Judge my planned engine build
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 723
Likes: 25
From: go get your shine box tommy
Judge my planned engine build So I'm putting together a Frankenstein LS build to swap into my Toyota SUV which will weigh around 5500#. My goals are the following:
Tow a camper or car hauler, both weigh around 6000#
Simple build, "cheap", no custom cam/head work, full factory reliability, no need to swap cam springs every 5k miles, etc.
Low end torque, don't care as much about upper rpm horsepower
87 octane
My plan:
LS1 block, stock rotating assembly
LS2 cam (same as 2001 LS6)
799 heads
truck intake/injectors
full bolt ons
I have most of the parts already so I don't want to change too much but if I'd be much happier with a different cam or intake now is the time to decide. Also what size head gaskets to keep compression low enough to use 87 octane but still keep decent compression?
Tow a camper or car hauler, both weigh around 6000#
Simple build, "cheap", no custom cam/head work, full factory reliability, no need to swap cam springs every 5k miles, etc.
Low end torque, don't care as much about upper rpm horsepower
87 octane
My plan:
LS1 block, stock rotating assembly
LS2 cam (same as 2001 LS6)
799 heads
truck intake/injectors
full bolt ons
I have most of the parts already so I don't want to change too much but if I'd be much happier with a different cam or intake now is the time to decide. Also what size head gaskets to keep compression low enough to use 87 octane but still keep decent compression?
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,291
Likes: 3,616
From: Central Cal.
That cam and intake will do a great job for you. Just make sure the valve springs will handle .525 lift.
Though you DO know you will need a custom tune to make it all work together
Though you DO know you will need a custom tune to make it all work together
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,291
Likes: 3,616
From: Central Cal.
True, but he was wanting to use a factory cam. Forgot about the Gen III/IV differences! DOH! The early LS6 cam is the same, but might be hard to find. I agree that there are FAR better cams out there.
Wrong cam for towing. Ask how I know.
You would do better with a cam motion stage 1 or 2 drop in truck cam. Much better. Designed for factory valve train so you would not need to worry about that stuff.
You would do better with a cam motion stage 1 or 2 drop in truck cam. Much better. Designed for factory valve train so you would not need to worry about that stuff.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 723
Likes: 25
From: go get your shine box tommy
I am aware of the front cover and sensor situation, just thinking about the major components and how they work together. If an aftermarket cam works for towing and allows ls6 valve springs I might go for it. Cost is a factor but if it is night and day difference for towing, and again major concern being 100,000 mile valve springs must be used.
After looking at cam motion, the truck cams are almost the same specs as the ls2 and ls6. Did you tow with both?
After looking at cam motion, the truck cams are almost the same specs as the ls2 and ls6. Did you tow with both?
Last edited by mikedamageinc; Nov 16, 2017 at 04:54 PM.
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Originally Posted by mikedamageinc
I am aware of the front cover and sensor situation, just thinking about the major components and how they work together. If an aftermarket cam works for towing and allows ls6 valve springs I might go for it. Cost is a factor but if it is night and day difference for towing, and again major concern being 100,000 mile valve springs must be used.
http://www.cammotion.com/camshafts/t...206-210-115-5/
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Verdad Gallardo The tsp stg1 cam and stg2 low lift will work with ls6 springs and work exactly for your purpose, but id recommend pac1218s. Ask me how i know.
On a separate note....has anyone wondered why they put such a large chamber head specifically and only on the 6.0l in heavy duty trucks?
On a separate note....has anyone wondered why they put such a large chamber head specifically and only on the 6.0l in heavy duty trucks?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 723
Likes: 25
From: go get your shine box tommy
no, why did they?
Last edited by mikedamageinc; Nov 17, 2017 at 06:28 AM.
The tsp stg1 cam and stg2 low lift will work with ls6 springs and work exactly for your purpose, but id recommend pac1218s. Ask me how i know.
On a separate note....has anyone wondered why they put such a large chamber head specifically and only on the 6.0l in heavy duty trucks?
On a separate note....has anyone wondered why they put such a large chamber head specifically and only on the 6.0l in heavy duty trucks?
https://www.google.com/amp/www.hotro...omparison/amp/
Last edited by StealthFormula; Nov 17, 2017 at 09:20 AM.
Donor Engine = Escalade "rollover" Hi Mike, I would find (my help if asked) a Salvage Title Escalade 2008 +.
