Lq4 question

**LS2 SS** · 03-21-2012, 04:31 PM

Ok so I have an lq4 block just sitting around and I would like to built it. I know alot of people do the 402/408 built but I was thinking of doing a 396 just to be different. I do have the stock crank and its already been to the machine shop so I want to use that to save money. The first question I have is can I use the stock crank with that built and where can I find rods and pistons? I've been looking and having trouble. All I see are 408 stroker kits. Any help would be great! Also has anyone ever done this before? Thanks guys!

**LS2 SS** · 03-24-2012, 11:39 AM

Anyone?

**Firebirdjones** · 03-24-2012, 12:33 PM

You won't be able to hit your target of 396 ci with the stock crank. Simply not enough material in the block to bore it that far.

Starting at 364 cubes with stock crank and bore, and going a maximum of .060 over (sonic check to be sure) you will wind up with about 376 cubes.

Nothing wrong with that, but if it were mine and you already had a stock crank ready to go, I'd simply bore .030 (or what ever minimum you can get away with) and leave some meat for another build down the road. Your build with the stock crank sounds fine, it's still going to make great power with the right parts.

**LS2 SS** · 03-24-2012, 05:36 PM

I can live with a 376. I'm not looking to make tons of power just a fun street car. Where would I go to find rods and pistons for it.

**Firebirdjones** · 03-24-2012, 07:05 PM

There are plenty of aftermarket rods out there as well as pistons, it just depends on your budget.

**LS2 SS** · 03-24-2012, 07:15 PM

Thanks firebird Jones! This is going to be a budget built. Just not sure where to start looking. I plan on doing ls3 heads just not sure on a cam yet. Ill be putting alot of research in with that.

**slims00ls1z28** · 03-26-2012, 11:47 PM

All rods save for the 4.8 and 7.0 are the same as are the cranks. The difference is in the balancing. So for a budget build stock rods reconditioned with ARP fasteners should serve you alright since you aren't planning anything wild, just have the entire setup balanced. I was about to do the same thing with my LQ4 block and did alot of research and decided the complete 5.3 I have was still cheaper than just a set of pistons to build the LQ4.

**LS2 SS** · 03-28-2012, 07:51 PM

I know I'm going to have to get new pistons. The shop told me 2 of the cylinders are out of round and need to be bored. I really like firebirdjones idea of the 376 so I'm looking up stuff on that.