![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
|
![]()
I just picked up an LQ4 with about 200k miles on it. I am putting it in a 1970 C10 shortbed. I worry about it being able to hook up (leaf spring rear end) which entertains the question, should I turbo this motor or just build it up to something streetable. I am not hitting the strip every weekend, just want something quick. Perhaps around 500HP (if that is still manageable on this setup).
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Le Sueur MN
Posts: 209
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
I think the saying goes Fast, cheap, reliable, pick two. So what kind of budget do you have?
__________________
AJC |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Post Whore
![]() ![]() Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,636
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
gonna be hard to get it to hook up..ive seen way to many videos of turbo LS trucks roasting the tires at 40-60 mph... but for quick hp , the turbo seems the way to go,,
__________________
Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Cherryville, NC
Posts: 2,193
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Speed costs money $$$...How fast do you want to go?
Any truck (leaf or coil) rear will have trouble hooking up due the the lack of weight directly over the rear axle.... An LQ4 at 200K is just run in...I would change the cam, freshen up the rings and bearings, cam chain and oil pump, service the heads and install valve springs to suit the cam. You didnt mention transmission? 4L80E makes sense to me... Just my 2 cents worth ![]() ![]() ![]()
__________________
Family and country before all others... 2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver) 2012 Chevy Equinox ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
I don't have a huge budget budget but this one will be a keeper so I don't mind spending a little extra on it. Cheaper and reliable would be ideal. Shoot I don't even know what I have for gears either, as I just picked up the pickup at the beginning of the month. So fast isn't at the top of the list. Getting up to "fast" is more what I want.
I will go with a 4l80 for sure. Just need to find one! Any suggestions or know of one?! Also on that note any suggestions for rear half that has a chance to reasonably hook up? Also yes, I plan to freshen it up since it just sitting on the engine stand right now. Opportune time! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Western Colorado
Posts: 1,165
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
I got my 4L80 from LSX4U. Rebuilt to stock standards and reasonable on cost and haven't had any issues on the short test drives I've taken my truck on so far.
http://lsx4u.com/
__________________
1964 Chevy C10 - Gen IV 5.3 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=768632 1968 GMC C15 - Gen III 6.0 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772047 1969 Chevy C10 - Restoration http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809184 1978 Chevy Scottsdale K20 1993 Chevy C1500 - 5.3/T56 swapped 2008 Silverado Duramax |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 2,932
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Turbos are fun but you can and will have great power without one. I like my 4l80e.
Dave
__________________
Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Post Whore
![]() ![]() Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,636
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
("I will go with a 4l80 for sure. Just need to find one! Any suggestions or know of one?! ")
I don't know how to even get ahold of him anymore, but clinebarger would be who id be looking for... he is in the FW area..you may find him still active on other forums.(google maybe?).. we used to have some members here who basically ran him off this site...
__________________
Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Cherryville, NC
Posts: 2,193
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
"clinebarger' is an absolute expert when it comes to auto transmissions....
He is on LS1TECH under same user name The link below will take you to his profile... https://ls1tech.com/forums/search.php?searchid=39322542 Even if you dont reach out to him, there is a goldmine of information on our forum...just click this link and it should list all posts. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...archid=6683938 Dismantlers are best source for 4l80E....but you will need a controller.... ![]() ![]() ![]()
__________________
Family and country before all others... 2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver) 2012 Chevy Equinox ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Sweet, thanks for the info Potter. I will have to check out their site.
Also good to know on clinebarger, sounds like a knowledgeable dude. I will definitely comb through the links you sent. I am sure it will help me out quite a bit. Any thoughts on traction? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
By the way Aussie, I was unable to get that top link to work.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...archid=6683938 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Cherryville, NC
Posts: 2,193
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Quote:
![]() ![]() ![]()
__________________
Family and country before all others... 2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver) 2012 Chevy Equinox ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 | |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Cherryville, NC
Posts: 2,193
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Quote:
![]() ![]() ![]()
__________________
Family and country before all others... 2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver) 2012 Chevy Equinox ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
I am willing to spend around the 3k mark on the rear end. Am I in the ball park for anything legit?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Le Sueur MN
Posts: 209
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Are you going to be running a factory ECU and wiring harness or go with an aftermarket stand alone ECU? I guess you could also go with a carburetor, but then you will still need a trans controller for the 4L80e.
Also what year is your LQ4?
__________________
AJC |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
I will be going with an aftermarket setup. The wiring needs redone in the pickup as well.
The LQ4 is a 2003 out of a Sierra 2500. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Cherryville, NC
Posts: 2,193
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Quote:
What diff is in the truck now...6 stud axles or 5 stud? Limited Slip? ![]() ![]() ![]()
__________________
Family and country before all others... 2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver) 2012 Chevy Equinox ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
I suppose it depends on the intricacies of what is involved. I can do a lot of stuff myself but if it comes down to needing precision...its probably best in the hands of someone else!
It has the 6 stud axles in it right now. Not sure on the limited slip...haven't jacked it up to see which way my tires spin yet! But it is a 12 bolt. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 96
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Work out what you'd actually need 500hp for, and then work out a plan to get there...
In the meantime just swap in what you've got... Maximize time on the road. big holistic projects sound fun but driving is better, and once you have the mounts/wiring etc all setup for an LS, you'll reuse 90% of that when you drop in the next LS which can be built any damn way you want. This is the regret of my previous project cars talking here... Daydream all you like, but focus on incremental changes and actually enjoy your truck. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 384
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
i would freshen it up top to bottom, gap your rings for boost, add a good cam for boost and add the turbo later depending on your budget and timeline. I built my 6.0 up first did the swap drove it two summers then added boost. I blew my budget on both the engine build/ls swap and turbo addition by 50 percent easily .. All the little things add up in a hurry
Last edited by jrusher; 05-31-2020 at 09:49 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Jose Ca
Posts: 2,871
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Do it! (just because I like seeing turbo builds)
You can get 4l80's at most junkyards. My local pick and pull charges 120 for a trans and an extra 30% if you want a one year warranty. You can raise the front spring mounting point to increase anti-squat and run "slapper bars" or cal tracs to get you better traction. You can also run a drag radial if you really want to hook up.
__________________
David Used parts build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=638991 My brother's Nova: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=727985 Rear suspension rework: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=750557 Instagram: myfabguy |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
On it Tiny!! I think a turbo will be a fun, new route to go. Never done one before so it will be an interesting ride.
My junkyards are just that...junk! They are of no help, nor do they have anything! So I've been scouring the interwebs to see what's out there and available at a reasonable price. Tough to come by. I was looking at Caltracs. But they are made for 2.5" leafs and I have 2.25" leafs. The salesman at Caltracs sure seemed to be steering me away from their products, mono spring and Caltrac combo. He was stating that I would have to get a new front hanger and then there wouldn't be much room to mount the Caltracs after that. It is a shortbed, but does that really matter? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Jose Ca
Posts: 2,871
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
Quote:
Junkyards are definitely hit or miss. Ive had fair luck over the years. I'm currently looking for a 4l80e so I don't have to have mine rebuilt.
__________________
David Used parts build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=638991 My brother's Nova: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=727985 Rear suspension rework: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=750557 Instagram: myfabguy |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 135
|
Re: LQ4 - To turbo or not...GO
I will have to look into a set of leafs that will lower it as well. Not sure if I should do a flip kit or not on it.
So you're telling me I have some competition finding a tranny, eh?! ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
Tags |
lq4, no turbo, turbo |
|
|