High mileage 5.3/6.0

[Tilt]

Here's a quick update. I picked up an 04 Escalade with the LQ9 with 132K on the odometer. So I'll be starting with the stock 345hp. It has the 317 heads. I'm not planning on doing any machine work to them, maybe later on. I assume I will need to change the springs and pushrods for the cam. I am planing on an air intake, long tube headers, and full 3" exhaust to help it breath a little better. As far as the new cam, I'm thinking maybe the Torquer V2. http://www.texas-speed.com/p-1149-te...-camshaft.aspx
It will have a 4L80, and probably a set 3.73 gears. Once everything is together, I'll have a live tune done to dial it in. It will not be a daily driver, but will probably be driven quite a bit. I just want a quick little street truck.
This is the first truck I've done anything more to than just suspension, exhaust, interior, and body mods to, so any advise or critiques of my planned setup would be greatly appreciated.

[ls1nova71]

Are you sure it has a 4l80e? An LQ9 should have a 4l60e/4l65e behind it.

[Tilt]

Your right, the Escalade has the 4L65e. I am looking to find a 4L80 to go in the 86 when I do the swap.

[homemade87]

Originally Posted by Tilt

Here's a quick update. I picked up an 04 Escalade with the LQ9 with 132K on the odometer. So I'll be starting with the stock 345hp. It has the 317 heads. I'm not planning on doing any machine work to them, maybe later on. I assume I will need to change the springs and pushrods for the cam. I am planing on an air intake, long tube headers, and full 3" exhaust to help it breath a little better. As far as the new cam, I'm thinking maybe the Torquer V2. http://www.texas-speed.com/p-1149-te...-camshaft.aspx
It will have a 4L80, and probably a set 3.73 gears. Once everything is together, I'll have a live tune done to dial it in. It will not be a daily driver, but will probably be driven quite a bit. I just want a quick little street truck.
This is the first truck I've done anything more to than just suspension, exhaust, interior, and body mods to, so any advise or critiques of my planned setup would be greatly appreciated.

Sound like a good start . The 317 heads will be fine . Same as the 243/799 just a little less compression but will make good power . I would consider getting one of the more well known cam people to spec you a cam instead of one off the shelf . It cost the same money and they will consider everything about your truck to get you one tailored to what you have . Believe me , it makes a difference . With that motor and some supporting mods like , cold air intake and exhaust with a set of long tube headers it will make between 400 and 425 at the flywheel with a good cam . Of coarse a good tune to go along with it . Don't waste you time street tuning it for your final tune . A dyno tune is the way to go . Ask me how I know . I wasted a lot of money in the end not taking it to the dyno . I gained 100 ft lb torque on the low end I did not know I had . Wow what a difference . Good luck with your build . They are a blast to drive when you get done .

[Tilt]

Originally Posted by homemade87

Sound like a good start . The 317 heads will be fine . Same as the 243/799 just a little less compression but will make good power.

The LQ9 is already at 10.04:1, would it really be worth it to find a set of 243/799 heads?

[homemade87]

Originally Posted by Tilt

The LQ9 is already at 10.04:1, would it really be worth it to find a set of 243/799 heads?

These ls engine's like compression . My stock ls2 is 10.9 with the 243 heads . Compression is a great way to build hp . There is nothing lacking with the 10.04 . It will make great power with the right cam . I would concentrate on getting the proper cam for your set up . That's what will make the big difference . On down the road if you decide to step it up you could get another set of heads.

I have progressed to a point I am going to send my 799 heads to Chris Franks at Frankenstein racing heads to get a cnc port job and a new cam from Martin Smallwood at tick Performance . Martin at Tick performance would be a good one to talk to for your cam . As I said it does not cost any more to get one spec for your set up . If you are a power monster like I am this would be the ultimate for the 6.0 . Its a want thing for me .

So in the end you have to decide what you want to do and what your goals are and decide from there. But what you have will make great power if done proper and a spec cam .