Shoot, I didnt think about injectors. I just sold some 42s out of the vette when I went to 60s. Doing all the above would add around 40-50hp, right? I would think stock fuel system would handle that. The guy who tuned the vette is local and a hell of a tuner (also a sponsor on Tech).

I didn't see it mentioned, but I assume I should replace all bearings?

ARP Rod bolts - $80
Pistons/rings - $248
Head & Cam bolt and gasket kit - $175
Cam - $390
LS6 springs - $53
Clevite P Main bearings set (don't know if cam bearings are included) - $85
Clevite P Rod bearings - $28
Machine work - $500-800 (guess)
Headers and Y pipe - $400
Misc crap - $100
~$2200 total

 

I think the injectors will be alright. The camshaft Zippy quoted is a great camshaft in my opinion, and with that cam and engine combo I don't see the stock injectors falling on their face until 5500-6000+ if anything. All you're basically making is an LQ9 with a better cam and tune. I don't foresee why the stock rev limiter needs to be changed much from 5600 though, maybe add 200rpms or so. If anything, you'll benefit more from altering the shift points and such in the transmission.

The stock '01 LQ4 is a torque motor for sure, thanks to it's displacement. 300hp and 360lb-ft from the factory. The LQ9 sits right around 345hp and 380lb-ft, and I imagine you'll be a little higher than that after this rebuild somewhere in the 375hp range and 390lb-ft of torque at the flywheel. Not bad for a tow truck.

 

Yep, missed that part, thanks. Glad this stuff isn't as pricey as I was expecting. I'm re-sealing my transfer case tomorrow. Got new seals from the dealer. 3 seals and a gasket for $240!!! I told him I didn't think the corvette tax applied to this truck, but he didnt get it.

 

No cam Bearings are not includded in the main bearing set. a cam bearing kit will run about $25-$30 deppending on who you buy the from...

 

Gathering parts. Pulling motor this weekend. Still trying to decide on pistons/heads combo. Ideally, I would like to keep the 317s and get some flat top OEM pistons. I don't need forged and have heard that forged pistons can make a little more noise due to expansion.

Does anyone know of a source for cast flat top pistons? All I can find are forged LS2s for >$600. I'd prefer to stay at or below $500.

 

There is a used of Lq9 pistons in the for sale section. I believe he is only asking $125... There is a guy on Ebay with the LS2 pistons for 299. I believe those are a floating pin design so you would also need to run The Ls2 rods wich I think he also has for an additional 79 or so... If not him there is another guy that has the rods at that price... If you change your mind about forged There is a nice set on ebay for 406 Shipped to your door... I bought a set and so did another member...

I believe you mentioned a Piston slap Issue previously... If you need your block over bored.... Which will most likely be the Case to acheive proper piston to wall clearance, Speed pro or Mahle make direct stock type replacmet oversized pistons. I think they run about $300 Plus a set of rings... Hastings has an affoardable molly faced ring for this. When you your looking to buy the pistons, ask for them for the LQ9 application and have them confirm that they come as a flat top piston...

Good luck!!!

 

I don't know what you desided to do about heads but I have some heads for sale. I have some Dart 225 Pro 1s and some TEAD 5.3 stage 1.5 that might not be that much more than working your stock heads and getting new springs and etc. Just let me know

 

Thanks, I'm trying to keep my stock heads. Due to existing piston slap, as you mentioned, pistons will need to be +.030.

I just called and neither Speed Pro nor Mahle make a flat top cast +.030.

Can you use forged pistons with stock rods?

 

No they require an aftermarket rod... forged pistons have a floating Pin Vs. the stock pressed pin. Usually they also use a smaller pin .927 Vs. the stock .945 pin. They do have forgged pistons with a .945 pin but they will have to either bush the factory rods for the floating pins if possible or use an LS2 rod...

 

.030 ??? You have some bad scuffing or scratches or something.... I believe you can use a standard style 18 degree SBC piston if you can find one with the correct Piston Pin height... You will be at 4.030 any way...

FWIW Factory LS1 Valve angle Is I believe 15 degrees