12-05-2018, 07:43 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Middleburg, North Carolina
Posts: 480
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2003 6.0
Just looking into my first LS swap. Exploring some options.
Is a 2003 6.0 out of a 2500HD a good option? Are the stock heads a good choice? Cam upgrade readily available? Any input will be greatly appreciated. S |
12-05-2018, 09:38 PM | #2 |
Post Whore
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,670
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Re: 2003 6.0
That should be a lq4...great engines...about 322hp stock...
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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 |
12-06-2018, 09:26 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada
Posts: 2,476
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Re: 2003 6.0
That's the engine I have for my swap. A very good choice. Heads are 317's and are very good flowing but have larger chambers (as do all of the LQ4's and LQ9's) so only 9:1 compression. LQ9's have different pistons and half a point more compression.Tons of cams available. The 04 switched up to floating wrist pins which is a bit better for performance and longevity. 03 fuel rails are set up for a return line so if you go returnless you will have to block one or swap in 04 rails and cross over. If you can find a later 6.0 with the LS3 heads you'd be ahead of the game. LS3/L92 heads swap onto LQ4/LQ9 engines so you can go that route later for a performance upgrade.
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada |
12-06-2018, 10:27 AM | #4 |
Almost Satisfied
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 2,932
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Re: 2003 6.0
I have an 03 LQ4. Mine is not a return fuel line set up. Came out of a Yukon Denali. Interesting...
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1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far." |
12-06-2018, 11:22 AM | #5 |
meowMEOWmeowMEOW
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MKE WI
Posts: 7,128
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Re: 2003 6.0
^03-04.5 is the changeover period, and it was a rolling change through 04 between the light, medium, and fleet duty trucks. Some 03's were return style yet had DBW, others were returnless, and some were return with cable throttle.
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'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD
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12-06-2018, 12:11 PM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Woodbury, Ct.
Posts: 1,692
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Re: 2003 6.0
One of mine is an '04 returnless with cable..Seems like they got every combo covered.lol
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12-06-2018, 03:06 PM | #7 |
meowMEOWmeowMEOW
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MKE WI
Posts: 7,128
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Re: 2003 6.0
and lets not forget the flex fuel trucks and those combos..
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'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD
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12-08-2018, 12:39 AM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Lenexa, KS
Posts: 547
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Re: 2003 6.0
I’m installing an 03 LQ4 in mine right now. Stock bottom end with milled and cnc’d 317 heads.
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