I believe 04 was the transition year for the better full floating GEN IV rods, some got um some didn't. In 2005 even the 5.3's had the GEN IV rods.

The LQ9 was my first engine build with floating pins... and of course I had to take them apart as an excuse just to clean the pin and the pin bore lol

 

It might need more than that to be repaired. I slammed my foot on the gas pedal while driving on the freeway and it took so long for it to get to 80mph and the rpm’s barely went over 3,000

 

Sounds like it didn't drop out of OD

 

2004 calendar year for all LS's getting full float rods. Easy check.. you have 10 mm valley cover bolts it's the older multi length head bolt block and press fit pins. 13 mm valley cover bolts is the newer equal length head bolt block and full floating pins. There may be the odd exception but it's been fool proof with me. LQ9s always have had the full float rods.. right since 2002.

 

The valley cover bolt size is a new trick for me, thanks for that

 

speaking of not dropping out of OD.. when city driving is it best do drive in third gear?

 

Or it could be that it did downshift but it can't get the exhaust gases out because of a clogged exhaust.

Running around town in 3rd is what I always did, never hurts to do that. I didn't like that it dropped into 4th gear at 40-45mph.

 

I leave mine in "D" all the time, but its tuned so it drops from OD quicker than OE and unlocks the TCC after a certain throttle %

I'd leave it in D

 

I dont think a 60e will do 80 in 3rd at 3000 and under. Depends on rear gear and tire size, but thats low RPM for 80mph in 3rd when they turn 70mph at 2k in OD

 

With 4.10's and 29.7" tires anytime I'm below 45 MPH it drops into 3rd. The only time I city drive manually in 3rd is when I want to show out and drive like the total redneck I really am