My budget LQ4/4L80E build! update, way over budget, 9's or bust!

bryan

New member
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

I think its all in the tune. I ran 20-25psi (with meth) for two years stock bottom end 5.3 with 6.0 heads, z06 cam. Parish ran high boost and stock bottom on the 6.0 and 5.3 with great results. My tuner Rick at synergy motorsports runs 800hp to the wheels stock bottom end 5.3. My buddy runs 12psi (meth) on a 6.0 all day long. It can be done. Sorry to hear about the motor. Are you going to build the motor?
 

eviltwin

"junkyard syclone"
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Are you going to build the motor?

yep, stock crank, eagle rods, diamond pistons, arp main and head studs. block is at the machine shop right now getting checked over.
 

bryan

New member
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

how the heck did you keep your heads from lifting?



The stock 5.3 has 9.5 or 9.4 to 1 compression. I put the 317 heads from the 6.0 on there to lower the compression (72cc). I'm not shure but I think that got me down to 8.7:1 or so. Arp head studs MLS gaskets. The theory I had in trying this was that as long as the tune was right and I could get the compression down, that I should be able to run high boost. I figured that the 5.3 LS base motors are stronger than the stock syty v6 (6 bolt mains and all) , and if you can run 20 psi on the stock block with meth why not 20psi and meth on a LS base motor. I know the pistons on the LS base motors are the weak link, that is why the tune had to be spot on. It worked very well. Thanks to Rick at synergy. I think you have to concider the cam (I ran the 02 z06 cam) as well, it may effect psi. Give Rick a call, ask him about his truck.
 

bryan

New member
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

I must say, this setup was in my silverado. I did blow the motor up at the track. One of my vacume lines was cracked and I was only reading 10psi on my boost guage. I could not figure out why it was showing only 10psi. I had it set for 20psi. That vacume line controlled my meth injection, needless to say my tune was really off. I was pinging bad, so I had to let up alot. I ran a 12.7 at 114mph with 2.2 60ft. I had mt street slicks on. I suck at driving a stick. The combo was 5.3, 6.0 heads, 3 angle valve job, 918 springs, z06 cam, meth, 42lbs injectors maxed,(not good I know) boost a pump, 255 in line, gt67 turbo, FMIC, ls1, intake, oz 700 clutch, 6 speed, cats gutted, I cant think of anything else right now. I feel like I should tell this part of the story too.
 

It's just a six

Super Member
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

It is a common thing to blow up stock LS1's,people get greedy with the boost pressure & the pistons let go right away,,they cannot tolerate any detonation,then the rods let go also.
 

UR50SLO

V6+2=LSXCamaro
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

It is a common thing to blow up stock LS1's,people get greedy with the boost pressure & the pistons let go right away,,they cannot tolerate any detonation,then the rods let go also.

Isn't that very true on any engine! Keep that in mind and you'll have a boosted engine live a long happy powerfull life.
All the good parts in the world still won't like detonation. May take it a bit longer but at the end the results will be the same.
~Scott
 

It's just a six

Super Member
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Isn't that very true on any engine! Keep that in mind and you'll have a boosted engine live a long happy powerfull life.
All the good parts in the world still won't like detonation. May take it a bit longer but at the end the results will be the same.
~Scott

On the Ls engines they are more prone to self destuction than even the older SBC's

At least with the older engines you can get some detonation & get out of it & still run it.

On this guys 6.0 he said he never heard any detonation as he was monitoring it & did not see any knock.


Ls engines will get minimal knock & the pistons fail instantly esp when boosting.

The problem when just getting info from forums a lot of times,you just hear about all the good stuff,wow I made this much HP & torque & ran this in the 1/4.

Then later,they blow up the engine & you don't hear about it.

