So I recently picked up an LQ4 from our parts supplier at my job, and am building it up a little before I put it in my truck. The truck is a 2004 Silverado, RCSB 2WD, NV3500 (till it breaks or I get enough in my T56 fund), 3.42 gears, currently with a 4.3. It gets about 8000 miles a year, it is not quite a DD but gets driven plenty. The truck is street driven, but I plan on going to the strip with it a few times with the new engine. The closest I come to towing is hauling motorcycles in the bed.

I am unsure of the mileage on the LQ4, but it is still showing crosshatching in the cylinder bores and there is no lip at the top. I'm still debating on whether to hone/ring it while I have it all apart or just run as is since it has a warranty anyway. My plan for it is to get better cam/pushrods/springs, ARP head and rod bolts, LS2 timing chain, LS6 oil pump. I am shooting for a budget build but I'm not skimping if something is needed. I have seen multiple threads of people having problems with the LS7 lifters turning in the trays and am a little worried about that. Is it worth the extra cost to get some linked lifters?

I contacted Texas Speed about my cam question and they replied promptly and one of the cams I am contemplating is the one they suggested.

My requirements for the cam are that it provides a good bump in power (obviously) but not aggressive to the point I will need to replace springs every year. Also the plan is to go with a little forced induction in a year or so, and I would really try to avoid changing the cam again then. I am keeping the 317 heads for that reason as well. I know using an N/A cam when boosted isn't ideal, but plenty of people do it. Finally I want a nice lopey idle.

The two cams I am looking at are:

TSP 228R
228/228 duration
.588/.588 lift
111 LSA

Lunati Voodoo 60512
232/238 duration
.599/.601 lift
113 LSA

I realize the Voodoo is more aggressive but I have seen a few people running them with superchargers. I am fine revving the engine to 6500 or so. I'm planning on running dual valve springs.

 

If the bores good an has clean crosshatching the just put her back together should checked c/r first be4 taking a part...since you wanting to fi use the tsp 228r like you wanted...there a few videos on youtube check them out 228 sounds sexy to me

 

I'd do the 228R except I'd pick 112 LSA (I know you want more lope, but the 112 will have better driveability). Lifters rotating is often because the plastic lifter trays are worn and were not replaced. Linked lifter are nice though and the Lunati ones are reasonably priced.

 

Since he's wanting fi later do 114

 

Ok so it looks like consensus is the 228R is the way to go. Next question would be about valve springs. TSP told me the .650 dual springs would work fine for my application. I have also heard good things about the Lunati gold dual springs, and they are a good bit cheaper (I'm trying to keep as budget-minded as I can). I see that the TSPs come with titanium retainers where the Lunati are steel. Is it worth the extra coin for the TSP springs?