Global Warmer LQ4

iTrader: (1)

I recently purchased an LQ4 from a 2000 Silverado. I'm going to do a basic rebuild of the engine. If I can keep the stock pistons, I will but it all depends on what the machine shop says about the condition of the pistons and the cylinders. If I need to to bore out a little and get flat top pistons I will but I would prefer to keep my budget in check. I plan on getting an LS1 Crankshaft cuz I have a T-56 for this combo. 3.70 Gears. I have iron heads that I will get milled to increase the compression ratio to above 10.0:1 and I plan porting and polishing the heads myself.

I want to run 1 3/4 inch mid-length headers with 3 inch primaries, stock truck intake and TB.

So my question is:

What is a good camshaft for this plan?

I don't want to build a 4000 RPM screamer thats hard to drive around town but I don't want a slug either.

My goal is 10.0:1 to 10.5:1 compression that will handle California's 91 Octane gas with no problems, get 400+ rwhp 400+ rwtq all within the 2000-6500 range.

I've read about the Magic Stick 3 and 4, LS6 camshaft, 224 duration...all before I realized I don't even know where to start with camshafts and I don't know anything about what numbers to look for to match my needs.

If a stock LS3 Camaro can get 420+ hp with cats and exhaust and emissions standards, I figure my 68 Camaro should be able to get there a lot easier.

What would be a good cam that'll have good low-end torque and still produce good hp numbers?

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

With iron heads, you may have some problems holding down spark knock with 91 and 10.5 compression. I don't care how tight your budget is, don't screw around with the iron heads.

Global Warmer LQ4

iTrader: (1)

Yea, the more research I do is having me lean toward (at the very least) 317's that I'd home port and polish. With the flat top LS2 pistons I bought, I've read on LS1Tech I'd have 10:1 which is fine.

I can get 317's locally for pretty cheap, but for now I have a little time, so I'm hoping I can get 799's at yard for a good deal.

What are your thoughts on a cam?

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

custom. Geoff@eps, Martin@tick, ed Curtis, pat g...etc.

I'm to the point I don't even recommend shelf cams anymore unless someone plans on buying a used cam for some reason. The price is so close between a shelf and custom, to me it's a no brainer.

Global Warmer LQ4

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! I've seen a lot of good posts and recommendations for Tick. I think I'll go with them.

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

Tick just came out with a line of cams designed for torque on the low end. I'd definitely check them out if that is what you're after.

Global Warmer LQ4

iTrader: (1)

Heck yea. I want street power. It won't be seeing the track too much so a good power band under 6500.

I just took the harness off and I'm going to be working on disassembling the engine for the rebuild. Once the machine shop finishes with the hot tank/magna flux and rotate/balance and I'm putting it back together, I'll give Tick a call and see what they think I should run given my goals and budget.

Still gotta get a swap oil pan for my 68'. I've heard of Mast, Moroso, Holley, and a budget LH8 [which I think may hang too low].

Jenson

iTrader: (32)

If your porting your "to be bought" heads it doesnt matter what you get really. Just get the cheapest set with the chamber you desire. Dont polish them either. I'll vote a 217/221 LSL lobe on 111.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Wait, they had iron heads on the trucks at one point? I didn't know that. I thought all LS series motors were aluminum heads...

383astro

My engine I just pulled out of my 2000 Silverado 6.0 had iron heads. It getting 317s and a tick torque cam, but my compression is only gonna be about 9.2:1

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Get 243s... that'll bump you back up over 10:1 and you won't lose any PtV clearance.

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

If you're going to get b tick torque cam, ptv will not be a big deal. Low duration high lift cams don't usually cause ptv problems.

Global Warmer LQ4

iTrader: (1)

1999-2000 LQ4 engines had iron heads

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

Some, not all. My buddy has a 00 with 317 aluminum heads.