I'm currently building a lq4 engine I'll be running 243 heads, long tube headers, 224r cam from Texas speed, no ac or power steering , truck intake, chromoly push rods, and custom tune. Looking to be right at 500 hp. Any one have any suggestions on upgrades that will get me there? I don't want to boost or use nitrous.

 

Won't be doing 500 with stock port 243's and stock compression. So consider CNC ported heads, and bumping compression.

 

500 RWHP will take at least 235*/241* duration with well
Ported stock heads, 11.0:1 Comp minimum, 1 7/8 headers,
X Pipe with 2 1/2" dual exhaust minimum. Mamo Ported FAST
TRUCK Intake worth a bunch also (20+minimum)

 

Thanks guys and I forgot to mention I will be rating my hp at the fly wheel this is going in a boat.

 

What's the final compression going to be? In my opinion you should be no less than 480-90 at the crank....

Hot Rod Magazine too a 6.0 added gto headers, 40 series flowmasters, and a tune. Results was 410 horse and 440 ft lbs of torque. That was with the FACTORY cam and the with less performing 317 head.

A 208/212 duration cam would add 60 hp at the crank roughly over the factory cam (tested on a 5.7 ls1) .... A bigger 224 cam should add even more power than that. Good luck for your project.