Finally put the 02 TransAm away for the winter. The piston slap takes longer to go away in the cold weather. I know the noise isnt an issue, but it is embarassing/annoying. I keep looking at the brand new 2002 6.0 L sitting in the corner of the garage. It is an iron block LQ4. Starting to get the itch and thinking about swapping out the 5.7 with the 6.0. If I put the 241 heads on the 6.0 and the LS6 intake, how willl the car perform? Compression ratio OK? Will I need a tune ? Worth the effort or just wait until the 5.7 dies (85k on the odometer)? Car is just a weekend cruiser, no plans to race, etc.

 

85 is nowhere close to dying for an LS family engine (maintained properly)
You can even switch to O weight oil for colder starting. It won't eliminate the
noise but will make it less pronounced as the low tension rings can drag it up
the bore more easily when it's cold and thick.
Your 241s would bump the 6.0 up to 10 to one but a quick .030" mill and
fresh valvejob will put you closer to 10.5 to compliment a nice mid sized
aftermarket cam. you will need a tune after.

 

what grade do you use? 0w30?

 

I use full synthetic 5w-30.

 

I agree I'd just let it be. The 02 lq4 may very likely have slap just not as much. What I would do though is get a nice set of heads for the lq4 maybe of the CNC ls6 variety and a healthy cam. Then swap the engines lol

Fwiw I've always noticed that Dino oil has kept both my ls motors quieter than synthetic

 

I'd slowly build that 6.0 until you have it the way you want then swap them..no need to hurry with the Ls1 running

 

Don't mess with it if it is working, I agree with baronsmith98, take your time and build the 6.0.

 

I added heads/cam to my 145k mile LS1 shortblock. Let her rip!

 

Mobil 0W40

 

Build up the 6ltr, then swap out the 5.7, no more embarrassing noises & you will have a strong engine in your car that will please you.

 

I always change the oil and filter as the last thing I do before storage. I will try some 0w-40 and see if it helps the noise. Then I will start gathering parts for the 6.0 ( as long as I can keep it away from my son, he is restoring my 88 GTA and wants the 6.0 for that). Thanks for the tips, we will see what spring weather brings.

 

pssh thats easy lol take the 6.0 and build it then give him the ls1. its got plenty of usage left in it

 

Well, guess this is going to be an easy decision. I drained the oil today ( less than 1000 miles since last oil/filter change). I decided to place a paint strainer in the oil drain pan. Found small chunks of metal in the strainer. They are not magnetic so I am guessing valetrain parts( rocker arm, saddle) or part of a piston. Too coarse to be bearing material. Will let it drain over night and cut the filter open to see what is in there. The oil looked good, no silver colored streaks. I will clean the chunks and post a pic. Guess I am glad I saved that 6.0, always wondered what I was going to do with it, original plan was to put it in my 1955 Belair convertible, but I had to part with that car. The 6.0 was new in 2006, a factory replacement from GM, so hopefully it has no issues with piston slap.