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Hello everyone, I am new to the forums. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the American auto forums. My grandfather recently passed and he left me his 2005 Cadillac Escalade 6.0 AWD LQ9.
it’s just over 100k miles in pretty good shape. I plan on using it as a family vehicle with some possible towing in the future.
I am aware that the transmissions in these need some up keep. Having that said is there anything any of you would recommend for this vehicle to get some extra torque/HP?
I plan on getting a better air intake mini-fold. Can anyone guide me into some headers and exhaust recommendations? Or some mods that would add me some extra HP that doesn’t require internal upgrades. Links and website information is highly appreciated.
first things first, know a tune will be needed for all of this.
Tbss intake, 87mm oem tb, and a x-link or similar to drive the throttle body.
Replace the intake tubing with some 4” piping, and run a card maf. Commonly referred to as a 100mm maf.
You’ll need injectors almost immediately for any power improvements. Most will use the newer L9h e85 truck injectors as they are 50lb/hr and have good data to plug into the ecu.
headers are pick your favorite. Arh or kooks will give the best results, but they are the most pricey. Speed engineering is decent for the $.
A good torque converter would be a nice addition too.
I have an LQ9. It's a Good solid 10 to 1 motor.:
Texas Speed "Low-Lift" .551" 212/218 duration cam REALLY woke it up.
You said 'no internal mods' but the factory cam profile is a hard limit on airflow at amospheric pressure.
Doesn't matter how big your intake TUBE is, if the valves are only open .460" for 196 degrees your torque is falling after 4000
Valve Springs, Camshaft, gaskets and a few hours LABOR going to give a lot more results per dollar than aftermarket exhaust system, cosmetic "Cold Air Intake " toys.
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