JADF

Hey Guys, I picked up an LC9 for my 1960 apache build. This is my first time dabbling with LS based motors so bare with me here. I was told the motor is out of an 08 avalanche 4x4. The plan for this is a daily driver but I would also like to get a good amount of power out of it.

It has DOD, which I want to delete. Do I use an off the shelf kit with LS7 rollers or is there a better roller option?
I also believe the truck is a Flexfuel. If I leave those injectors in will it affect the power? What injectors are recommended instead?

Also the engine came with 243 Heads which I read are pretty good. Anyone have any cam and head suggestions or things I should change while I'm at it? All I'm really planning is DOD delete, rebuild heads, and cam. What power can I expect out of this assuming I leave the bottom end alone?

I know these are all beginner questions but this is my first time around a ls so I wanna get it right

Thanks!

cc-rider

I’ve got the exact same engine that I am rebuilding now for my 67 C10 project. I am no pro engine builder....but I have been doing some research. I am on a relative budget build. Trying to maximize the output with some of the readily available (cheaper) parts out there. I’d suggest finding a used LS2 cam. Then rebuild the head with brand new LS2/3 springs and such. I think this would yield right around 400 hp and torque. And likely be the cheapest build you could do. Look to BTR for the head stuff. Hell of a deal on the stock spring package (new take offs).

JoeNova

Get new lifters (LS7 work fine), toss in a Howard's 190245-12 cam (222/225 112 LSA and ~.580 lift) and their single beehive springs, and it will make ~430 HP at the crank (dyno proven), have a slightly aggressive idle, and cruise like stock.

The flex fuel injectors are fine, they flow more than the standard injectors.

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

We have the afm delete, cam would be the tsp stg2 truck hi lift i would recommend.
Your injectors are fine!
Thats it!!

JADF

What would be the most powerful setup for the stock 5.3 bottom end?

G Atsma

Depends. You want to go NA or forced induction?

JADF

Plan is to stay NA. Plan is to daily the truck so nothing so wild that would affect drivability but still want the most power possible. Just looking to see if theres a tried and true combo that I'm missing.

G Atsma

How rough an idle are you willing to put up with?

JADF

Rough is fine as long as the car doesn't constantly stall haha

G Atsma

OK, here's the old adage- "speed costs money; how fast do you wanna go?"

JADF

It truly depends on the gains from one price jump to another. So the most economical power while still being reliable. If it's big price jumps for small power gains, I'll pass on that, but I still wanna change a few things for reliability's sake.

With the DOD delete I'm going to get LS7 lifters (is there a better option or are these good enough? )
I'm planning on have the heads checked and gone through (243 Heads that came stock on the motor). Is there a spring upgrade I should do?

G Atsma

For now follow Joe Nova's plan above and you will have a ton of fun for not much money. Good starting point....
And get your stuff from WS6store for great service and prices. Plus they will steer you away from any potential mistakes.

JADF

Would you recommend I get the Howards chromoly pushrods while I'm at it too?

G Atsma

Yeah, but I would check for proper length first.

JADF

Am I right in believing that with this kit, the pushrods would be the proper length?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HOWARDS-GM-...8AAOSwGjpXTG7a

G Atsma

NO. Length depends on YOUR setup. If EVERYTHING is stock with NO head milling, you might be able to use stock 7.4" pushrods. Different cams have different base circles, so if you use an aftermarket cam, you MUST measure for pushrod length. Even on totally stock engines it's a good idea.

JADF

awesome, thanks for all the advice!

GPappy

Looks like BTR is out of stock on the stock springs. I am picking up an LC9 as well that I want to do the DOD delete with a new cam. If I could get 400hp I would be happy and I too am on a budget. I haven't seen many LS2 cams but several low cost LS7 cams. Would they be a viable alternative?

cc-rider

Sure is. Here’s one of the best articles out there in 5.3 cam tests.

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ls-ca...omparison/amp/

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

ls7 cam is much larger than the ls2 nd really not designed for a 5.3l and def not a truck.
The ls2 cam is the same size as most "stage 1" truck cams.
A tsp stg2 low lift truck cam would perform better and again is 389 with ls6 springs.

That cam test seem VERY optimistic...but remember thats also with 0 accessories and no exhaust just headers.