Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

lq4 budget build options

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 28, 2014 | 06:37 PM
  #1  
welldonecj7's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
Default lq4 budget build options

I have a 2005 lq4 with 12000 miles looking at trying to get some more power out of it. Thinking of doing a mild cam swap want good overall power. I would like to keep bottom end stock for now due to such low miles. Any cam recommendations for cam only lq4? I have a ls6 intake I can swap on to it. If I was going to swap to some budget heads would ls6 5.3 or ls3 heads be best bang for buck? I have researched some builds and i know you can make good power with any option just looking for opinions on what works well with budget in mind.
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2014 | 06:44 PM
  #2  
HCI2000SS's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,137
Likes: 20
From: Howell & Fenton MI
Default

The 5 3 heads will give the best bump in compression
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2014 | 08:35 PM
  #3  
welldonecj7's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
Default

Yea they have smallest combustion chamber but do you guys think 5.3l heads are best option if I was going to swap heads out as far as flow/power?
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2014 | 06:51 AM
  #4  
KCS's Avatar
KCS
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,859
Likes: 323
From: Conroe, TX
Default

Originally Posted by welldonecj7
Yea they have smallest combustion chamber but do you guys think 5.3l heads are best option if I was going to swap heads out as far as flow/power?
They are a good option, especially considering the dish pistons you have will give them an advantage by bumping up the compression better than the other heads available. CNC ported 5.3L heads can go over 300cfm all day long.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2014 | 07:10 AM
  #5  
MattZ28's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: FL
Default

I just bought a 5.3 long block and am willing to let the heads go cheap as I just bought a set of ported 799s. If you're interested, let me know.
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2014 | 12:49 AM
  #6  
welldonecj7's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
Default

What about cam only recommendations for stock heads and potentially swapping heads down the road? How bad would the low end be with mild cam and stock conpression?
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:58 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE