I'm trying to get some more power out of my LQ4 and I have a few questions. First, here's what I've got so far (in addition to the LQ4 shortblock):

799 heads
EPS cam 230/234 .629/.629 112+2
LS6 intake and injectors
Long tube headers
LS7 clutch

I'm trying to keep the budget as low as possible right now because I plan on switching to forced induction in the future (with a different engine). Right now, I'd be happy if I could get 425whp out of it.

If I end up getting the heads resurfaced, should I get extra material taken off to bump compression? Do I have to worry about ptv clearance with cam? I know I'm forgetting a couple questions but they'll come back to me.

Thanks!

 

I would have heads sent to AI for stage 1 port and mill, shoot for
11.0:1 Compression, I like the cam and hopefully 1 7/8" LTs,
A Ported FAST LSXRT Tuck intake would be worth at least
30-40 RWHP and massive torque throughout your power band
2500-6500RPM, I think you should have plenty of room for that
Under the hood of your Chevelle but definitely measure.
I would also set up a cold air/ram air set up from behind the grill,
Or inner headlights if you have 4, worth another 20+ at speed,
60+ MPH. You might reach 450 RWHP with that combo.

 

Just a thought but maybe consider switching over to e85 since you'll be going forced induction anyways and will probably have to upgrade your fuel system anyways. This way you can maybe bump your timing a little now while gaining the power of going higher octane as well, then really step it up when doing forced induction

 

Id run the setup you have now and enjoy it. For what it would cost to have the heads ported Id just throw a 100hp nitrous kit on it for when the need to go really fast hits you. Given you have a dished piston setup Id say you could take .030" or so off the heads without having ptv issues but Jeoff would have to be the one to make that call.

 

I am curious if you have had that on a dyno already? I would think that combo would be at least 400rwhp at least as is. With a proper tune, I would think you should be ~ 415 maybe a little more. I would think the heads need some porting done, but other than that, and maybe a small bump in compression, you should have a nice combo there. If your going to mill the heads, do yourself a favor and look up some of the DIY port videos on here and on tube. xRaTeD and another member on here have some great how to videos.

 

I can't justify spending the money on a port job and a Fast intake on motor that I plan on replacing down the road. I'd rather put the money aside for a turbo build. The reason I bring up milling the heads is resurfacing is the same price as milling up to about .010"

I haven't replaced the heads/cam yet so I'll look into the diy port videos.

Do I have to worry about maxing out the LS6 injectors with these upgrades?

 

Oh I am not talking about paying to port, talking about the hot rod mentality, DIY. It took me about ~20hrs to port mine and 2 burrs and 1 butterfly. Less than $75 including beer.

Opps, missed your second paragraph.

 

Dropped the heads off at the machine shop for a valve job and resurface. I was planning on just getting a cleanup but they can take off up to .010" on the resurface. Would I be safe taking off the extra material with the relatively high lift cam?