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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: 87ChevyR10 on December 14, 2014, 12:03:54 pm
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Who here has transplanted an LQ9 in their 73-87? I originally was looking into doing the 5.3, but, might as well do the 6.0L(iron ONLY, for not really a fan the aluminum option despite the 80 or so lb difference).
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I have not but there is definitely a performance difference between iron and aluminum. If your worried about overheating, it's not that big of a deal, as long as your cooling system is in proper working order, overheating shouldn't be an issue. All 6L GM engines run incredibly well. I work with them everyday.
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There is no difference in a LQ4 vs LQ9 vs LM7 other than internal components. 4 vs 9 is valvetrain and pistons. Basically an LS swap is just an LS swap. I have a LQ4 in my truck that is on here.
Chris Lucas
73-87chevytrucks.com
squarebody.biz
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Re: Capt
I read that, where there is no difference other than 1 has dished pistons and the other flat top. Doing as much research as I can before taking the next step. Was pretty set on the tbi 350 til I began looking at the LS route through your truck, AG4L and others online. Doesnt make much sense NOT to imo. I've been reading up on things available here and other places, so I'm pretty deadset on the 9.
The weight issue isn't a prob for me, and if i DID go the aluminum route, well, i dont plan on it being a 1000 hp powerplant to where it'd matter heat wise, so thats irrelevant. It's more of a cost choice for the iron block in terms of availability for upgrades for me as its considerably cheaper apparently to go iron than alum from the outside looking in. Was contemplating a run to the junkyard seeing if i could score a whole motor until finding out there's pretty much no chance as most engine rebuilders snatch up anything LS as soon as it hits the yard.
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It is going to be more difficult to find a LQ9 unless you know someone that deals in salvage engines and ask them to let you know when one shows up. That is also why they are hard to find.
A 5.3L is going to be easier to find and can make good power.
Chris Lucas
73-87chevytrucks.com
squarebody.biz