Shopping list for Mid-engine LQ4 build
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Shopping list for Mid-engine LQ4 build Obligatory first but not last post requesting help...
Just picked up a salvage LQ4 04 Suburban yesterday, while full of gunk outside, the thing is really clean inside. I’m in the process of cleaning and eliminating. What I need to do is be very budget minded, and overall decrease the footprint of this motor dimension wise. I will be probably swapping to a sloppy2 cam or some variance of brand with new springs, maybe Ls7 lifters. Keeping heads for now. As with any budget build, most power for my buck. Need to stay close to $1k or less
1. Oil Pan. Need shallower, possible Camaro pan? Part number RC31130004 is what I found for $120
2. No need for PS, alternator is going to sit on the lower right if looking at the engine from front. A smaller A/c with its own bracket will sit lower left. I think I need to swap balancer and water pump for narrower tho?
3. This will be mid engine, so intake will be flipped backwards, so no WP clearance issues. Going with an LS intake seems like a huge pain since I have to get all injectors, fuel rail etc. But this is definitely a critical component. Any suggestions? Can I keep the truck TB?
4. Need to figure out my harness situation. I understand that this has the VAT system in the PCM? So I will need PCM reflashed. Before I can do all that I need to know if I can keep my injectors, DBW TB etc. The build is basic and I will need basic motor running parameters. I’ve seen a few suppliers do this for upwards of $600, but man that’s really pushing into my budget. Considering a DIY option too.
Lots to think about with fuel/electrical, any help appreciated.
*** After watching a few youtube videos I think I am going to try to isolate my harness, it doesn't seem terribly complicated. Especially being that I'm using a manual transmission I can get rid of a lot. I think then I only need the PCM to be reflashed for VATS to be disabled.
Just picked up a salvage LQ4 04 Suburban yesterday, while full of gunk outside, the thing is really clean inside. I’m in the process of cleaning and eliminating. What I need to do is be very budget minded, and overall decrease the footprint of this motor dimension wise. I will be probably swapping to a sloppy2 cam or some variance of brand with new springs, maybe Ls7 lifters. Keeping heads for now. As with any budget build, most power for my buck. Need to stay close to $1k or less
1. Oil Pan. Need shallower, possible Camaro pan? Part number RC31130004 is what I found for $120
2. No need for PS, alternator is going to sit on the lower right if looking at the engine from front. A smaller A/c with its own bracket will sit lower left. I think I need to swap balancer and water pump for narrower tho?
3. This will be mid engine, so intake will be flipped backwards, so no WP clearance issues. Going with an LS intake seems like a huge pain since I have to get all injectors, fuel rail etc. But this is definitely a critical component. Any suggestions? Can I keep the truck TB?
4. Need to figure out my harness situation. I understand that this has the VAT system in the PCM? So I will need PCM reflashed. Before I can do all that I need to know if I can keep my injectors, DBW TB etc. The build is basic and I will need basic motor running parameters. I’ve seen a few suppliers do this for upwards of $600, but man that’s really pushing into my budget. Considering a DIY option too.
Lots to think about with fuel/electrical, any help appreciated.
*** After watching a few youtube videos I think I am going to try to isolate my harness, it doesn't seem terribly complicated. Especially being that I'm using a manual transmission I can get rid of a lot. I think then I only need the PCM to be reflashed for VATS to be disabled.
Last edited by KBL7TD; Apr 10, 2020 at 09:35 AM.