Hey guys,

When we swapped over the LS2 and put in an LQ9 my installed "had" to use a LS1/LS6 valley cover.

Now I know for fact they drilled and tapped the sides of the block to install the LS2 knock sensors where they would be found on an aluminum block.

But I am curious "why" the LS1/LS6 valley cover *had* to be used on the LQ9 block.

Is it something about the oil sending unit? I believe that's what I was told--but I am looking for a definitive answer at this point.

The reason being as when I upgrade to a TVS2300 here shortly--I need a new valley cover. I'd hate to order the LS2 (TBSS) kit and find out I'm fubar after pulling the intake off and such.

So---and help appreciated on what anatomy i'm missing *besides* the knock sensor...or why I would "have" to use the LS1/LS6 valley cover on an LQ9.

Long Story Short--

--does a LS2 valley cover fit a gen 3 / LQ9 motor--and if not--why?

THANKS IN ADVANCE

-Mike

 

the maggie will come with a new valley cover anyway, the bolts are flush with the cover so the blower can sit on top of it evenly....I dont know the answer to your question directly...

 

The magnacharger valley covers like to leak also. I put a little RTV on the gasket too.

 

Mike, you really answered your own question. The Gen III cover will not fit a Gen IV and vise versa. They are shaped differently and have a slightly different bolt pattern. The Gen IV cover has 11 bolt holes, while the Gen III has only 10. There are a few reasons for the change, one is lack of knock sensors in a Gen IV, another is the Gen IV’s are set up for DOD whether it is active or not. The Gen IV engines oil pressure sensor attaches to the cover, while on a Gen III the cover is notched out to go around the oil pressure sensor.

Bottom line is you will need to obtain the proper cover for your style block.

Early LS2 Gen IV Cover



You may be able to get away with using the Edelbrock Gen III cover that was designed for carbureted LS engines, as it was designed for engines not using the knock sensors.

 

Thanks guys.

1Bear,
That's what I needed to know. I'm sure if I had the 2 covers side by side it would have made perfect sense.

Looks like exactly what you said...get the right cover for my block.

Not sure it matters, but my knock sensors are in the LS2 position on my LQ9.

-Mike

 

That's why I'm thinking you may be able to get away with a flat cover like the Edelbrock. If you relocated the knock sensors down to the sides of the block, theirs could possibly work for you. It would still be best to check with Magnacharger, as they may already have something available for your or at least may know what will work in your case. Just a thought.