408 Build
408 Build Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but Im currently tying to get my build going. I have an LQ9 i plan on stroking it out to 408. I have so far LS3 heads, fast 102 intake. Just have general questions on what I can reuse from my LS1. This is going into a 99 trans am, so do i need LS3 headers too or no? I have not gotten a cam, throttle body, push rods. Just need some opinions or if you had experience with this build. Any help would be awesome. Thanks in advance 
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 0
From: Hayward CA
U can use ur ls1 headers ... ur gonna need the 102 tb.. oil pan should be re usable.. u might need a ls3 water pump depending if u have clearence ... might rub on tb.. the push rods depend on ur cam selection and ur heads.. u might wanna check with a sponsor like martin smallwood eps, or vengeance.. even tsp..
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In for results. I like seeing what an Ls3 top end on a 408 will do.
Are you going to have the heads ported? I'd send them to AI or TEA
Please use roller rockers.
What compression ratio?
You should be fine with Ls1 water pump on an LQ4.
Are you going to have the heads ported? I'd send them to AI or TEA
Please use roller rockers.
What compression ratio?
You should be fine with Ls1 water pump on an LQ4.
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Heads are stock i think i might keep them like that since porting is going to cost me a chunk that i don't think ill have in time haha. I was going to ask too if the stock ls3 rockers would still be good to use or go a different route. Im shooting for 11:1 CR ill be on pump gas tho
Heads are stock i think i might keep them like that since porting is going to cost me a chunk that i don't think ill have in time haha. I was going to ask too if the stock ls3 rockers would still be good to use or go a different route. Im shooting for 11:1 CR ill be on pump gas tho
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6
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I seen martin Smallwood I don't know if anyone has heard. He no longer works for tick performance. I am in the process of my 408 build as well. Called to get a cam specd. Called back in a few months to order it and they said he no longer works there.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 0
From: Hayward CA
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 0
From: Hayward CA
Martin smallwood has his own shop now.. u can look him up and ull get his info.. he still here.. just on his own
I'm going to order the bearing so they can be here next week to take my block to bensure worked on. The lq9 I have is an 05 with the knock sensors on top. Wasn't sure which cam bearing style fits in there.
TECH Addict
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,189
Likes: 123
From: Portland, Oregon
Don't just shoot in the dark with head gaskets. After the shortblock is assembled, measure the piston in relation to the deck and get the proper headgasket for good quench. It's the right way to do it, and it's not that expensive, and there are literally no drawbacks.
Anyways, the stock rockers (with a trunion upgrade) are good for everything up .650" lift, or so. Anything under that and you should be fine with the stockers.
LS1 headers will bolt right up to the LS3 heads, no worries. If you are ever even thinking about laughing gas, you should step up to 2" primary headers now. The big cube 408 will enjoy the larger headers, as well.
Anyways, the stock rockers (with a trunion upgrade) are good for everything up .650" lift, or so. Anything under that and you should be fine with the stockers.
LS1 headers will bolt right up to the LS3 heads, no worries. If you are ever even thinking about laughing gas, you should step up to 2" primary headers now. The big cube 408 will enjoy the larger headers, as well.