LSDream

This is my 1st time building a motor so be gentle on me lol. I would just grab a book and build it stock buuuut... I'm starting from a bare block and have to source some parts anyway so where's the fun in that! I do know:
I don't mind staying with the 243 heads
I AM NOT using deplacement on demand
I want to add vvt, ly6 Cam in mind
As far as intake I'm not sure I wouldn't mind keeping it stock but on the other hand id like one that comliments the Cam...
I'm not looking to build a screamer but a reliable engine for a DD with plenty of oomph
Things I need help choosing are like: oil pump,
Valve springs, pushrods, injectors things like that.
.... In advance... I have my reasons for using a ls4 block, I know someone will ask lol... Thanks in advance for any help, info and suggestions.

G Atsma

What is this LS4 going into? Hopefully a FWD drivetrain as that's all it will bolt to. Sound interesting though! Just know that the auto trannies used behind this engine are WEAK. They break with boring regularity. Tell us about this project!
Also, as far as valvetrain pieces, they are common with all other late LS's. If you need overhaul parts, etc. call WS6 store. They are a vendor/sponsor here and will treat you RIGHT! You did ask about an oil pump. A Melling high pressure unit will be plenty for this build. Do NOT use a high volume unit. Also, for an intake, an LS6 unit will do anything you will likely need. Either OEM or Dorman will work well.

LSDream

One better than FWD... AWD! It's going into my Saturn Outlook... Hopefully, if not I will get something to put it into. Thanks for the quick reply

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

Ditch the vvt idea. its not a good system to start with an in an ls4 even worse idea.

We have complete rebuild kits to turn it into a gen4 ls1 basically and get you into a nice cam and have some fun without breaking the bank.

Let us know if we can help.

LSDream

In that case I'd like to build around the Cam... I'd like something with good low end torque and acceleration and decent mileage I'm at 14-16 city about 22,23 highway and I'd like to be in that range... Just curious though, what's wrong with vvt? It would be bad even for a dd?

G Atsma

VVT ends up being unreliable. Look at Cam Motion's mild cams for truck engines (which all 5.3's except LS4's are). And call them with any questions. They are good people.

LSDream

Thanks

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

Our high lift hot cam is a great choice there. Will give you all the power you will want everywhere and be super reliable.

Cam and springs are $515.
Rebuild kit to make it an ls1 is $699.
That includes everything youll need minus lifters, trays, and non dod valley cover. Add those for $200 more.

That is everything you need to make power and have some fun!

G Atsma

^^^^^^This too! I forgot to mention this one. Slight lope, and good low end!

LSDream

That would definitely put a s**** eating grin on my face as I stomp the pedal but I don't want to go all out on my 1st build especially for this fwd/awd configuration

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

That is far from all out. Our complete rebuild kits also come with an LS Engine build book. It basically increases the durability of the engine and upgrades at the same time.

LSDream

do you have a link for the ls1 kit?

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

link to rpmspeed rebuild kit

LSDream

I'm going with ls2 Cam. Got the Cam timing cover and valley cover for a good price so I'm going with that. Any thoughts?

G Atsma

It will run fine with those parts

LSDream

thanks for the input. Also would the stock manifold restrict too much with these parts? Would it be worth the effort to have a ls2 manifold modified to fit? Keeping in mind I don't have either yet...

G Atsma

The stock manifold should be fine, but an OEM or Dorman LS6 manifold (NOT OEM LS2, which does not flow well) or the Dorman LS2 (which DOES flow well!) might improve on it. I don't know how the LS4 manifold even looks, so don't know which mods are needed to put a "normal" intake on it.

LSDream

it looks like a ls2 manifold with avalves on the top of it and a longer but smaller diameter intake opening

LSDream

Stock manifold it is

G Atsma

The LS4, I BELIEVE, is rated at about 320HP, more than most Gen IV 5.3's and equal to what's left, so it appears GM matched the parts up pretty well. This is why I think the stock intake manifold should be sufficient. Your combo of parts won't be a world-shaker, but a nice strong-running stock-sounding engine. In a published comparison test, the LS2 cam gained 50HP over the LM7 (Gen III) cam.