Ls2?

[Kim57]

I've been posting this in a few places here trying to get as many replies as possible so I can make an informed decision.
I'm building a pro-street themed 57 P.U. and have come to the time to make a choice of the power plant.

#1-Build my new bare block 454. Needs everything.

#2-Get a complete 1999 454 vortec from a salvage yard that has 90,000 miles.
Will have to go through and freshen/replace what is worn out. It does have all the accessories and comes with the computer for the FI. The engine is $1,000. Would still need a trans.

#3-6.0 LS2 out of an 2009 SS Trail Blazer. This engine is only supposed to have 18,000 miles and has the trans and computer also. $5,000 for both.
thanks for any reply's.
Kim

[BR3W CITY]

#4 build an lq4/lq9 and trans with good aftermarket goodies for under the cost of the LS2.

The ls2 is awesome, especially with those low miles, but its not the vision I get when I think "pro street". I also imagine that the cost will mean that the motor will stay mostly stock at that point. IMO for what you'd spend, you can build an lq4/lq9 more tailored to your goals, and still have some money left for other stuff.
Also, wasn't the TBSS awd? I'm not as familiar with the 4l65e so I don't know if you'd have to switch the output shaft on it as well.


Cool project no matter what ya do. (come to the darkside!)

[clinebarger]

I agree with the points about a LQ4/9 being more budget friendly. But if you can afford it.....LS2 all the way, They are factory high performance engines & produce great power with just a tune.
The transmission will be a 4L70E that will have a transfer case on it, Need to swap the output shaft, Install a 2wd tailhousing.

[mooseknuckles]

I agree as well with the lq4/lq9, super strong iron block if your gonna run nitrous or turbo...but if money's no prob the ls2 would be pretty sweet.....

[6.0 1955]

Build an lq9 with l92 heads and an appropriate spec'd cam. You can run carb setup or fuel injection either one. This will make more power reliable power for less money than any of the 3 options you are looking at. Good luck with the build.
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[Kim57]

Thanks guys.
I'm going to show my ignorance now.
What vehicles came with the Lq4/Lq9?
Kim

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

I agree with the points about a LQ4/9 being more budget friendly. But if you can afford it.....LS2 all the way, They are factory high performance engines & produce great power with just a tune.
The transmission will be a 4L70E that will have a transfer case on it, Need to swap the output shaft, Install a 2wd tailhousing.

From what I could find the Trailblazer also came in 2-WD so no transfer case.
Here's a pic of the set up.
Kim

[6.0 1955]

The lq4 comes in most 3/4 ton pickup trucks and some earlier Denali pickups and suv's. The lq9 comes in escalades, Denali trucks 04-up for sure, some regular pickups. The only difference between the two is the piston shape. The lq4 has a dished piston and the lq9 has a flat top piston. Everything else is the same. The ls2 pictured is a great engine but most of us can't afford to pay that much for an engine setup. The lq4 and lq9 are 6.0l just like the ls2 but the iron block adds weight. The ls2 heads are probably 243's which will bump compression up some. Good luck with the build.
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[Kim57]

Originally Posted by 6.0 1955

The lq4 comes in most 3/4 ton pickup trucks and some earlier Denali pickups and suv's. The lq9 comes in escalades, Denali trucks 04-up for sure, some regular pickups. The only difference between the two is the piston shape. The lq4 has a dished piston and the lq9 has a flat top piston. Everything else is the same. The ls2 pictured is a great engine but most of us can't afford to pay that much for an engine setup. The lq4 and lq9 are 6.0l just like the ls2 but the iron block adds weight. The ls2 heads are probably 243's which will bump compression up some. Good luck with the build.
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thanks for the info.
I really can't afford it either but when I start adding up what it would cost to build my bare block or go through one from a wrecking yard and then getting a good O.D. trans it doesn't look that bad.
Kim

[Custom 68]

I know the 6.0 is the bigger and possibly a better choice to do it once but my little 5.3 sure is fun and to me makes good power. You can pick them up with a over drive much less than that. Dont forget you will spend on tune, wiring and all the other necessary parts will quickly add up.
Dave

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by Custom 68

I know the 6.0 is the bigger and possibly a better choice to do it once but my little 5.3 sure is fun and to me makes good power. You can pick them up with a over drive much less than that. Dont forget you will spend on tune, wiring and all the other necessary parts will quickly add up.
Dave

It's supposed to have the full harness accessories and ECU so that should save some money. I just have to make the time to go see it.
Kim

[Kim57]

Well here's what I ended up with.
6.0 LS2 with a 4L70 trans.
Only has 18,000 miles.
Has all the accessories, computer and harness.
Now the fun can begin.
I appreciate all the advice you guys gave.
Kim

[Custom 68]

awesome project good luck.
Dave

[CrazyJesster]

if ya dont mind me asking whatd was the price for the Ls2 with the transmission?

[mooseknuckles]

sweet!

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by CrazyJesster

if ya dont mind me asking whatd was the price for the Ls2 with the transmission?

$4500. It's only supposed to have 18,000 miles.
I kept hearing about guys getting cheaper ones but couldn't find any in my area without a lot of miles.
I pulled the pan and everything looks good and the trans fluid was clean so I should be O.K.
Kim

[c10seconds]

Seems like a decent deal. Is the trans 2wd or awd?
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[usmcchevy]

Originally Posted by c10seconds

Seems like a decent deal.
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I agree,you can easily get a 6.0 for less, but not a LS2.

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by c10seconds

Seems like a decent deal. Is the trans 2wd or awd?
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It's a 2wd 4L70.
Kim

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by c10seconds

Seems like a decent deal. Is the trans 2wd or awd?
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Originally Posted by usmcchevy

I agree,you can easily get a 6.0 for less, but not a LS2.

I'm real stoked that it's all aluminum. The dressed engine ways less than 500#s.
Kim