I am looking to do a optimal and mild build on a junkyard LQ9 as my LS1 took a dump. I got a 2006 LQ9 from an escalade and I was looking for advice on an optimum small cam setup.

I was thinking of getting a set of 243s. A lot about cam design has changed over the years since my old "El Toro" predator-z cam was in. Now you don't even see reverse splits anymore.

Can anyone help me recommend a small cam, what CC to mill the heads to, and head gasket thickness? Also, what are optimum levels of static and dynamic compression on pump 91? I found a calculator online but I don't have all the specs.

LQ9
Bore: 4.0
Stroke: 3.622
Cylinder head Chambers: 71cc (317) 64.5 (243)
Piston Dome Dish: 0.00
Head gasket thickness: ?
Head Gasket bore: ?
Deck Clearance: .007
Connecting rod length: 6.098

 

A swapped a 6.0 into a friend's Camaro to replace his LS1. He already had long tubes. We installed a 228R cam and left the 6.0 heads as is. He was very happy with the performance after the tune. I'm sure if he had been able to swap on some 243's at the time he would be even happier.
If I was swapping in a 6.0 into my car, I would look into getting a set of 821 or 823 (LS3/L92) heads with a custom cam. You'll need an intake to match the square port heads.

 

Bump!

Perhaps someone can direct me to a DCR calculator that works? I need some help

 

do the ls3 topend or leave it alone.

And here is a nice mild cam from summit
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-8707

What gear and stall?

 

I am planning on putting a lq9 with 821 heads with a 15 chevy ss ls3 intake manifold into a 01 camaro ss. I know everything with the block, cam and crank sensors, etc. will jive, but what do i need to look out for putting it in from the heads up? Are the injector connectors the same as the ls1 style, the manifold sensors and pcv system out the back of the manifold, etc? Thanks for the help in advance!

 

If you already have the 243s, they aren't a bad way to go. My build is actually in work for my C5 now. I'm going with a stock bottom LQ9 shortblock with stock LS3 heads and stock intake. Stock head .051 gaskets have me at about 10.4:1 compression. I'm also going with a custom Pat G spec 227/236 cam and a 3600 stall. I may port the heads and intake in the future, but that's just not in the budget right now. Tons of people have made great power with 243s on the 6.0 block so you can't go wrong there. I just wanted to go a different route with my setup.

 

You'll need injector adapters to run LS3 injectors. They aren't expensive. You can also run LS1 injectors, you just have to modify the fuel rail with some spacers as the injectors are taller. You'll also need a MAP sensor adapter harness to run the LS3 MAP, or an extension harness to run the LS1 MAP. The LS1 MAP will require a slight mod to the intake manifold. PCV should be the same. Lastly, you'll need a knock sensor extension harness to relocate the factory LS1 sensors to the side of the block. You're not DBW, so you don't have to worry about the TB harness.

 

I appreciate your help!

 

The LQ9 and LS1 share the same knock sensor location in the valley. You must be thinking of a Gen 4 swap which the LQ9 is a Gen 3. So no need moving the knock sensors to the block.