98Raptor

I am trying to figure out if I should get the LQ4 or the LQ9 6 liter short block.

Here is the setup that I am looking at.

6 liter short block
Patriot 5.3 Stage II heads
Magic Stick V3 237/242 .603/.609 on 113 LSA
LS6 intake
ARP Pro-Series Rod Bolts

My bigest concern is piston to valve clearance.

What do you guys think?

PREDATOR-Z

Get a bare block and have an assembly built for your needs, (valve relieved pistons etc...)

98Raptor

Surely someone has done setup like this.

PREDATOR-Z

Yeah but not without flycutting pistons. You could get the short block and have them flycut.

strokedls1

iTrader: (1)

I have an lq9. Usually people are just looking for the block so they buy the 2001+ blocks, and use the ls1 crank with aftermarket rods and pistons. You may be able to clear that cam with the regular dished 6.0 pistons, but not on the higher compression flat top ones. Only way to know for sure is to build it any clay the piston to check clearance. I don't think it is worth it to add the weight of the iron block unless you go bigger cubes like a 408ci. You can get the eagle rotating assembly cheap. Get some afr heads with the same cam on an alluminum block and that car would scream.

MOTRUBL

I just bought an LQ9 longblock and I'm planning on doing a 408. I have a set of Patriot stage 2 5.3's also and thought about slapping them on. I was thinking about the magic stick also. I'll problably just get a set of the Patriot stage 3 LS6 heads and keep the 6.0 litre one's for when I go turbo. Keep us informed if you do this. I'm curious to see how it would work.

goober35

iTrader: (1)

Just a stupid quetions for anyone that can anser it. Y would u use an ls1 crank instead of the lq9 crank for bigger motor like just the lq4/9 30 over. The crank is made for the hevier pistons so you wont have to add as much weight to the crank to get it balanced.

98Raptor

I was just planing on useing the whole short block and just upgradeing the rod bolts.

PREDATOR-Z

You can, but you need to have piston reliefs for that cam and those heads.

goober35

iTrader: (1)

Are the PP heads milled any. I know that cam is made to clear but just barely. If they are milled then you will need to cut your pistons.

98Raptor

The heads will not be milled. I am not going to be buying them from Patriot Performance any longer. I found a persone localy that can build very good heads. His 5.3 heads will flow about the same. They will have LS6 valves and Partiot Gold Dual Springs.

PREDATOR-Z

TSP MS cam is made to clear stock LS1 heads not 5.3 heads. You'll need to flycut.IMO

goober35

iTrader: (1)

Aww my bad. Have fun flycuting.

strokedls1

iTrader: (1)

If he has 5.3 or 5.7 heads the valves are the same distance to the piston. The difference is in the chamber size. If a 5.7 clears with no milling then so will a 5.3 head. If you have the lower compression 6.0 short block with the dished pistons the cam should clear. It may not if you have the higher compression HO block with the flat top pistons. You have to check clearance either way though. The 5.7 crank is lighter than the truck crank by a couple pounds. I don't know anyone that used any of the stock 6.0 rotating assembly unless they were staying relatively stock and using it in a truck. Lighter is better when it comes to rotating parts, but you are right that it may cost more to balance. If your trying to stay budget then sticking with the truck crank will work fine.

goober35

iTrader: (1)

YOu have to realy think about and i think you have the jist of it. All of the exstra weight is in the middle. But the crank has more weight on the weights because they have not drilled them out.