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450+ hp LQ4 Build on a budget

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Old 11-08-2012, 09:48 AM
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If u had all the supporting mods. You could get close to your budget. I had the supporting mods, and theoretically only have 800 into my entire motor.. Give or take a few bux..
Old 01-06-2013, 12:54 AM
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After a number of conversations with low2001gmc I decided to go the LS3 heads and intake route. I was able to get a complete set of 821 heads and complete intake minus tb for less than $900 off of the parts classifieds here. I was also able to get a mildly used EPS cam for $300. What else do I need to get to complete my build?
Old 01-06-2013, 02:16 AM
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Originally Posted by ldyzluvdis06
are you opposed to nitrous? if you just want the power here and there that's going to be your best bet with the budget you listed.
Totally agree. Like lowgmc said, a basic rebuild with a decent set of heads and cam will get you started. A nitrous kit will get you where you want to be, on your budget with your driveability demands.

The money maker kit comes to mind as it's totally hidden under the hood. Some creative locating and plumbing can totally hide the entire system from bottle and switch to solenoids and lines.
Old 01-06-2013, 02:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Spec134
After a number of conversations with low2001gmc I decided to go the LS3 heads and intake route. I was able to get a complete set of 821 heads and complete intake minus tb for less than $900 off of the parts classifieds here. I was also able to get a mildly used EPS cam for $300. What else do I need to get to complete my build?
you will need 8 offset intake rockers, an ls3 fuel rail, injectors and ls3 valve covers. Or you can modify your stock valve covers.
Old 01-06-2013, 01:03 PM
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Great! I already have the fuel rails and injectors they came with the intake. I was hoping to avoid doing anything to the bottom end but should I?
Old 01-07-2013, 11:36 AM
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Bottom end is fine.
Old 01-14-2013, 11:18 AM
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Okay I think I may have an idea of how I plan to build this motor. For now I will just use a used tranny I will wait to build it up.

Have:

EPS Custom Cam - 226/234 on 114
ARP Head bolts
LS3 Intake/rails/injectors
2002 LQ4 w/stock accessories
CTS Oil Pan

Plan to order:
7.400 Pushrods (which brand/model???)
Rod Bolts ((which brand/model???)
LS2 timing chain
Replacement oil pump
PAC 1219 or PAC 1518
Stock Rockers
92mm TB
Cometic head gasket or stock gm



I plan to have the heads milled either .030 for use with stock gm gaskets, or .015 and .040 Cometic gaskets.


Does this sound correct??? All suggestions are welcome.

Last edited by Spec134; 01-14-2013 at 12:04 PM.
Old 01-14-2013, 11:24 AM
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Don't buy pushrods, wait and measure them.. Regardless of what u do
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Old 01-14-2013, 03:17 PM
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x2...wait until you measure so you purchase the correct PR.

i would also skip the rod bolts, and instead buy the trunion upgrade for the rockers.
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Old 01-14-2013, 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by 95ONE
I'll be nicer than most that will notice this. To get to 450whp from a 300 crank hp motor will take a lot more than this. Not a sarcastic or mean tone here at all. Just fact. We all learn this the hard way. A cam and heads are your quickest paths. Just know that new injectors to make that power will be at least $450 - Tune - $500+ Headers and Exhaust is at least $600 in the cheapest route. Gasket sets and all pieces needed to put it all back together with new gaskets, compatible valvetrain and the like adds up quick. You're already close to $2K to purchase needed supporting mods before you even buy the performance parts.

That said, Don't let any of that stop you and always persist. Good luck in your endeavors.
true story.

I spent $380 on just gaskets (not counting cometic head gaskets), plus $300 for injectors, $500 for tuning, $600 for a basic exhaust (without cats). Then add in pushrods, lifters, and a new oil pump, and its over $2k before you add heads, cam, intake, etc...
Old 01-14-2013, 06:23 PM
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Get your pr measured and call Manton and order the correct length, don't forget to account for lifter pre load..
Old 01-15-2013, 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by ldyzluvdis06
x2...wait until you measure so you purchase the correct PR.

i would also skip the rod bolts, and instead buy the trunion upgrade for the rockers.
I've seen stock GM LS3 rockers go for $120-$250 you add in the trunion upgrade which is about another $150-$250. Wouldn't make more sense to just buy an aftermarket set? I've seen sets go for anywhere between $350-$550+ on EBay.

Which rockers should I get? 1.7 ratio or 1.8 ratio.
Old 01-15-2013, 03:11 PM
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Originally Posted by IllusionalTA
Get your pr measured and call Manton and order the correct length, don't forget to account for lifter pre load..
Would the LS7 lifter be a good choice? I've seen many use those in their builds and they seem like a cost effective option.
Old 01-15-2013, 09:43 PM
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yes tons of people just use the ls7 lifters, they will be fine. as far as the trunion upgrade...why do you need to buy new rockers? just install them on your current rockers.
Old 01-15-2013, 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by ldyzluvdis06
yes tons of people just use the ls7 lifters, they will be fine. as far as the trunion upgrade...why do you need to buy new rockers? just install them on your current rockers.
I do not have a set of stock rockers. My intentions was to buy a set. I just noticed that there are many aftermarket sets that cost as much as it would cost me to buy a set of stock rockers and to do the trunion upgrade.
Old 01-16-2013, 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Martin@Tick
Cam, dual valve-springs, push rods-700ish
Headers-450-1000
Exhaust-300-600
Injectors-400
Tune-350-600
Converter-400-1000
Misc. gaskets, fluids, bolts etc.-100-200

Your budget just doubled. I hope you're doing the work yourself.
Agreed, at that budget its pretty tough to reach your goals. You can also just save up and do everything at home to save some bucks.
Old 01-16-2013, 09:51 PM
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What about the l76 truck heads? With the l76 intake? I think the heads are named something eles I can't remember. That set up with a big boy cam should be pretty stout
Old 01-16-2013, 09:58 PM
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there is a set of rockers with trunion upgrade in the classifieds.
Old 01-17-2013, 12:04 AM
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Originally Posted by whitew01ws6
What about the l76 truck heads? With the l76 intake? I think the heads are named something eles I can't remember. That set up with a big boy cam should be pretty stout
L92. Same heads just without the lighter valves the ls3 heads have.
Old 01-17-2013, 06:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Spec134
I do not have a set of stock rockers. My intentions was to buy a set. I just noticed that there are many aftermarket sets that cost as much as it would cost me to buy a set of stock rockers and to do the trunion upgrade.
stock rockers are lighter and more efficient and 1.7 ratio is ideal. just gotta be patient and wait on a set with the trunion upgrade to come up. i lucked out and got mine new for 275 rockers included. or if good deal comes up on stock rockers, gettem and have trunion upgrade performed. tsp does it as i recall.


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