Need Help With heads on 6.0 build
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 249
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Need Help With heads on 6.0 build First I have searched and read posts on this site for over 20 hours before posting. However every head topic has so many different people saying use this and that so I want to ask anyone willing to help some questions on my application here as i dont understand these numbers that are posted on air flow and milled heads vs ported vs stock.
Im looking to get a 6.0 from the junkyard to replace my 5.3.
Motor Options
2004 Cadillac Escalade LQ9 - 100,000 miles for $1200 -
or
2002 2500 HD LQ4 - 126,000 miles for $900
With those two option I asked my guy at the junk yard to find me heads off a 2007+ Escalade as I think these are the L92 heads? He found a set with 24,000 miles for $500, I can also get the truck intake off that for $200 more.
This motor is to replace a 5.3 that I dragged this last weekend in my 2001 Chevy Silverado and spun a bearing. Im looking to get over 400 to 450HP out of the 6.0 when done and will be using a rebuilt 60E until it blows up and will then install a 80E.
My questions.
1. What Engine should I go with LQ4 or LQ9? Or can i use a new GenIV Block to get heads already installed?
2. Are the L92 heads a good option for my build or is there something better?
3. What year are the L92 on so I can search them out?
4. If I also Cam the engine do I have to change push rods?
I just installed LT headers and cat delete pipe and got a BB tune 2 weeks ago which I know will have to be redone again. I thank anyone thats willing to offer suggestions.
Im looking to get a 6.0 from the junkyard to replace my 5.3.
Motor Options
2004 Cadillac Escalade LQ9 - 100,000 miles for $1200 -
or
2002 2500 HD LQ4 - 126,000 miles for $900
With those two option I asked my guy at the junk yard to find me heads off a 2007+ Escalade as I think these are the L92 heads? He found a set with 24,000 miles for $500, I can also get the truck intake off that for $200 more.
This motor is to replace a 5.3 that I dragged this last weekend in my 2001 Chevy Silverado and spun a bearing. Im looking to get over 400 to 450HP out of the 6.0 when done and will be using a rebuilt 60E until it blows up and will then install a 80E.
My questions.
1. What Engine should I go with LQ4 or LQ9? Or can i use a new GenIV Block to get heads already installed?
2. Are the L92 heads a good option for my build or is there something better?
3. What year are the L92 on so I can search them out?
4. If I also Cam the engine do I have to change push rods?
I just installed LT headers and cat delete pipe and got a BB tune 2 weeks ago which I know will have to be redone again. I thank anyone thats willing to offer suggestions.
Last edited by NuckenFuts; Feb 17, 2014 at 10:30 AM.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 4
with the lq9 and the l92 heads you mite make 400 rwhp.you would need a cam to make more .I would get harden pushrods even if you retain the stock cam.just changing the cam and retaining the stock heads on the lq9 you can make 400+ rwhp .keeping the lq9 together and just caming it would be cheaper then swaping heads .
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 249
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
So doing some looking and the LQ9 was put into some other trucks besides the Escalade. I think that these LQ9 motors might be hidden in junk yards as cheaper because they get priced with the LQ4's?
Is there any way to tell if any of these trucks have the vortec MAX LQ9 motor off Vin #?
2004–2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Vortec HO Edition Only [Badging on truck](B4V)
2005-2006 GMC Sierra Denali pickup and Yukon Denali
2006–2007 Classic Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra VortecMAX Option
Also garygnu that's a good point on just putting a cam in and calling it a day, however I have to decide if 400HP will make me happy or if I want more.
Is there any way to tell if any of these trucks have the vortec MAX LQ9 motor off Vin #?
2004–2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Vortec HO Edition Only [Badging on truck](B4V)
2005-2006 GMC Sierra Denali pickup and Yukon Denali
2006–2007 Classic Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra VortecMAX Option
Also garygnu that's a good point on just putting a cam in and calling it a day, however I have to decide if 400HP will make me happy or if I want more.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 249
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
I found a junk yard that has a 2004 LQ9 with 78,000 for $1250 because the guy there drilled into the head trying to get exhaust bolt out and ruined the head, Does that seem like a good price? Or am I better off just getting a block and rebuilding it?
