Hey Guys...

I'm swapping a 2004 LQ4 / 4L80E into my 1999 Bravada (4 door baby blazer) while keeping AWD. Originally I was just going to leave the motor stock, but I've been thinking that a camshaft change would be easier now (while the motor is out) than later. I'd be happy with the factory ratings of 325hp / 370tq, but if close to 400 is within easy reach, why not do it?

My Restrictions
1.) This truck will be my daily driver and regularly tow my boat during the summer (figure about 4,000 lbs) at least once a week.
2.) I don't currently have the budget to change torque converters, so it'll have to behave nicely with the stock 4L80E converter.
3.) Gotta be able to run 87 octane (which may not make any difference at all, but figured I'd mention it).
4.) Gas mileage is important, as my daily commute is about 25miles each way.
5.) Needs to idle well, and not have a real choppy sound.
What other information do I need to provide?

Any other suggestions / or required mods? (pushrods / springs / rockers / intake / nuclear reactor / etc)

I've thought about putting a set of rod bolts in it while I've got the oilpan off (have to fabricate a custom pan). Any recommendations as to brands / sources?

Thanks in advance,

'JustDreamin' (I'm actually about to start building, so I guess I'll have to change that soon)

 

The later style LS6 cam would fit your requirments.

 

Anybody else got any recommendations??? (not that I don't value your opinion Order66, just figure'd I'd see if anybody else had further recommendations or 2nd's the LS6 cam).

What about other upgrades (pushrods, springs, etc) to keep the motor from coming apart?


'JustDreamin'

 

like 66 said, the later zo6 cam ('02&up) with the ls6 valve springs would be sufficient along with some hardened pushrods (anyone correct me if im wrong!!) you could also look at the comp cams-something like a 216/220 or a 212/218 with some comp 918 springs......

 

212/218 .522/.529 114. Better.

Then some:
LS6 valve springs
Hardened push rods

 

save the money on a small cam like that and throw a used whipple on it in a year. My brother has a 03 ss silverado and is running a 218/222 cam w/a 3k stall and he wishes he had gone bigger, like somewhere in the 226 range.

 

People always wish they went bigger on cams. I did well before I put mine in. I went for a Futral F4 226 this time around.

 

yeah ive noticed that too, i know that when i had my lt1 z28 i put a cam in and always wished i had gone just a little bigger. However, i would rather have one on the small side than too big especially if it was my daily driver, that way you dont have all of the tuning issues and probs with surging and idle.

 

Plus too big is bad -- you'll lose power.

 

Yep, now that the truck is a weekend warrior, I really wish I would have stepped up to something larger than the TR224. Hopefully the 3800 stall that will be here this week will motivate me to step up to something much larger.