I have an LQ4 that is on its last leg about a year too soon. What are the necessary changes to get a 7.0 block to work in my 2001 Chevy 2500? First plan is to get a 7.0 short block and simply move my heads, intake, accessories over to it. I know this isn't the best idea for power but it gets a working engine back into my truck. It would be ideal to also replace the heads with something but right now the budget won't hold. What all do I need to change this engine over? Will the motor mounts work? Will my old oil plan work? What about front accessories, etc? Will the computer work and sensors, etc?

 

Are you talking about a LS 427 or an old SBC/BBC 427?

If you happen to find an LS7, which is the only LS 427 GM factory made, it is probably worth more than your whole truck, so I would reconsider this.

If you plan on building a 427 using a truck block, it is a relatively easy swap depending on what heads you use. Your stock heads will be fine and so will the intake an electronics if you use a crank with a 24x reluctor. All you would need is tuning.


....or maybe I am misunderstanding what you mean...

 

I was talking the lS7 block. You can get a block for around $3300 and then go from there. Pick up a rotating assembly and go from there. So what needs to be changed?

 

Well since you are just starting with a block it should be pretty easy. Just make sure you use a 24x reluctor on whatever crank you use. Also make sure you have the oiling system set up right since the block is machined for a dry sump. Using your stock heads on a LS7 seems like such a shame though Using the LS7 heads would require a different intake.

 

If you have that kinda money to waste just build a 416 out of your short block and put a nice set of heads on it. You can always just do a high CR budget built 370 for 2k to 3k

 

I'm still batting ideas around right now. Also thought of stroking my LQ4 to a 408 and going from there. Don't know. Wanting as many cubic inches I can get.

 

Make your LQ4 into a 370, use some forged pistons, and throw a blower on it. Would drive like a 500ci big block and get much better mileage.

 

Why only to a 370? New rotating assembly and I have a 408 to build on.

 

You can reuse the stock crank with a 370 and they tend to live longer than 408s for whatever reason. I would be looking at boost for what you want, and those 38cubes could be made up quite easily with 2-3psi.

 

Shorter stroke forged engines are better for boost. The LS7 is a gen IV motor and your LQ4 is probably a gen III motor, so there are different sensors to deal with. If I were in your shoes, I'd build what you got into a 408 like you mentioned. Probably easier and cheaper for bigger cubes.