This guys update initionally (when the engine let go) was just a picture of an empty block w/no explanation,not saying there is anything wrong w/that ,just saying people usually don't come straight forward & announce that they blew up an engine,it's just human nature not to show the bad stuff.:2cents:
 
Last edited:

eviltwin

"junkyard syclone"
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

The stock 5.3 has 9.5 or 9.4 to 1 compression. I put the 317 heads from the 6.0 on there to lower the compression (72cc). I'm not shure but I think that got me down to 8.7:1 or so. Arp head studs MLS gaskets. The theory I had in trying this was that as long as the tune was right and I could get the compression down, that I should be able to run high boost. I figured that the 5.3 LS base motors are stronger than the stock syty v6 (6 bolt mains and all) , and if you can run 20 psi on the stock block with meth why not 20psi and meth on a LS base motor. I know the pistons on the LS base motors are the weak link, that is why the tune had to be spot on. It worked very well. Thanks to Rick at synergy. I think you have to concider the cam (I ran the 02 z06 cam) as well, it may effect psi. Give Rick a call, ask him about his truck.

did you get you motor built after that. My block is a Daves right next door to synergy
 

bryan

New member
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

did you get you motor built after that. My block is a Daves right next door to synergy

No, I just replace the block (used low miles) for $500 and boost on. I ran the motor for 2 years, boostin 17-20psi. I had a bad vacume line and boom. I think the ls motors are great. You can build a $5000 motor and if you tune is not right, it will blow too. I know alot of people in this boat too. Yes a built motor will take more abuse, true. My theory is I can afford $500 every time my motor goes, I cant afford $3-5000. I am on a budget. I am not saying that everybody should do this, It just works for me.


Dave is an excellent builder, if I had the money he would be my first choice. I am looking for alittle extra money to finish my build as well. I will be running the same combo in my ty, same boost and hopefully simular power. I have more goodies now.
 

eviltwin

"junkyard syclone"
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

well i guess since progress is being made i will update this. I have spent the last 3 months searching and waiting for deals on things to save some money. I have been very busy with other things and projects.

Right now i am doing a d44/d60 swap in my friends jeep
1246496682.jpg

hopefully be done this weekend

i put new air tanks in the rear of the 65' and have been driving it daily
1246498020.jpg


almost finished putting a 5.3 and th400 in my brothers 65' Nova
1246495079.jpg
1246495111.jpg


I am also waiting on escrow to close on a new to me house i am buying.



now on to the syclone. i just picked up all my parts from the machine shop today. I have bought all the parts which now consists of:

4.030 bore lq4 block
stock crank
lunati pro mod rods
diamond -15cc dished pistons
Speed inc TU1 cam 225/225 .581 .581 113lsa
317 heads w/ patriot gold springs
ls7 lifters and hardened pushrods
Arp head and main studs
ls2 timing chain
ported ls6 oil pump
stock truck intake, throttle body, rails
79lb high impedance injectors
dual intake walbros
alkycontrol progressive meth
6pt or 10pt cage

home for the new motor
1246497912.jpg


fresh block
1246494917.jpg


nice box of pistons
1246499469.jpg


the new injectors are huge compared to the old 60lbers
1246499551.jpg


i was lucky enough to get good deals on the stuff i first bought and sold all the performance stuff i am upgrading for the same i bought it for or more. i should be updating this regularly again very soon.
 

jasonpickett

New member
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Let me know how your cam works out. The lsa looks a little to low for a turbo setup.
 

s_blazin

Donating Member
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Need to get rid of those lil pizza cutters on that nova and back half that biotch, lol

we are back halfing a 63 right now and did a 67 not to long ago


well i guess since progress is being made i will update this. I have spent the last 3 months searching and waiting for deals on things to save some money. I have been very busy with other things and projects.

Right now i am doing a d44/d60 swap in my friends jeep
1246496682.jpg

hopefully be done this weekend

i put new air tanks in the rear of the 65' and have been driving it daily
1246498020.jpg


almost finished putting a 5.3 and th400 in my brothers 65' Nova
1246495079.jpg
1246495111.jpg


I am also waiting on escrow to close on a new to me house i am buying.



now on to the syclone. i just picked up all my parts from the machine shop today. I have bought all the parts which now consists of:

4.030 bore lq4 block
stock crank
lunati pro mod rods
diamond -15cc dished pistons
Speed inc TU1 cam 225/225 .581 .581 113lsa
317 heads w/ patriot gold springs
ls7 lifters and hardened pushrods
Arp head and main studs
ls2 timing chain
ported ls6 oil pump
stock truck intake, throttle body, rails
79lb high impedance injectors
dual intake walbros
alkycontrol progressive meth
6pt or 10pt cage

home for the new motor
1246497912.jpg


fresh block
1246494917.jpg


nice box of pistons
1246499469.jpg


the new injectors are huge compared to the old 60lbers
1246499551.jpg


i was lucky enough to get good deals on the stuff i first bought and sold all the performance stuff i am upgrading for the same i bought it for or more. i should be updating this regularly again very soon.
 

