Please let me first say that I understand the search button is an awesome feature, but I can promise you these questions also have many other factors that I have yet to find. While I am new to engine building, my father isn't, and I have helped him work on small block chevy's my whole life. However, I think it's time for an upgrade in my daily driver.

I currently drive a 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.0L LQ4, with the 4L80E Tranny and 4:10 towing gears. The motor and truck also have 245,000 KMs (Canadian Eh). I am looking to build a reasonable street truck, with drivability, dependability and some good torque. I have spent a great deal of time talking to Kevin from Vengeance Racing, and will tell you that he has been an absolutely enormous help, and seems interested in my truck and business. I have decided most likely on a 220/224 Cam on there XE-R Lobes, with 114+3 LSA. I am trying to save some money, and am trying to reason between what he says is best and what I can afford!!

Mostly, I have a few questions for the members about some engine parts.

1.) Is a high volume oil pump necessary for this build? And if so, is the GM Performance Parts model any good?
2.) Is a trunion kit necessary for this build? It will be staying around 5800-6000 Max RPM.
3.) Are ARP Head Studs a necessity or can I get away with standard head bolts? (Running stock heads)
4.) Can anyone recommend a good new timing chain set-up, I am looking at the GM Performance Parts or the Katech one from Vengeance.
5.) Lifters - Buy Comp 850-16 Lifters or save the $100.00 with the GM Performance Parts lifters.

And finally, and maybe most importantly

6.) Valve Springs. Kevin recommended dual .660 lift springs, but they are nearly $300.00!! Can I save the money with a set of single beehive springs from Precision (Texas Speed sells for $185 for the kit)

Once again I am new to this forum and these motors, and would really appreciate help with these topics. I am just an 18 year old fire college student and don't have a huge budget to undertake this project. I am looking to keep the budget below $1,000 or so at the maximum.

Cheers, Matt

 

i cant stand people who say use the search button. why they cant simply help is beyond me. why they even take the time to post use the search button is sorry.

i would recommend a tr224 on a 112 lsa with lower lift as easier on springs and better if you put alot of miles on the truck. lower lsa moves the power band down which helps the heavy truck get moving. the xe-r lobes are harsh on the valvetrain.

1) high volume pump is not necessary. an gmpp ls6 pump would suffice.

2) trunion kit is not needed but would be recommended if you abuse it alot.

3) standard head bolts will suffice.

4) gmpp ls2 timing chain plenty good.

5) gmpp ls7 lifters.

6) pac1218 single springs. best price on ebay for like 145.

*) a 3200 stall would be recommended.with the tr224 if unaffordable and staying stockstall, then go with tr220 cam.

*) HIGHLY RECOMMEND MILLING 317 HEADS .030. THE BUMP IN COMPRESSION FROM 9.4:1 TO 10.2:1 WILL BE VERY REWARDING

most sponsors will be helpful or should be but got to remember they are in business to make money so some recommendations may be overkill or not needed. not trying to bash them but business is business, got to make money. good luck with your project. feel free to pm me or text me. GOD Bless, Rob (956) 802-7700

 

Thanks a lot Rob, I understand what you mean about business, and I also believe that when someone helps me out like Kevin did he deserves some praise for such service. I would really like to buy the cam from them still, but you are thinking I should talk about a smaller LSA to get the power a little lower in the power band? I am happy to hear about the oil pump, an LS6 oil pump should save me some money! I still think I am gonna pass on the Trunion Kit, since I don't think it's realistic in my budget. Do I need to swap the gears and chain in terms of timing or just a new chain? Those single springs were what I was looking at as well, so I am happy to hear that those should work. Thanks a great deal for your information, and I look forward to ordering some parts. As a young person I will admit it is sometimes hard to get someone to take you serious. I am happy to know what I will need to talk to Vengeance about in the near future.

Thanks again, Matt

 

Being that you have a 2002 motor I would get a 05 or newer gear and chain. Both are stronger than yours. I had my o4 5.3 gear break and took out the motor. 05 and newer motors should all have the ls2 style stuff until you get into the dod vvt type motors. The ls2 was just the first one to get it so everybody refers to it as such.

 

Old thread but so glad to see another guy building a 3/4 ton This answered a lot of my questions!