LQ4-need more HP

dns87ss · #1 06-23-2010, 02:47 PM

Just recently bought an LQ4/4L80E out of a 2001 GMC 2500HD 2WD truck. It has the 317 heads. The engine it will replace in my monte has about 325HP so I'd like more than the 300 the LQ4 is rated at. I want to stay NA on this engine.
The install won't be for another year or so, so I'll have time to start accumulating parts for the build.
I will probably go with a car intake/accessories but might not be right away.
Now for the questions....
1. How do I get to 400HP?
2. What does it take to get to 450-500?...future plans?

TIA,
Dean

bczee · #2 06-23-2010, 03:09 PM

I would say any combination or all of the below, more if you want to get closer to the 500 mark...:

1) CAM and Spring and setup
2) Fast Intake, Throttle Body
3) better flowing Heads (or get your 317's ported) and Lighter Valves and retainers, etc
4) more compression (use LQ9 piston or after market for more compression)
5) Stroke and bore it
6) Dyno Tune (done for any and all of the above)

suggest are just starting points. I'm sure many will get you there setups, which most likely will include all or most of the suggestion.

or sell your LQ4 and find and start with a LQ9/L92 or LS2/3 or any of the newer Gen IV engines.

retrolsx · #3 07-14-2010, 02:59 PM

A Cam would get you close to the 400HP mark. A OEM LS6 cam is great for a cheap bump in power or get a comp cam or custom grind to get a lot more power from it

Most LQ4 run the LS1 camshaft which is
2001 LQ4 Truck/SUV 12561721 .479/.467 196/207 116 117/115

set of cheap L92 heads can get you a lot closer to 500HP. thould would need the LS3 intake due to the new poert design so if you plan to use a car intake i would do these at the same time.

dns87ss · #4 07-22-2010, 05:38 AM

I like the L92 idea...been reading about these heads. I also read that they can be a little picky about the cam you run....any suggestions on cams for L92/LS3 intake?

qelsupreze · #5 07-31-2010, 09:19 AM

Everything you need...Step by Step
And Dyno Tested!!! How about 580 hp!!!!

480 hp!!!

580 hp!!!!

retrolsx · #6 08-06-2010, 04:30 PM

With the L92 heads the cam choice should be based off a LS3 cam. The L92 heads have a very large intake valve and need a split duration camshaft.

Antler · #7 08-16-2010, 06:06 PM

Get a set of used L92 Heads and a factory cam like from LS6 or Zo6 and you should be well over 400hp, I'd say closer to 500.