LQ4/LQ9 Difference
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Muscle Shoals AL,
LQ4/LQ9 Difference So here is my delima, I was about to do a H/C/I on my 5.7. But today I ran across a heck of a deal on a 6.0. I was told that it is a LQ9. However I would like to know for sure. How can I tell? Are the pistons the only difference?
There is a lot of controversy over what Cadillacs and GMC SUV's had the lq9.
here's what i know for sure..
any vortec max truck will be an lq9.
any SS silverado will be an lq9.
another way to tell would be to look at the flexplates on the back of the motors.. Flat with a spacer usually indicates a 4l80e which in most cases means lq4.
the opposite will be a 4l65e... in other words silverado SS/vmax (not entirely sure if the vmax had the 65e). but good luck!
The lq4 is a lower compression motor I believe cause of the heads and also the pistons are designed for lower compression as well.
The lq9 is high compression motor and has flat top pistons I believe.
Lq4 is usually a great motor for boost cause of lower compression and there both iron blocks the lq9 is usually a good N/A motor just depends on what you want!
The lq9 is high compression motor and has flat top pistons I believe.
Lq4 is usually a great motor for boost cause of lower compression and there both iron blocks the lq9 is usually a good N/A motor just depends on what you want!
The GMC Denali line also had a 325hp version of the LQ9. The flat top pistons
are the reason for the 10 to 1 compression as opposed to the 9.5 of LQ4s.
IIRC the cam timing has a few more degrees as well.
are the reason for the 10 to 1 compression as opposed to the 9.5 of LQ4s.
IIRC the cam timing has a few more degrees as well.
LQ9
The Vortec HO 6000 or VortecMAX is a special high-output version of the Vortec 6000 V8 truck engine originally designed for Cadillac. This engine was introduced in other truck lines as VortecMAX for 2006. It features high-compression (10:1) flat-top pistons for an extra 10 hp (7 kW) and 10 lb·ft (14 N·m), bringing output to 345 hp (257 kW) and 380 lb·ft (515 N·m). LQ9s are built only in Romulus, Michigan. GM also listed it as based on LS architecture.[24]
LQ9 (VIN N) Applications:
2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade
2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
2003–2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2003–2007 Chevrolet Silverado SS
2004–2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Vortec HO Edition Only [Badging on truck](B4V)
2006–2007 Classic Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra VortecMAX Option
The Vortec HO 6000 or VortecMAX is a special high-output version of the Vortec 6000 V8 truck engine originally designed for Cadillac. This engine was introduced in other truck lines as VortecMAX for 2006. It features high-compression (10:1) flat-top pistons for an extra 10 hp (7 kW) and 10 lb·ft (14 N·m), bringing output to 345 hp (257 kW) and 380 lb·ft (515 N·m). LQ9s are built only in Romulus, Michigan. GM also listed it as based on LS architecture.[24]
LQ9 (VIN N) Applications:
2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade
2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
2003–2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2003–2007 Chevrolet Silverado SS
2004–2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Vortec HO Edition Only [Badging on truck](B4V)
2006–2007 Classic Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra VortecMAX Option
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0
Brett Foote
10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Regular
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Muscle Shoals AL,
Guy's, thanks for all of your help. Seems as if I wasn't lied to, I do indeed have the LQ9. From what i have gathered the only true difference is the pistons though. Is that correct?
