2003 LQ4 with 140k miles - Use it?
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From: South Shore, NS
2003 LQ4 with 140k miles - Use it? I came across an accident truck with an LQ4 in it with approx 140k miles on it. I'm thinking of swapping it in my datsun for the extra displacement.
I'd most likely throw all my mods onto it (TSP 5.3L heads which are 59cc to bump compression and have double springs .650 lift IIRC, throw on my FAST 90/90 intake, headers, exhaust with cutout). I'd do new timing chain and PR's for the cam while I'm doing that swap. If I swap this in I'd be looking to make 450rwhp with the above mods and a new cam.
At 140k milage is it a worth while purchase ($650 no accessories or manifold) or would I need to (or should I) change bearings etc in it before I put it in my car due to milage.
What maintenence would be recommended on the engine before swapping it in and do you think adding a cam to the above mods on an LQ4 can hit 450rwhp?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Jason
I'd most likely throw all my mods onto it (TSP 5.3L heads which are 59cc to bump compression and have double springs .650 lift IIRC, throw on my FAST 90/90 intake, headers, exhaust with cutout). I'd do new timing chain and PR's for the cam while I'm doing that swap. If I swap this in I'd be looking to make 450rwhp with the above mods and a new cam.
At 140k milage is it a worth while purchase ($650 no accessories or manifold) or would I need to (or should I) change bearings etc in it before I put it in my car due to milage.
What maintenence would be recommended on the engine before swapping it in and do you think adding a cam to the above mods on an LQ4 can hit 450rwhp?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Jason
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 119
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ahh im not to experienced in the ls game but in all reality that isnt hat many miles as long as the motor was maintained, i have seen many ls1's, lm7/l59 motors with over 200k on them me personally if it were a 3800 id do it no prob
I recently pulled the engine out of my vette, it had been a babied daily driver for 150k, and then I put 10k on it moderate driving. So at 160k I pulled it just cause i had the car apart.
Everything looked fairly good, the bearings were worn slightly. My opinion if you got it out and apart, ripping it all down, cleaning it, running a scotchbrite ball down the cylinders if they are perfect yet would be the way to go.... new rings and bearings.
Heres what mine looked like at 160k. Mobil 1 its whole life... ran perfect. oil press gauge never worked so not sure.
Everything looked fairly good, the bearings were worn slightly. My opinion if you got it out and apart, ripping it all down, cleaning it, running a scotchbrite ball down the cylinders if they are perfect yet would be the way to go.... new rings and bearings.
Heres what mine looked like at 160k. Mobil 1 its whole life... ran perfect. oil press gauge never worked so not sure.
I just pulled my 240,000+ lq4 apart to put in the 408 and it looked all but new.
I say go for it!!! A rebuild is always your best bet but shouldn't be needed!
$650 is a great price you should scoop it now. event if you rebuild it you have an LQ4 for under $1000
I say go for it!!! A rebuild is always your best bet but shouldn't be needed!
$650 is a great price you should scoop it now. event if you rebuild it you have an LQ4 for under $1000
