hi all, I had a similar post to this a few days ago but I have since changed my mind on what the build is going to be and instead of editing my old post I figured it would be easier to start a new one. I’m going to be building an lq4 or lq9 for my 70 Chevelle. I want to make around 450-500 horsepower at the wheels (I’d be happy with 500 at the crank too) but I want to do it as cheap as possible. I’ve been searching the forums and reading many builds but it seems most builds like this were done 3+ years ago (from what I can find) so I was hoping some people who have a similar build could offer me some suggestions, thanks

 

If I remember right this is going to be a carburated setup correct?

 

 

I don't remember exactly everything we discussed days ago, but if you want cheap as possible a junkyard LQ4 or LQ9, and a set of used 243 heads would a cheap and effective start

 

 

Definitely. With full bolt ons, good flowing exhaust, good tune, etc..it's very doable.

 

 

What exactly?

 

 

Best priced combo I would go with is stock LS3 heads and stock intake, custom cam, headers, exhaust, good air intake, and with a tune should get you to at least 450rwhp.
If you want to spend a little more get a under drive pulley.
If you want to be closer to 500rwhp get any aftermarket LS3 heads or ported LS3 heads and use the stock LS3 intake. The LS3 intake is a damn good intake.

 

That's really hard to say. Depends on weather you buy new or used, what brands, etc...Everything used, and stock 243's from a junkyard I don't know maybe 2 to 3 grand. If you buy new from a vendor maybe more like 5 to 6 grand. It really just depends on the exact parts that we are talking about. Let's not for get tuning, and other possible suspension and rear end upgrades since we would be adding a lot of power here

 

Get a junkyard 08 Chevy 2500 6.0 with square port aluminum heads. That's probably the cheapest way.

 

Im in the EXACT same situation right now, Ive got a lq4 currently and a set of 243 heads Havent put the motor together yet as im still deciding what to do.
But with the stock 243 heads I could get around 425rwhp with LARGE cam, good springs, and a single plane with a 750 carb and my entire setup would come in less than $3500
But I purchase then engine with a dropped valve seat (barley touched piston) for $250
243 heads $450
springs $230
cam $300
gaskets $300
pushrods $100
intake, 750 carb, and ignition controller $1100
swap headers 1 7/8" $300
Misc lines hoses fuel pump ect $500
if I keep the Dished pistons ill be around 10.5 to 1 with slightly thinner headgaskets
Or I have thought about slapping some flat top Lq9/ls2 pistons to get me up slightly over 11:1 for $300 more that will gain what 15-20hp?

My problem is before I order the carb intake setup Im really considering going to the rectangle/square port LS3 style head with will cost about $300 more over the 243 heads and gain around 50hp more on the top end.

another option I have been considering is a sloppy turbo build on the cheap for around 550 to 600rwhp but still havent fully decided

Just to give you some Ideas

 

 

 

 

 

ANY 6.0
Our rpmspeed rebuild kit with flat tops ($699) OR our new lq4 to lq9 conversion kit $425
High lift asa cam with springs $500
243 heads milled .030 (easily found anywhere)

You'll make 450 to the tire easy.
Works great carbd or fuel inj.

 

If you choose the square port route on heads be very careful on cam selection.

 

Do you have a dyno of this combo by chance?
Also do you have a link to whats included with the lq4 to lq9 conversion?