I can get an 03 lq9 for $2150 with 79000 miles but it only has an intake and throttle body for extras or I can get an 02 lq4 for $1775 with 78000 miles. The lq4 is complete with all accessories and wiring harness. I am thinking the lq4 is the better buy. The lq9 only has 20 more hp than the lq4. Is there any other difference that would make the lq9 a better choice. I plan on buying one of them tonight or tomorrow morning.

 

for the extra $275 I would get the LQ9...

 

Well, I'd keep shopping, I think you can find a better deal if you dig hard enough. You can probably find a lower mile engine for those prices. But if I was chosing from the two, I'd go for the LQ9...flat top pistons, more compression, and stronger connecting rods.

 

What does everyone normally pay for these? I have been looking for a few weeks and these are about the best prices I have found for the mileages on them. This motor would be going in a lifted 4wd that really needs torque. I doubt it ever sees 6000 rpm much less over. The truck is not my daily driver so it would probably only see 7500 miles at most per year.
The reason I say that I thought the lq4 would be the best option is because I had planned on putting my 5.3 into and 84 chevy truck and all the accessories on the lq4 would help to do this. I don't want to have to rebuild anything. All I want to do is put in a low end cam and stick it in the truck.

 

Do a google search for G&R Auto Parts (can't provide a link as they're a non-spsonsor). They currently have a complete 6.0 with 10k out of an Escalade for $2300, as well as an 23K SS engine for the same price. They do alot of factory take offs too...I've bought an alternator and 05 efans from them that were basically brand new.

 

I bought a 04 LQ9 with 14000 miles with everything minus the PCM for $800 plus $200 shipping.

 

What are u putting it in? One's iron and the other is AL and about 80lbs lighter. For truck apps many argue the AL lacks the strength shud u wish to bore it out or put power adders on. IMO, both are fine and if u get the iron block cheaper, do it as 80lbs on a 5000lb+ truck means diddly.

 

This is false! Both the LQ9 and LQ4 use the same block, which is iron.

I have been able to find LQ4s for about $800 shipped across the country to me. This typically included the pan, front and rear covers, intake with injectors and throttle body. I would keep shopping. Do you plan on boosting the engine?

 

Both are iron blocks...

LQ9 would be the choice for sure.

 

Sorry Guys! I didn't know that...whats the diff then? Thats the way it was explained to me...is it just a component/compression difference then?