Ive been looking around, and can tell that the crank and block are good on a lsx.
not said so on a ford.
Im planning on getting an lsx truck, and swapping an lq9 with plenty of punch and just seeing what would be needed.


What things are needed to make the 6.0 produce and handle around 750rwhp?
also the truck itself. will be a scss. 99-02 model.
I cannot fdecide between twin turbo (not STS, it will be made by me) or nitrous
Also, brand choices. Im looking for reliability, as this will be a fairly often driven truck.
Plans are the 6.0, heads/cam (what is a VERY aggressive cam, yet slightly streetable for an auto),built 4l80E, stall, 12bolt, driveshaft, axles, and rear suspension.

Ive never built a truck up to this, and want some input/suggestions.
Im hoping to have the truck next week/week after.

 

If you're set on going TT then there are some things to consider. Your choice of the stock stroke 6.0l is a good one. I would suggest saving some money on the long block core and get an LQ4. You're going to swap the rods and pistons anyway and you'll need some lower compression pistons. Your hp goals are resonable with a TT setup. You can do it with reworked factory heads but the longevity will go with the aftermarket head castings such as Edelbrock. Aim for a 9.0-9.5:1 compression ratio. One thing to also consider is to NOT use an aggressive cam. I haven't seen much power percentage difference especially with street driven cams. You want something that will bump the valves off the seat and let the turbos, intercooler, fuel system and tuning do the rest. If you're going to miss your camshaft target then miss on the small side. You'll be much happier with the driveability. Elsewhere it looks like you've got the major driveline parts lined up

Good luck and happy modding

Richard

 

Richard made some very good points. ~650 HP has been done on the stock LQ4, with stock heads, cam, pistons ect. Forged pistons and rods are a must for reliability though. A 9.5" SF 14 bolt is a more common axle upgrade for the 1/2 ton trucks, I have heard that the stock brakes will bolt on but have not confirmed this myself. Other than getting the hardware sorted out, the tuning is the next big item on the list. Tuning can make or break your drivetrain, literally.

 

Thanks a lot!!!

Ok heres what I have it down to.
A buddy works at an auto salvage yard, so I figure get a 6.0 from him, add a 200 z06 cam, callies comp star rods, (need help on pistons, what would make some good ones? besides the tsp/diamond $800 ones?), tsp chromemoly pushrods, yella terra adj rockers.
build the 4l60 up nicely, about a 3400-3600 stall, and the 14 bolt.

any help on the pistons?

turbos will probably be two small gt40 turbos (quicker spool time), and a good intercooler... piping will be bent at a shop near me.

has anyone heard of the 5.3's making anywhere near that hp? (600rw)?

that would shave almost 1000 off the project, as all i need are rods, pistons, and some real good ls6 heads, right?

 

Sounds like you are on the right track. I would give Richard a call about the heads, he has all the answers. I used Wiseco pistons, Richard may have more advise for the rest of the engine as well.

 

if its just a stock bore 5.3, what are the specs on the pistons needed to achieve the 9.0-9.5 compression, mated with the ls6 heads? any links to buy em?

 

There's a twin turbo 5.3L putting 820 to the wheels @ 18lbs~ I think it was. Anyways, I'm with Stoich...Give Richard a call, he's put together one or two LS engines in his life.

 

I don't know if I would waste money on building up the 4l60. Even fully built I don't see it living long under 750 rwhp. IMO I'd just go all out and swap in a 4l80. Even if its just got a shift kit done to it your already light years ahead of the 4l60 reliability and more than likely money wise in the long run.

 

+1 on the 4l80, the only way for big power IMO.

 

Dont ask me how i know..... 60E is goin to be hurting, no matter how good it is built. Ticking time bomb!
80E will prob be cheaper in the long run anyway.