Upgrade

I suffer from boost envy
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

How much boost are you planning on?
What retainers are you running?
What rocker arms?
What size push rods?
Did the shop check your push rod length or are you planning on verifying your pushrod length? With the cam swap, valve job, and block/head mill you can't assume stock length will be correct. Swap rockers and they won't be correct for sure.

Do you know the specs for your turbine & housing?
Reason I asked is the guys running 355's w/ .96 GTS setups are running into back pressure problems at 5k & 18psi. A slightly different spec'd cam like a 225/220 113 lsa may help out your setup. Or a swap to a 80mm T6 flange turbo and your current cam will work great.

I'm not trying to spend your money or bag on you. Just help you get stuff the will work better and not wear out prematurely .
 

eviltwin

"junkyard syclone"
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build!

How much boost are you planning on?
What retainers are you running?
What rocker arms?
What size push rods?
Did the shop check your push rod length or are you planning on verifying your pushrod length? With the cam swap, valve job, and block/head mill you can't assume stock length will be correct. Swap rockers and they won't be correct for sure.

Do you know the specs for your turbine & housing?
Reason I asked is the guys running 355's w/ .96 GTS setups are running into back pressure problems at 5k & 18psi. A slightly different spec'd cam like a 225/220 113 lsa may help out your setup. Or a swap to a 80mm T6 flange turbo and your current cam will work great.

I'm not trying to spend your money or bag on you. Just help you get stuff the will work better and not wear out prematurely .

using patriot retainers, stock rockers, i have a pushrod length measuring tool thing to measure them out first to see if i need shorter ones, but i have 7.4 ones from before, the turbo is .96 a/r. i will be running a max of 15psi. i was going to go with a custom spec'd cam but i have seen alot of people make big power with similar builds on this cam and i got if for a really good deal. If i cant get what i want out of this turbo i will get a pt88. I just cant justify spending money on a new turbo if i meet my goals with this one though.
 

Upgrade

I suffer from boost envy
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build! update, way over budget, 9's or bust!

I've been following your build. I need to sell a house and buy another before I can start on my project.

Sounds like you already knew about the turbine :tup:

I wish there was a map out for the 78mm. You never know who you'll get on the phone.

A 6.0 runs close to 65% comp eff. at 15-18 psi w/ 80mm T6. I'm still trying to get my head around what the T4 does to the ve in this situation.

My custom cam was spec'd at 8* smaller than yours but I said I wanted a 5800 rpm HP peak.
I'm still debating on going 5* bigger.

Ti retainers?

You might check into durability running those springs on stock rockers.
They are more for rpm than boost.
Hardcorels1.com has a good write up on push rod length and you don't have to filter out the bs that's on Tech now.
 

eviltwin

"junkyard syclone"
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build! update, way over budget, 9's or bust!

work on it alittle bit. filed the rings over the weekend and put the short block together today

1247097930.jpg

1247109865.jpg
 
Last edited:

eviltwin

"junkyard syclone"
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build! update, way over budget, 9's or bust!

put more of the motor together and put it to sleep. i just have to put the new valve springs in the heads to be able to button it up.

1248050820.jpg


i finished up the front c5 brakes. I used f-body abutment brackets and made my own bracket to bolt everything up.

1248050785.jpg


i also finished the jeep
1248061973.jpg
 

fronzoos

New member
Re: My budget LQ4/4L80E build! update, way over budget, 9's or bust!

Bad Ass! I have an XJ too... you on the NAXJA forums?
 
Top