LQ4/4L80E for project build?

[96Firebird]

My dad is taking the 400/TH350 for another project, so I can't rebuild it.

And I have been a member of LS1Tech for a while now, I would browse the FS section when I was looking for an LS1 Trans Am.

Last night I talked to the owner of New Era Performance, where I worked for a couple of months during the spring. He also suggested boosting a 5.3 or going with a 6.0 NA, and sticking with a 4L80E. I am afraid of boosting though, I want this truck to be pretty reliable when I am done. I don't want to have to fix something every other weekend... But I can find the 5.3s for cheap, and they are more readily available. Can the 5.3s make power NA?

 

[herm0016]

What rearend is the truck? If its a 10 or 12 bolt it won't last long especially if its a gov-lock.

there is nothing wrong with 10 bolts and 12 bolts. if you mean a G-80 Eaton locker, they work great also with stock HP and transmissions. It is no ford 9 inch with a spool, but it has been built to handle stock motors and transmissions.

 

[Tristicus]

My dad is taking the 400/TH350 for another project, so I can't rebuild it.

And I have been a member of LS1Tech for a while now, I would browse the FS section when I was looking for an LS1 Trans Am.

Last night I talked to the owner of New Era Performance, where I worked for a couple of months during the spring. He also suggested boosting a 5.3 or going with a 6.0 NA, and sticking with a 4L80E. I am afraid of boosting though, I want this truck to be pretty reliable when I am done. I don't want to have to fix something every other weekend... But I can find the 5.3s for cheap, and they are more readily available. Can the 5.3s make power NA?

As I've read, the 5.3s make power in the higher levels, and are decent, but possibly a reason why they can be found for cheap. A 6.0 would be sweet though!

 

[96Firebird]

The more I think about it, the more I want a 6.0 and go all motor. I'm in no rush to finish the project, so I can wait around for a good deal on a complete drop-out. Hopefully get it before this winter though, so I can start a complete tear down if needed.

 

[Christobevii3]

The problem with the 5.3L vs the 6.0L is the L92 heads you can get dirt cheap for the 6.0L are z06 heads. The 5.3L heads are a bit lesser in quality and after market ones are 3x the cost of the L92 heads. So even if you save $500 on the 5.3L you are going to pay $1200 for comparable heads to the $400 L92 heads and gold z06 springs.

 

[Rifter]

You could always go with the 383 stroker too, not super cheap but will make big power with the right cam.