Quick question, I have a LQ4 that I plan to turn into a 370. With the LS3 being a 376 would it be worth it selling my exisiting set-up and buying a LS3 set-up? How big of a HP/TQ difference would the 6 CI make? I was leaning towards just buying a LS3 shortblock and selling my LQ4 setup.

 

I'd personally go for the LQ4 setup. Iron block = stronger, plus you already have it. You can produce the same amount of hp/tq as an ls3. 6 ci isn't a drastic difference.

 

Good suggestion, the only reason Ive really been considering it is the cost of new pistons, boring, machine work, and balancing might still come out to the price of ls3/l92 short block

 

The engine making identical power is only one part of the equation. Getting power to the ground to perform acceleration, I'll always take a hundred less pounds over the nose of my car any day. Better weight transfer equals more hook, translates to my opponent seeing taillights...not me

 

If it will see boost id just do the iron block, if it will be strictly n/a id would opt for the lighter aluminum block ls3.

 

No boost but might hit it with a 100 shot once or twice

 

Id definetly just do the ls3 setup then, even a factory shortblock if you wanted to.

 

I'd do the LS3 for either. Bunch of boosted LS3's handling a 1000 or more and you don't have to tote the extra weight around.

 

For mostly a n/a build... The LS3 block would be the way to go. No one mentioned that the LQ4 block adds a 100 lbs to the nose of the car where it hurts the car overall performance the most.......

 

I did.

 

My bad LOL. Working till midnight had it side effects.

 

Haha it's all good.

 

post number four.................

 

Thanks for the responses everyone. The block I planned on buying was sold so I'm still looking for one at a good price.

 

Do you plan on running boost or nitrous ?

 

I think it depends on how much you can get out of your existing LQ4 and how much you can find a LS3 for. If it's going to cost you quite a bit more money buying the LS3 after selling the LQ4, I'd just stick with the LQ4. If the price difference is minimal, I agree the LS3 would be the better route since it's aluminum

 

I thought I found a LS3 shortblock for a good price but it's now gone.

 

LS3 all the way. More bore = more power and a better head selection. Also, I don't like adding weight to the car for any reason. The iron block isn't needed 95% of the time. And once it is, you really need to step up to an LSX block with 6-bolt heads.

 

To make my dilemma even harder now, I thinking about just doing a 408... decisions.. decisions...

 

No replacement for displacement. Hey, someone was bound to say it.