bfd811

I picked up a healthy LQ9 from a 04' Escalade ESV and am preparing to build it up to go into my 99' SS. I've been looking and searching on here and all over the web for dyno results from build threads of these things and ive seen a few but just wanted to reach out and ask what you guys thought about different N/A stock bottom end power combinations. I'm planning on spraying a little nitrous on down the road but that's a ways off. So far from what iv'e seen the 2 most popular things to do are the 799/243 heads with cam/springs/intake and all supporting parts and the ls3/l92 top end with all the same supporting parts. I curious to hear thoughts on those 2 combos and possibly another i haven't heard of. Just need help deciding... I know the 2 questions i'm gonna get are how much power do you want to make and how much do you want to spend and the truth is it really depends and what I mean by that is if it cost 3k to make 425hp and 4k to make 475hp id likely go with the 4k option. Just looking to decide on a plan and make it happen.

Thanks,

Ben

5.0 LsX

iTrader: (7)

good set of heads, the right valve train and cam, 102/102, you will be closer to 500hp than you think. I personally would go with trickflow 225 heads and hit up brian tooley for custom cam and all of the valve train

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

Both those options are great! I run PRC 5.3 heads on my LQ9 and it works great as well

bfd811

What does a good set of aluminum heads (PRC, Trickflow) cost? I remember thinking a complete set of trick flows are up there, close to 2k or so. What about the PRC's? I know they come in different stages of port work, which were you referring to? I was considering an LS3 top end before so I was prepared to pay close to 1500 for heads, valves and springs. I'm trying to get as close to 500 as I can but at the same time I don't want to sacrafice a whole lot of my budget as I'm planning on buying a nice set of kooks headers, a nice valve train setup (springs/hardware, cam) and a nice intake setup. Another thing I forgot to ask before is about rockers. Will a set of LS1 or LQ9 rockers (I have both) with the trunion upgrade be sufficient or will I need something nicer? I don't want to limit my HP or TQ by not being able to run a more aggressive cam because I dont have the rockers to match but at the same time im trying to keep budget in mind.

Thanks,
Ben

bfd811

Considering a set of 243 heads done up by AI. Looks like lots of people are very happy with the results and they make good power. Possibly matching it with a nice custom cam and a FAST intake. Any thoughts on a combo like this? Still planning on leaving the bottom end stock as it looks/tests very healthy.. aside from my LS1 pan/windage tray/pick up. Also wanting to do a new oil pump while im there.. timing chain too? IDK. Suggestions welcome.

Baconz28

I would do a ls3 top end unless you really have the deep pocket for a trickflow head. I'm go say a ls3 top end on a LQ9 with a 227/240 on a 113+4 cam will net you close to 475rwhp on the cheap. I too recommend brian tooley for a cam/springs etc....

bfd811

Am I limited on potential power by cam size with an LS3 top end? Thats just what I've been told, that lift and duration is limited on a 6.0 with LS3 heads because of PTV clearance.