Just picked up an LQ4 for $600 and have it tore down to bare block. I've had it in my head for a while now to build a 6.0 with LS3 intake and heads. I do have a few questions the more a read and learn about LS builds. Plans are to use stock crank, replace pistons, possible rods, cam, heads, intake, Holley Terminator X, injectors. Maybe down the road throw a turbo on it. Not sure on what trans to run. Thinking 4L80 so I have OD. Not looking for a certain HP number. Whatever it makes, is what I get. Mainly looking for good budget friendly parts to offset the cost of the Holley EFI kit. This is going in a 66 Chevelle. I have searched forums and watched alot of youtube on LS engines. But now I have so much in my head that I'm undecided on what to do. I understand a lot of it, just looking to narrow down my ideas. I can't do it on my own!

What is a good size, brand cam for a 6.0 with LS3 heads/intake? Comp, BTR, TSP, Lunati? Hydraulic roller or solid roller? No, I don't mind checking valve lash every so often. Gives me something to do.

Valves, springs, rockers, push rod length?

Is there a better head/intake combo to use on a 6.0?

I see so many mixed reviews on cathedral vs rectangular ports. Most reviews are top end dyno runs showing 7000rpm HP numbers. Not real world street driving. Anyone had both type of heads/intakes on the same engine and drove the car on the street? If so, what are your thoughts?

NA or turbo? I see a lot of headaches running a turbo due to manifolds, plumbing oil lines, tubing, mounting intercooler, tuning, etc. Thoughts on 500-600HP turbo engine vs 500-600HP NA engine on the street. I don't mind feeling like I'm driving a race car, just as long as it stops and turns when I want it to and don't overheat. I know some people don't like a lopey cam shaking the car, but I don't mind it.

Any budget, helpful hints, DIY, tips that not the average person sees on youtube or forums? I know there are some of you that make this stuff look easy.

Stock LQ4 rods will handle how much power reliably? I hear the crank is good for a mild build and some have used them up to 1000HP.

Pistons. Any brand better than the others or brands that have issues? Any stock pistons worth taking a look at?

Injectors? Size? Stock or aftermarket?

LS3 heads with TBSS intake using cathedral to rec port adapter. Thoughts? Intake is kind of ugly, but I have seen people shaving them.

Am I missing anything? I know there will be misc. items like fuel pump, regulator, tank mods, fuel line, etc. I really appreciate any help and advice!

 

The rectangular port truck intake is at least as good as the TBSS intake, so no adapters are required. It is known to be within a couple HP of the LS3 intake, which is widely regarded as a very good intake.

 

What year trucks have the rec port intakes? Are they the 6.2 trucks and will the intake fit LS3 heads?

 

Rectangular heads come on both 6.0 and 6.2 Gen IV truck engines (except LS2), and all use the same valve sizes and very similar ports.

 

Would a Dorman 615-183 intake be a gen4 truck intake?

 

After some research, that dorman 615-183 is a cathedral port.

 

I've been working on a LS370 engine for 99 Camaro build and decided to run 823 heads and an LS3 intake. I picked up the heads for $500 and put another $350 into them. The intake and fuel rail I got through Rockauto for $312 and some change. Everything is expensive and gets even more expensive when going forced induction. My engine is 12.3:1 SCR and 9.06:1 DCR so its going to need race gas or C85. I'm shooting for 650fwhp NA but I built mine for race gas and the bottle.

 

‘Look for an LY6 intake. They flow well and don’t look half bad for a truck intake. You can usually pick them up for $200ish. You can run a set of 42lb LS3/LS7 injectors with that intake (recommended for your 6.0 N/A build) and use a set of top-mount spacers. I just set up a 6liter with that very setup. Runs well. injectors can be sourced used for cheap over on CorvetteForum C6 classifieds. I’ve bought a few sets off there. Those Vette guys don’t put many miles on their cars. I know, I’ve had a couple of them...

 

For a 66. I know what I would do. Bore and stroke it. Summit mild rotating assembly. Spend as much as I could on ls3 cnc heads. Expect 3k on those. Flat top pistons. Jr vic accufab. Turbo 400 manual valve body. 3000 stall with large tranny cooler. Should get close to 500rear wheel.
I like large unrealistic cams so like a 250 /260 625 625 on 110 would sound like a 66 should.

 

Complete waste of money given the goals.

 

So much for budget considerations... NOT!!
Which "Hole Of Stupid" did you crawl out of? Unrealistic cams??? Really?

 

Bore maybe if it needs it. Stroked, no. Not spending $3000 on heads. Rather have a 4L80 due to OD. And that big of a cam would need more than a 3000 stall.

 

How are the stock LQ4 rods? This is an early LQ4 if it matters.

 

Theyll handle 800hp.

 

Good to know!