Bama99z

iTrader: (7)

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?

greenvortec97

iTrader: (1)

Ask what vehicle it came out of.. usually the 1500HD to 3500HD trucks have the lq4.

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!

ZDER

iTrader: (3)

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!

IllusionalTA

iTrader: (9)

Lq4's have dished pistons.. Lq9's have flattops, lq9 was avail in escalades , ss trucks , and possibly max 's as well.. Otherwise they use same heads etc...

A.R. Shale Targa

iTrader: (2)

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.

IllusionalTA

iTrader: (9)

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

IllusionalTA

iTrader: (9)

Denali had 325hp variant of lq4

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

All Cadillac AWD escalades have the lq9 for sure....

Bama99z

iTrader: (7)

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?

greenvortec97

iTrader: (1)

yes, along with the flywheels