I have a 2002 3.8L Firebird and I'm contemplating on a motorswap. I can get an LQ4 / LQ6 with the transmission MUCH cheaper than I can get a LS1 / LS6 with the transmission. It's like $1K difference from what I've seen...

My questions...

The Bottom end - (Crank / Pistons) Is it anything similar to the LS1? If not, how much power can it handle? - Being its a 6.0 I assume they're not the same.

The heads - Are they the same that is on the LS1? If not, are LS1 heads a good replacement or should I look into maybe LS2 or aftermarket heads?

The Vortec Intake - Is this any good or can I replace it with a F.A.S.T intake?

Cam Options - Being its a Gen III block I assume it can use the very same cam's an LSX can use correct?

Accessory Belt - I'm trying to eliminate as much resistance as possible. Would it be possible to run the Electric Water Pump and convert to an LS1 accessory belt W/Underdrive pullies?

Are these blocks reverse cooled like the LS1?

 

The LQ4/LQ9 is internally basically the same as the LS1 besides having a 4.0" bore instead of a 3.9" bore and different heads/cam/intake. Nearly everything is interchangeable with the LS1.

The LQ4 is lower compression due to the dished pistons (9.4:1) and the LQ9 is a higher compression motor (10:1) due to the flat-tops.

The 317 heads are comparable to the LS1 heads, but they have a bigger combustion ch amber size. They work well on blower setups.


It all depends on what you're doing and what your budget is -- you can keep everything like it is or change everything like you'd build-up an LS1.

For all build-purposes, the Vortec intake sucks. I'd throw it in a lake.

I'd change the cam/heads/intake out if I was doing an NA build.

For a blower build, I'd get an LQ4 and change the cam/intake and be done with it.

Pretty cheap stuff.