I have a 1999 Chevy Silverado 1500 ls with a 4.8 that went bad. I what to upgrade the engine to a LQ4, LQ9, L18, L29, LY6, or L76. I am sure the 6.0's would be easier than the big blocks. I have looked all over the place and for the most part I don't care about the price of the motor.
I am looking to do a lot of work on one these motors before I install it, like forged pistons, cam upgrade, maybe new heads depending on engine, ARP hardware, etc. I want something that is easy to upgrade or has big aftermarket support. I am thinking about adding a turbo later on down the road.
The pros and cons of every motor would be awesome.

Thank you!

I will be sure to post the project after you all help me decide on what engine to build.

 

Lq4 and Lq9 have 24x reluctor and wont need as much as the gen iv ly6, l76. I am not sure what is a L18 or L29

THe ly6 has a 58x reluctor, VVT & and comes with an DBW T/B & L92 top end. You will need the Injector adaptors, 58x to 24x reluctor con verter box and other parts. Its much easier to go with a lq4 shortblock and but a L92 top end.

Whats your budget?

 

go with a 05-07 classic lq4 or9 you'll be set

 

The L18 and L29 are chevy's big block the L29 is the new version of the 454 and the L18 is the 8.1L V8 Big block.
Essential isn't the LQ9 the same thing as the LQ4. The Lq9 just has flat top pistons instead?
My budget is pretty much open I would like to spend as little as possible i would say 4 grand at tops.

 

In that case build an LQ4 or LQ9. They will need the least amount of work to swap into your ride, and can make just as much power as the gen IV smallblocks you mention; in fact the heads from the gen IVs will bolt right on if you get the itch. The Chevy EFI big blocks are torque-monsters but are not performance engines; they are a major PITA to modify unless you like to spend huge money or can custom-machine a lot of your own stuff. I love my 6.2 but honestly the LQ4 is the cheapest engine to buy and build of those you mentioned, and I seriously doubt you'll be disappointed with that choice.

 

And yeah, the LQ9 is an LQ4 with higher compression pistons

 

Bear in mind that a 4L60E generally doesn't live very long behind any real power in a truck; you want to be prepared to swap in an 80E when your 60E takes a dump

 

^^^^What he said. I spen 3k on a locally built 60e jus tto have it dies a few months later. Buy one from the sponsors so you know your not buying someone elses rebuilt mess. Mine had a bad valve body. Even after replacing it it died.

 

i think i read the lq4 is a tad better to boost than a lq9 but your going deep into it so either i imagine would be perfect for you

 

availability wise, I think the lq4 is a little bit easier to find considering that the lq4's are a little more common than the lq9. Either way, they're both iron blocks = BOOST friendly ;-)