my quench would only be .029. That's running it a little too close in my opinion.
I would mill the 317's further, but I haven't found a shop locally that's able/willing to also cut the intake side down for proper intake fit.
What gasket are you running on your LQ4?



