I have just recently come across a LQ4/4L80 w/ 158k miles, combination for relatively cheap and just add a little bit to it. I have no clue when it comes to building a motor all the tech specs and all that. I have a step dad who is a mechanic and will help me do all the work but he doesn't give me the best information haha. I'm not on a very tight budget but I would like to keep it realistic and not break the bank. I will take all information in and all suggestions will be considered. I have no particular Hp goal, just add a little more backbone.

The truck is a 2000 RCSB Silverado, will be a daily driver and maybe hit track every now and then.

The lq4 is bone stock w/ 317 heads, and the 4L80 is stock as well.

I plan on adding a CAI, and longtube headers, also a throttlebody spacer if it will help.

What I need to know is, what is my best and relatively cheapest options on heads and a cam? I don't want to absolutely kill my gas mileage but sacrificing it a little will help. I would like something to have low end, and mid range power, with little top end. Most of the races will be 1/8-1/4.

Please forgive me if I contradicted myself in this, like I said I'm a complete idiot when it comes to these things.

 

Throttle body spacer is junk so lose that idea!
A 224 cam is a good all around cam for a 6.0
Plan on running a stall? That also helps pick a cam for your setup

 

Texas Speed 224R? Definitly plan on running a stall, 278MM and then stall speed depending on the cam right?

I spoke with the Jegs guy and he told me these heads would work on the Lq4, would they work and are they worth it?
Chevrolet Performance 88958758 Chevrolet Performance LS3 CNC Ported Aluminum Cylinder Head

Or would these be the better choice?
Chevrolet Performance 12629064 Chevrolet Performance L76/L92 Aluminum Cylinder Head

 

do the 224r and a 3200 stall that should work great in your 6.0
as far as ls3 or l92 sqaure port heads i wouldnt run them for what you trying to accomplish....low to mid range power
They have been known for lack of lowend but will scream up top.

 

Do you have any suggestions on a set of heads that will run well with the 224r, also what else do I need to replace when i change the cam?
Or would it be a waste of my time to port the 317s that is on it now?

Im going to go with a Circle D 278MM 3000-3200 Torque Converter.

 

for budget, 224 is good but you will want to upgrade later on so i would recommend going with a 228 on a 112+4 lsa, 3200 stall, 3.73s, mill 317s .030 to bump compression and increase hp/torque, tbss intake and tb. --- i wouldnt recommend the l92/ls3 heads for your budget project but they are awesome heads in the right combo.

 

have a set of dynatech headers and y pipe let me know if interested both stainless steel send me a phone number will send pic. not using i am going trick turbo.

 

texas speed claims there is only 5-7hp diff from the 224r to 228r
I see the 224 performing better at a lower rpm making more usable power n torque where he wants it

 

Some compression options for you.

stock gaskets
stock 317s 9.48:1
milled .03 317s 9.7:1
you will notice hardly any power from a .2 compression jump maybe 5hp

stock 243 10.2:1
milled .03 243 10.45:1

243 heads have the same port sizes as your 317s just smaller 64cc and sodium filled valves. They can be found all day for $300ish and sell your 317's for $150

Since you want more mid range low end tq I wouldn't speend the money on P&P or buying larger runner size heads such as the LS3 heads. Tq comes from the velocity of air flow not size. Larger ports = more top end less bottom end.

If you do any milling get a pushrod length checker b/c the pushrods will need to be shorter for proper preload on the lifters.

 

for the cam choice figure out what rpms you want the power to be and look at the specs.

The tr224 is a good option, if it was me and your staying N/a I would run a split duration cam to help bleed of cylinder pressure and get a lil more tq out of the cam. Split duration could help mpgs a lil bit as well.

My 5.3L 210/218 gets 1.5ish better highway millage vs the stock cam. same tuner for both