What is a good combo for a stock shortblock LQ4.

#1 LQ4 stock shortblock, LS6 head, LS6 intake, ? cam

#2LQ4 stock crank, forged rods and higher compression pistons, stock heads, LS6 intake, ? cam

Looking for the cheapest way to make around 500HP.

 

nasty cam, ported 5.3's or ported stockers, maybe some spray if you dont get there.

 

cheapest way would be a cam/headers and some spray with the stock bottom end

 

How high will the 5.3's raise the compression. I know it needs to be around 11:1 with the aluminum heads. What would the price/performance difference be between the 5.3's and LS6's. I've read that the 317 head will flow well but not enough compression. What's better? Swaping rods and pistons or just doing heads. Damn this is complicated. Not really looking for nitrous only cam, but more a good NA cam that can handle the most Nitrous. Does that sound right?