450+ hp LQ4 Build on a budget
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?
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.
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?
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.
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; Jan 14, 2013 at 12:04 PM.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 8
From: Katy, TX
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.
That said, Don't let any of that stop you and always persist. Good luck in your endeavors.
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...
Which rockers should I get? 1.7 ratio or 1.8 ratio.
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.
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.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 177
From: ELSA, South TEXAS (956) 802-7700