I have bid/bought this type of car from a Salvage Yard.
I look for a "rollover" crash donor.
I would install the COMPLETE engine package.
I have bought this type of "crashed car" for $2155.00, the lowest won bid once.
I even sold other items from the Escalade recovering some cost.
I would like to get the ECU business for your needs as MY ECU-882C would work great in your case.
THUS, my judgement, save your cash !
Lance
I have bid/bought this type of car from a Salvage Yard.
I look for a "rollover" crash donor.
I would install the COMPLETE engine package.
I have bought this type of "crashed car" for $2155.00, the lowest won bid once.
I even sold other items from the Escalade recovering some cost.
I would like to get the ECU business for your needs as MY ECU-882C would work great in your case.
THUS, my judgement, save your cash !
Lance
Gm never used the lq9 in heavy duty trucks either. Curious right, as they were obviously rated for more power and could be considered the same price to manufacture.
Just some food for thought i guess
Both of those cams i mentioned will get you what you want AND are on sale for $349. So even better on the budget...but still id use the pac1218 spring.
LS1Tech Sponsor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 507
Likes: 106
So I'm putting together a Frankenstein LS build to swap into my Toyota SUV which will weigh around 5500#. My goals are the following:
Tow a camper or car hauler, both weigh around 6000#
Simple build, "cheap", no custom cam/head work, full factory reliability, no need to swap cam springs every 5k miles, etc.
Low end torque, don't care as much about upper rpm horsepower
87 octane
My plan:
LS1 block, stock rotating assembly
LS2 cam (same as 2001 LS6)
799 heads
truck intake/injectors
full bolt ons
I have most of the parts already so I don't want to change too much but if I'd be much happier with a different cam or intake now is the time to decide. Also what size head gaskets to keep compression low enough to use 87 octane but still keep decent compression?
Tow a camper or car hauler, both weigh around 6000#
Simple build, "cheap", no custom cam/head work, full factory reliability, no need to swap cam springs every 5k miles, etc.
Low end torque, don't care as much about upper rpm horsepower
87 octane
My plan:
LS1 block, stock rotating assembly
LS2 cam (same as 2001 LS6)
799 heads
truck intake/injectors
full bolt ons
I have most of the parts already so I don't want to change too much but if I'd be much happier with a different cam or intake now is the time to decide. Also what size head gaskets to keep compression low enough to use 87 octane but still keep decent compression?
For valve springs, you can either run the GM performance valve springs or this excellent low cost beehive spring that we sell:
http://www.cammotion.com/valve-train...ve-spring-set/
If you are not comfortable using an adjustable timing set to advance the camshaft, you can use this camshaft:
http://www.cammotion.com/camshafts/t...204-212-116-4/
Last edited by CAMMOTION PERF; Nov 17, 2017 at 01:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 723
Likes: 25
From: go get your shine box tommy
That build will work great if you advance that camshaft 4-6 degrees. Otherwise that camshaft will give up a good bit of torque under 4000 RPM compared to a stock 6 liter truck camshaft. It was designed for a light weight car with emphasis on a higher RPM range than you have planned for your truck. So, if you want to use that cam due to budget constraints, advance it 4-6 degrees and that will help a ton.
For valve springs, you can either run the GM performance valve springs or this excellent low cost beehive spring that we sell:
http://www.cammotion.com/valve-train...ve-spring-set/
If you are not comfortable using an adjustable timing set to advance the camshaft, you can use this camshaft:
http://www.cammotion.com/camshafts/t...204-212-116-4/
For valve springs, you can either run the GM performance valve springs or this excellent low cost beehive spring that we sell:
http://www.cammotion.com/valve-train...ve-spring-set/
If you are not comfortable using an adjustable timing set to advance the camshaft, you can use this camshaft:
http://www.cammotion.com/camshafts/t...204-212-116-4/
I'd also jump on the wrong cam bandwagaon but I actually have an LS6 motor, stock except for head work, for my giant *** truck. Cost was right. It's not in yet, so we have yet to see how much I love or hate it.
I wouldn't worry about trying to use 87 though man, your giving away free power and torque right there. Compression is something that doesn't need rpm to increase power. My two cents. I had my 243's milled for my truck build.
I wouldn't worry about trying to use 87 though man, your giving away free power and torque right there. Compression is something that doesn't need rpm to increase power. My two cents. I had my 243's milled for my truck build.