Newb LQ9 build questions
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Teching In
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 28
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Newb LQ9 build questions So I'm new to this and figuring it all out. Ready for the flames....
I'm looking to do an LS Swap in my 72 El Camino I just picked up. Most Likely an LQ9 or LQ4. I'm looking for awesome Low end torque, great drivability. 22+ MPG on the freeway and 400-450 HP to the rear wheels.
I have no drag racing dreams, just having fun and blowing Ripping Panties
I have been looking at building an LQ9 with L92 Heads, LS3 Intake, Cam and (Lifters???), Throttle body and Headers that will fit my Elky. Is this possible with this setup or a couple additions. What would be necessary and can I achieve the the MPG with this? Otherwise I would most likely Build a 383 and supercharge it as it seems a cheaper/Easier route.
It currently has a Rebuilt TH350 with 2500 Stall, 12 Bolt with Posi (unknown gears) and am about to install this week a Hotchkis TVS Suspension and Steering Assembly, AGR Steering Box, New Body Bushings and Wilwwod 6 piston brakes up front to be able to Handle the power and put it to the ground/not kill myself and break everything. I know the TH350 will most likely eventually die and then I'll do a 4L80E but I'd rather brake it first and get some time before shelling out the dough and install time for a transmission and controller.
Is my dream of a great street cruiser/Havefunmobile possible. And if so what parts would you recommend changing or adding and what headers would work with my Elky.
Thanks a million. I know it's a lot of questions
I'm looking to do an LS Swap in my 72 El Camino I just picked up. Most Likely an LQ9 or LQ4. I'm looking for awesome Low end torque, great drivability. 22+ MPG on the freeway and 400-450 HP to the rear wheels.
I have no drag racing dreams, just having fun and blowing Ripping Panties
I have been looking at building an LQ9 with L92 Heads, LS3 Intake, Cam and (Lifters???), Throttle body and Headers that will fit my Elky. Is this possible with this setup or a couple additions. What would be necessary and can I achieve the the MPG with this? Otherwise I would most likely Build a 383 and supercharge it as it seems a cheaper/Easier route.
It currently has a Rebuilt TH350 with 2500 Stall, 12 Bolt with Posi (unknown gears) and am about to install this week a Hotchkis TVS Suspension and Steering Assembly, AGR Steering Box, New Body Bushings and Wilwwod 6 piston brakes up front to be able to Handle the power and put it to the ground/not kill myself and break everything. I know the TH350 will most likely eventually die and then I'll do a 4L80E but I'd rather brake it first and get some time before shelling out the dough and install time for a transmission and controller.
Is my dream of a great street cruiser/Havefunmobile possible. And if so what parts would you recommend changing or adding and what headers would work with my Elky.
Thanks a million. I know it's a lot of questions
Last edited by Sonomajoe; Nov 9, 2014 at 01:27 AM.
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 53
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Well on MPG this is what i can add. My 99 Silverado with a stock 4.8l and a 5 speed manual (4x4) gets right around 22 mpg with an empty bed and driving like a grandpa. My 2003 Express van with a stock 5.3l and a 4l60e got right around 20 mpg driving like a grandpa loaded 50/50 empty. So I kind of think a mild 6.0 in an El Camino that gets 22+ MPG is going to be a hard goal to hit, espically with a TH350.
The much smaller frontal area of an Elky will help mileage a fair amount, that said 450+RWhp with no dragstrip plans and worrying about mileage is a bit absurd only made worse by way too little stall, and unknown gears.
400-450rwhp is a lot more than most have experienced and about as much effectively used on the street, even to drive well at that level you need more stall and to be sure it has at least 3.73 gears.
Why do you want to use heads that really need a bigger bore than you are going to give them? Read a magazine article pointing out peak flow?
Cam it, upgrade the torque converter and get a 4l60e at least in it, get some 3.73-4.10 gears. Could mill the 317s.
400-450rwhp is a lot more than most have experienced and about as much effectively used on the street, even to drive well at that level you need more stall and to be sure it has at least 3.73 gears.
Why do you want to use heads that really need a bigger bore than you are going to give them? Read a magazine article pointing out peak flow?
Cam it, upgrade the torque converter and get a 4l60e at least in it, get some 3.73-4.10 gears. Could mill the 317s.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Calgary Alberta
Speaking from experience you're not going to need LS3 heads / intake to get an LQ9 into the lower/middle part of your range, my LQ9 puts down 427... it's in my SIG. The LQ9 only needs a cam and supporting mods to get there.
Take the money you would have spent on the heads/ intake and call one of the sponsors.. rebuild that LQ9's bottom end. It's what I wish I did. If I could go back, actually, it's the only thing I would have done. I could have done heads, intake, cam, and all that later... but now I have to pull the engine to do it.
Take the money you would have spent on the heads/ intake and call one of the sponsors.. rebuild that LQ9's bottom end. It's what I wish I did. If I could go back, actually, it's the only thing I would have done. I could have done heads, intake, cam, and all that later... but now I have to pull the engine to do it.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 6
From: Marengo, Ia
Sell the TH350 and converter and build it right the first time with a 4L80E it'll be cheaper that way. I like the LS3 head idea for a car with a stalled auto, LS3 heads give up low speed torque but thats what 3800-4000rpm converters are for. You'll never make more power for less money, one of the reasons is the LS3 intake flows close to the same as a FAST 92, and can be bought new for $500 with fuel rails, injectors, and DBW TB, if you don't want to run a DBW TB you can sell it for $150. A good 4000rpm converter will drive as good or better that a cheap 2500rpm converter so don't be afraid of the big number, for rear gears anything from 3.23-3.73 should work fine. Just for reference 3.50 gears and 26 inch tall tires will run at about 2400rpm at 70, and 3.73 gears with 28 inch tall tires will run a little lower at 2350rpm at 70.
