LTX and LSXPutting LT1's, LS1's, and their variants into Third Gens is becoming more popular. This board is for those who are doing and have done the swaps so they can discuss all of their technical aspects, including repairs, swap info, and performance upgrades.
Welcome to ThirdGen.org!
Welcome to ThirdGen.org.
You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join the ThirdGen.org community today!
Moving to the darkside, from Buick Turbo V6 to LQ4 swap!!!
Well, I havent posted on ThirdGen.org in a while so I figure this may be the best way to come back. I took my Turbo Buick V6 engine out of my 1990 Firebird to tear it down due to a mysterious noise. Found that it collapsed two lifters, flattened one cam lobe and spun at least one rod bearing. I stopped tearing it down after that.
So, I decided to use a spare 6.0L LQ4 I had lying around for my next engine for the Firebird. All the following parts came from a 2002(or 2003) GMC Yukon;
67k mile 6.0L LQ4 w/ 317 heads(Date code 7/02 but has MLS head gaskets?)
Alternator
Starter
Power Steering pump
Water pump
Engine wiring harness
PCM
Ill be upgrading intakes for sure, as well as at least a cam swap and milled heads. I know the truck oil pan wont fit but,
The questions/confirmations I'm wondering are;
1) Can I use the accessory drive system from the yukon?
2) Can I use the Wiring Harness?
3) Are the Hawks swap headers worth it? Or are there other options?
I plan to keep checking the site for advice, comments, suggestions on the swap.
__________________ 1990 Firebird6.0L LQ4 PRC 5.3L Heads, Fast 92/92, 235/242 .621/.624 113+4 cam, 4L60E/4000, Eibach Pro Kit, Tokiko 5-ways, and other goodies!!
2002 Camaro SS 35thLE for sale, PM for info!!!
Re: Moving to the darkside, from Buick Turbo V6 to LQ4 swap!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cabech984
Well, I havent posted on ThirdGen.org in a while so I figure this may be the best way to come back. I took my Turbo Buick V6 engine out of my 1990 Firebird to tear it down due to a mysterious noise. Found that it collapsed two lifters, flattened one cam lobe and spun at least one rod bearing. I stopped tearing it down after that.
So, I decided to use a spare 6.0L LQ4 I had lying around for my next engine for the Firebird. All the following parts came from a 2002(or 2003) GMC Yukon;
67k mile 6.0L LQ4 w/ 317 heads(Date code 7/02 but has MLS head gaskets?)
Alternator
Starter
Power Steering pump
Water pump
Engine wiring harness
PCM
Ill be upgrading intakes for sure, as well as at least a cam swap and milled heads. I know the truck oil pan wont fit but,
The questions/confirmations I'm wondering are;
1) Can I use the accessory drive system from the yukon?
2) Can I use the Wiring Harness?
3) Are the Hawks swap headers worth it? Or are there other options?
I plan to keep checking the site for advice, comments, suggestions on the swap.
They likely started 2003 engines early. Lucky, means you got coated piston skirts too!
Accessory drive is usable if you retain a truck intake and chop a big-old hole into your hood. If thats not appealing you need f-body or Y-body acc & a LS1 or 6 intake.
Harness is usable. I used a '03 Silverado harness in my swap.
Hawks heads are more then worth every penny. Be sure to make your own Y though!!
Re: Moving to the darkside, from Buick Turbo V6 to LQ4 swap!!!
I think you are defeating the purpose of the lq4 with your proposed ideas. New cam and milled heads??? The lq4's strong points are iron block and low compression. Take advantage of what that block has got. Since you have already owned a f.i. vehicle it wouldn't be a tough jump to charge that lq4. Procharger or twin turbo perhaps?
Re: Moving to the darkside, from Buick Turbo V6 to LQ4 swap!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cabech984
Well, I haven't posted on ThirdGen.org in a while so I figure this may be the best way to come back. I took my Turbo Buick V6 engine out of my 1990 Firebird to tear it down due to a mysterious noise. Found that it collapsed two lifters, flattened one cam lobe and spun at least one rod bearing. I stopped tearing it down after that.
Ouch. I don't blame you there...
The harness should work fine, I'm retaining the Escalade/Yukon harness & ECM for my swap.
Re: Moving to the darkside, from Buick Turbo V6 to LQ4 swap!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by FirehawkSS
I think you are defeating the purpose of the lq4 with your proposed ideas. New cam and milled heads??? The lq4's strong points are iron block and low compression. Take advantage of what that block has got. Since you have already owned a f.i. vehicle it wouldn't be a tough jump to charge that lq4. Procharger or twin turbo perhaps?
Id love to do the FI route with it. It is more or less a long term goal though because I wont be able to get the funding to buy a FI setup, not even an STS. So, for now Im thinking Cam and Heads(possibly cam only with boltons. Any FI is going to come with forged internals!!!
Now I remember why you cant use the truck accessories lol. I dont want any holes in the hood!
Is this a hard to wire up kind of swap? Im only using the engine side of the harness aka TH400 Transmission. Do I just splice into C101 or should I send it to Speartech or Caspers or something?
