LQ9 Horsepower? Why so restricted.

**raybob** · 06-22-2008, 07:42 AM

I can get an LQ9 from a local dealership, it was a short block that was removed from an Escalade. They are rated at 345 HP factory. Was wanting to do a cam swap, LS-6 heads maybe, and LS6 intake. Was looking at the Texas Speed Majik Stick cam. What would be best route to go with this short block. Thanks for the help.

**squee** · 06-22-2008, 10:34 AM

I thought the LQ9 was rated at 367 from the factory? Are you talking about going with stock LS6 heads? I'd probably get some Patriot Performance heads. There really nice for the price.

**Mr. Luos** · 06-22-2008, 10:40 AM

LQ9 restricted?? It is the cam...designed for torque as it is a truck motor.

Take the LQ9, put your LS6 heads (get them worked), throw in a cam, and 430RWHP is yours.
I just don't know about the stock internals, and what level they become an issue.

**kealap** · 06-22-2008, 11:17 AM

I did this swap in my SS and put Texas-speed Stage 2.5 LS6 heads, and Torquer V2 cam and got 452RWHP.

**Hi-Po** · 06-22-2008, 01:59 PM

The car Im buying this week has the LQ4 block. 5.3 ligenfelter worked heads. kooks headers. Stock internals, stock cam. Put 370 rwhp and 411 rwtq. With a cam swap fast 90/90 this thing will be a monster. I just dont know about the internals and the quality of them. I have searched high and low all over both ls1 sites and can not seem to find any info on the bottom end. Ether way, there are some guys putting some serious numbers down with these engines. I say get it and do some minor mods and get that thing screamin. GL

**kealap** · 06-22-2008, 03:09 PM

The internals on the LQ9 are a bit more stout, with the flat top pistons, and from what I remember the Rods are stronger.

**Hi-Po** · 06-22-2008, 04:15 PM

Over the LQ4? Can you post any place where you found some info please?

**slims00ls1z28** · 06-22-2008, 06:16 PM

With an LQ9 block and magic series cam why not go with L92 heads. They are cheaper and will outflow the LS6's. They have huge runners but with a large cam such as a magic stick and 6.0L they can handle them.

**squee** · 06-22-2008, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by slims00ls1z28

With an LQ9 block and magic series cam why not go with L92 heads. They are cheaper and will outflow the LS6's. They have huge runners but with a large cam such as a magic stick and 6.0L they can handle them.

That would pretty much limit you on the intake.

**raybob** · 06-25-2008, 07:23 PM

What could you go with on the intake?

**squee** · 06-25-2008, 07:56 PM

L92 heads, I think stock LS3, LS7, and truck intakes are your only options.

**Hi-Po** · 06-26-2008, 02:55 PM

fast 90/90 wont work on these???

**Hi-Po** · 06-26-2008, 02:55 PM

I think your intakes are only limited IF you choose to go with L92 heads.

**Mr. Luos** · 06-26-2008, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by Hi-Po

I think your intakes are only limited IF you choose to go with L92 heads.

Correct.

**Hi-Po** · 06-26-2008, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

Correct.

Whats heads are you running Luos?

If I bought that car I was telling you about and put a Fast 90/90 and a decent cam package.... what do you think the "rough" whp numbers would be.

370 rwhp and 411 rwtq as of now.

I figure I could definitely do that with 2 grand.

**Mr. Luos** · 06-26-2008, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by Hi-Po

Whats heads are you running Luos?

If I bought that car I was telling you about and put a Fast 90/90 and a decent cam package.... what do you think the "rough" whp numbers would be.

370 rwhp and 411 rwtq as of now.

I figure I could definitely do that with 2 grand.

I would say to expect the torque to gain a little...but the HP to pick up quite a bit.
I would look at something like a 23x/23x around the .610" lift area on a 112-114.
That and the cubes would probably see somewhere in the 430-440RWHP range with a killer powerband.

My heads are Patriot Stage III's. Milled .020" to help with compression.

**Hi-Po** · 06-26-2008, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

I would say to expect the torque to gain a little...but the HP to pick up quite a bit.
I would look at something like a 23x/23x around the .610" lift area on a 112-114.
That and the cubes would probably see somewhere in the 430-440RWHP range with a killer powerband.

My heads are Patriot Stage III's. Milled .020" to help with compression.

You didnt have a shrouding problems on the stage III's even with the 402 di you?

That is some serious RWHP with 2 grand of my cash. I dont expect my torque to increase much, if at all. Ether way, If the guy will take work off tomorrow... I will buy the car. ANd let the modding begin.

Sorry about the thread jack OP

**Mr. Luos** · 06-26-2008, 05:22 PM

What exactly do you mean by shrouding?

Pretty sure the answer is no, but I just want to make sure.

**Hi-Po** · 06-26-2008, 05:33 PM

I thought there might still be a problem with valves being to close to the cylinder wall with stage III's. I know its definitely a problem with the 3.890 bore... was sure if it was the same or even close to with the 4.000 bore. Also it not being bored .030 over.

Maybe shrouding of valves wasnt the best of word useage. ?