startingstock

iTrader: (3)

Just looking for simple answer. I searched long and hard and could not find answer to my question. I am about to under take my first Ls build. $ is a factor. I like the idea of the 4.065 stock bore. But money IS the deciding factor. I just can't decide wich is cheaper. Lq4 stroked, or ls3 with stock gm crank. I will use All brand new parts including block. I will never need more than 500 rwhp. I know the ls3 block cost more money, but a stock crank is cheaper and should meet goal easily. That's where I'm at.

Tuskyz28

What's your overall power goal ?

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

I you're only looking for maybe 450 to 500 rwhp a stock bore LQ4 with the right HCI will get you there no problem

startingstock

iTrader: (3)

Goal is 500 rwhp. As steerable as possible. I have a 96 z28 with sbc 383 stroker. It has 450 who and that's with a decent size cam. Pretty rough idle and nowhere near the power of an ls. I appreciate the replies and any and all advice. I'm ready to pull the trigger any day now.

Aaron at SDPC

Either way you go could potentially get you beyond your 500rwhp goal. Its really going to come down to cylinder head and camshaft selection. What will the primary use of the vehicle be, and how regularly will it be driven?

Tuskyz28

500 rwhp will be easier to achieve with a 408ci motor. Toss on the best heads you can buy...

startingstock

iTrader: (3)

Daily driver. 20 miles round trip highway five days a week and regular necessity stops in between. Gas not an issue for me, just don't want a real radical cam if i can help it. I was under the impression that an ls would need less cam than an sbc for equal power. But wich is cheaper? That's what I'm looking at. Stock ls3 short block or lq4 stroked? As soon as i figure that out, i am placing an order. Thanks to all for your input. Just trying to smoothly pop my ls cherry as far as funds are concerned. While getting 500 rwhp of course.

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

There is no reason to get a new block unless you like spending $.

More cubic inches means you can run a smaller cam to reach your power goals.

A 416ci stroker will make 500rwhp and be totally streetable with no bucking/surge. 93 octane can support 12:1 compression.

Tuskyz28

• 500 is EASY! Follow this combo which is proven over and over.
• 408ci get that compression up to at least 11.1 minuim
• Fast 102mm intake out the box with a Nick Williams 102mm throttle body
• 240/246 cam
• Long tube headers 1 7/8
• Afr 245 Mongoose heads out the box
• This combo been proven by Richard Holderner to have no less than 625 horse with 580 ft lbs of torque to boot.

imma_stocker

iTrader: (19)

Budget for engine? Remember to add $500-1,000 for tuning.

Boyes50

Just as some food for thought. My LQ9 with 799 Heads milled to 60cc, with a Tick SNS Stage 2 231/235 put down 441RWHP with Stock Exhaust Manifolds and a TBSS Intake Manifold. This was with aggressive timing and VP MS109 Race Gas, but the numbers stand to reason even without headers. 500HP is very achievable at 364cu.in. I am sure. But it is going to be easier to achieve with 408 cubes.

NAVYBLUE210

Get the best cylinder heads you can stretch for and use the
Stock LQ4 Block & Crank,rods, aftermarket pistons if you must.
MMS 235s, AFR 230s,,TFS235s, can put you beyond 500 RWHP
with 364" 11.0:1 Comp, 1 7/8" LTs, cam in the neighborhood
231*/235* ~.620"/.600" ~114*+3*, if you have room
The TBSS intake ported by Peak Speed better then
FAST 102 LSXR or LSXRT (the best FAST if you have room)
Out of the boxes for less than 1/2 the price.