I just picked up an LQ4 that I plan to rebuild over the winter and install this spring. I'm looking on advice on what cam to run and if anyone knows of a machine shop who can clean and mill the heads for me

2003 LQ4
317 heads
stock bottom end

Going into 2005 Silverado 4x4 ECSB
Currently 4l60E- might go 4l80E by spring
Stock converter
3.73 gears w/33" tires

Motor supposedly had a small knock in the bottom end, I never heard it run so I'm not sure if it was a knock or lifter noise. Either way I'm going to rebuild the bottom end with new bearings and new rings but reusing the rotating assembly.

I'd also like to put a small cam, mill heads, new lifters/springs/push rods.

Any advice on a cam? Truck is a DD, will be used to tow and won't be raced. I'm not interested in doing a converter or gears at this time.

Edit- Also, at the same time, I'll be adding 1 7/8" long tubes to 3" catted y pipe with 3" exhaust out the back

 

I would check with TSP for a cam and kit

 

Thanks, I contacted them. I'll report back on what they recommend

 

Where you located? Or did you wanna ship the heads..

 

I'm in Central NJ. Not looking to ship the heads

 

Let's start with,

What are your goals?

The "knock" you hear might be piston slap.

 

My goals are very simple, more low and mid range power than the stock 6.0 would have. I don't have any numbers I want to meet. I just want a strong, reliable motor that will make it easier to tow and haul ****. I don't race it and I don't have any plans to do so.

I've recently moved so I will put considerably more highway miles than I did on the 5.3. The 5.3 has 193k miles of mostly backroads doing no more than 50mph. Now I'll end up doing more of an even split of highway 75-80mph and backroads (50 mph max).

The 33" tires will most likely stay for the foreseeable future but a gear change might happen in a year from now (probably 4.56s).

Thanks for your help and I hope that clears up what I'm looking to get out of the new motor.

You're right the knock could have been piston slap- I never heard it run so I can't say for sure. Are there any "tells" that might tell me it wasn't knock? Do the heads or valves show any particular wear from piston slap?

 

Ok, so far I'm debating these two cams. Any comments on how they should work for me? Read a few good things about each one, not sure if the 228R is going to be too aggressive for a stock stall

Texas Speed 228R 228/228 .600"/.600"
or
Texas Speed 224R 224/224 .600"/.600"

 

I ran the 224r in my old setup worked great .
6.0 bored.030 over with 243 heads and 224r cam made 396hp and 405 tq.
Was a good mild combo pulled a 22ft boat great.
Power came on early which I liked. I ran a 3200 stall with 390 gears