lq4 to lq9 conversion- are the pistons/rods interchangeable?

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Jul 24, 2012 | 03:48 AM

baggins

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lq4 to lq9 conversion- are the pistons/rods interchangeable?

ok so i have an lq4 shortblock and i have a like new set of lq9 rods and pistons. im going to go through the bottom end and while im at it i would like to replace the lq4 stuff with the lq9 parts. will i need to do any re balancing or will this stuff just work as is?

also what is a good but not overkill set of rings and bearings for this setup, it will see boost?

Jul 24, 2012 | 03:57 AM

baggins

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just to clarify i realize theyre both 4.000 bores but am more worried about having to rebalance because ill be using the lq4 crank and then the lq9 rods and pistons? shoot maybe the cranks are the same, i dont know though. thanks in advance-Nick

Jul 24, 2012 | 05:07 AM

mark21742

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From: PA/MD

Any time you change out any part in rotating assembly need to get it balanced...a tenth of a gram here and there at 5-6,000 rpm can give a lot of internal vibration end early wear/ break down

Jul 24, 2012 | 09:07 AM

baggins

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Are the cranks the same?

Jul 24, 2012 | 10:13 AM

mark21742

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From: PA/MD

Yes, but you can have variations from the same mold....an air pocket here or a heavy spot there....know what I mean? You'll only know how close or far out it is if you balance the assembly

Jul 24, 2012 | 01:37 PM

PREDATOR-Z

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From: BFE

You mentioned it will see boost. IMO keep the LQ4 stuff.

Jul 24, 2012 | 01:48 PM

Prorac1

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From: Martin Mi

Agreed, keep the LQ4 dished pistons. Eric L

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Jul 25, 2012 | 01:50 PM

smws6ta

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This thread is similar to my questions.

I have a LQ4 short block. I've recently acquired LS2 pistons. Besides getting the crank balanced anything else?

Future plans are LS3 heads and intake with either a custom grind cam but open to something else. Any suggestions would be great.

Last edited by smws6ta; Jul 26, 2012 at 12:29 PM.

Jul 26, 2012 | 12:13 AM

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usmcpi

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You could prolly pick up some 317 heads cheaper and have them ported. With the bigger CC of the 317s over the l92/ls3 heads + dished lq4 pistons it would be the best optimal budget boost build.

I think you are all over the place here...you need to set goals for the car and aquire parts for that goal...not just get a ton of random parts.