LQ advice

[IndyNova]

Hey guys, I picked up an 2000 lq9 6.0 and 4l80 trans the other day for my 69 nova. Here's my question: the car will be 99% street driven with the occasional auto cross/road course. I'd like to cam it and put an ls6 intake on it, and possibly a turbo or two(mild boost) A): what would be a good cam for this
B): is there a better alternative for intake than an ls6, and will the lq9 throttle body suffice, or do I need to look at buying one of these also. I'm a noob at these motors, so any help is appreciated

[Jgpclone]

You sir have a lq4 no lq9 was made I'm that year they started producing them late 2002 for the 2003 models like escalades Denali and Silverado Ss .anyways ls6 is the superior intake that gm made for a 3bolt tb there so many variables of intake u can use .my suggestion for a turbo street build ls9 head gasket arp head stud ls6 intake high volume gas pump and 60lbs injector lq4 motors compression are good for boost in less u but a cheap 4.8 that loves boost .proven 1000 hp on stock bottom with a ls9 head gasket and arp head studs but that's just my opinion

[jazz2069]

Does your motor have iron heads? It should if the year is correct.

[IndyNova]

Yes it's an iron headed motor, I wish it was had aluminum heads..lol

[WSSix]

Then swap them for aluminum heads. You can go with 317s milled down to raise compression or go with LS6/243 heads if you want. I'd go with some inexpensive ported LS6 heads if you're trying to keep costs down. Texas Speed offers a good budget LS6 ported head. LS6 intake is a great idea. You'll need the steam tubes too I believe. LQ throttle body will fit the LS6 intake.

Did you get the PCM with the engine?

[jwcarguy]

If you do swap to the "common" 6.0L #317 cyl heads and are planning on boosting it, DO NOT mill them down to raise your compression

The 317 heads have very similar intake and exhaust runners as the "LS6" #243 / and #799 cyl heads with D shaped exhaust ports

The big difference is the combustion chamber volume:
#243/799 cyl. heads - 64.5cc
#317 cyl. heads - 71cc

You should have a cam "spec'd" for you by a reputable professional ( ie Pat G or SpinMonster) and/or find someone with the same build that did

The cam is basically the "brain" of the engine, so you want what is going to work for your given application (vehicle specs), driving intentions, etc

If and when you get to that point, I usually have sets of the #317 heads and LS6 intakes (both bare and complete with rails and injectors)

As mentioned before, use the LS9 head gaskets and ARP studs

You have to decide exactly what you want to do, then buy your parts, since most are going to be specific to the "type" of build that you do (ie. N/A, Boost, nitrous, etc)

You will be fine with the stock TB, should have it ported and polished (again, by a professional) any larger TB would be a waste, since the TB opening on the LS6 is the same size, unless you setup to a FAST intake 90-92mm for approx. more than double the cost of a used LS6 intake without "double" the hp gains

Hope this helps, Jeff

[IndyNova]

Thank you for the advice! I do have the stock ecu that came from the truck, but it has been suggested that I buy a camaro one. Any thoughts? Jeff, I'll send you a pm on the heads/intake. Also, who does the throttle body work? Thanks again for all the help!!