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I’m shopping for an LQ9 BARE block and Jegs lists an LQ4/LQ9 for $2k. Is the only difference between the two short blocks is the pistons that are installed? I’m transferring over my crank and rods from an aluminum Ls1 5.7 to an iron block . I’ll install new 25cc dished pistons in this.
Don't forget to drill and tap the front ear of the block for your alternator bracket if you're replacing the 5.7 from an F-body or Y-body
Also I also cannot comprehend the negative -25cc pistons given all the stock head choices and most aftermarket heads are in the same realm if not much smaller chamber, when I rebuilt my LQ4 short block it had to go 0.065 over and I just used stock replacement LS3 pistons from summit they were very reasonably priced and they also use a flat top piston so you can use an LS3 head and have an iron LS3 or a high compression cathedral port setup that would like lots of overlap IE nasty cam if that's what you want
Don't forget to drill and tap the front ear of the block for your alternator bracket if you're replacing the 5.7 from an F-body or Y-body
Also I also cannot comprehend the negative -25cc pistons given all the stock head choices and most aftermarket heads are in the same realm if not much smaller chamber, when I rebuilt my LQ4 short block it had to go 0.065 over and I just used stock replacement LS3 pistons from summit they were very reasonably priced and they also use a flat top piston so you can use an LS3 head and have an iron LS3 or a high compression cathedral port setup that would like lots of overlap IE nasty cam if that's what you want
I would also like to add that I paid less than 2K for a complete junkyard LQ9 but I did have to remove five or six broken exhaust manifold studs myself, sometimes that's just from age or it could be from overheating, Even still you should just roll the dice on a junkyard 6.0 instead of buying a bare 6.0 block to build for 2K IMO a factory motor even one with high miles if it's unopened and makes oil pressure will run just as good if not better than the best rebuild
If you look around there are some good stuff at reasonable prices. Picked up a complete LQ4 for 700.00. Sold the 317 heads, ECM, wiring harness, intake with injectors and even the exhaust manifolds. Total cost to me for the block and crank, front & back covers........300.00.
Had the block machined and added some Gen 4 rods and new SRP pistons.
Added some LS3 heads and there you have it........long block done.
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LQ4 and LQ9 Bare Blocks Identical? 
