Help me build an engine
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
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Help me build an engine I don't know where this goes since I don't know if the LQ4/9 is a Gen III or Gen IV, so if it's in the wrong area, can a mod move it please? 
So I don't know what to do anymore. I've got a 69 Nova with a 350, TKO-600 and 3.42 gears. I originally wanted to stroke out the 350 to 383 and turbo it. Then I saw the Car Craft article where they carb'd an LQ4 and got like 480 hp, and then in the next issue added L92 heads and got 550 hp. Problem is, they actually used an LQ9 which is like double the price.
And then in the latest issue, they say that some GM techs have told them that stock LQ4 pistons would crack if taken to the 6800 rpm limit frequently in their 550 hp build. So basically, once I read that I was turned off from their build. I'm looking for reassurance, though. Would 6800 rpms really ruin the pistons like they claim?
I'm looking to get 500 hp (preferably to the wheels, but I know that would cost a lot, so 500-550 crank is fine), and 25+ mpg. The only reason I was going to carb the motor was because it'd be faster to get it running, but I have another car now, so it can take as long as it needs to get running.
I've got 10 grand to work with, but I'd like to get some disc brakes up front, so it's really more like $8000.
Matt
So I don't know what to do anymore. I've got a 69 Nova with a 350, TKO-600 and 3.42 gears. I originally wanted to stroke out the 350 to 383 and turbo it. Then I saw the Car Craft article where they carb'd an LQ4 and got like 480 hp, and then in the next issue added L92 heads and got 550 hp. Problem is, they actually used an LQ9 which is like double the price.
And then in the latest issue, they say that some GM techs have told them that stock LQ4 pistons would crack if taken to the 6800 rpm limit frequently in their 550 hp build. So basically, once I read that I was turned off from their build. I'm looking for reassurance, though. Would 6800 rpms really ruin the pistons like they claim?
I'm looking to get 500 hp (preferably to the wheels, but I know that would cost a lot, so 500-550 crank is fine), and 25+ mpg. The only reason I was going to carb the motor was because it'd be faster to get it running, but I have another car now, so it can take as long as it needs to get running.
I've got 10 grand to work with, but I'd like to get some disc brakes up front, so it's really more like $8000.
Matt
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I’m new to this too, but if you have 8K to deal with wouldn’t the no brainer be to get a shortblock from a sponsor like Texas Speed for around $3500, toss on the L92 heads and L76 intake ($1500 for both), miscellaneous accessories added for around a grand, and pocket the remaining 2 grand?
Of course you could still use the LQ4, set the rev limiter around 6200 and save $$.
Of course you could still use the LQ4, set the rev limiter around 6200 and save $$.
