The 6.0 lq9 Tahoe is a big step closer to reality and driveability. Recently picked up my all 'new' 6.0 from the builder that did the assembly. I had sourced all the parts on my own from WS6Store and had the machine work done at a local Socal shop that did an excellent job. Unfortunately they are so busy with machine work, they do not do any assembling of long blocks, so I found another builder willing to take the assembly job. I was considering doing the assembly myself after discussing it with the machine shop. He was really emphatic that an LS assemble job is pretty straight forward and not difficult for a garage mechanic that's worked on their own **** and has the necessary tools. I did the disassembly and it was straight forward with no gotchas.
What all I ended up doing is bore .020", new flat top pistons, bearings, recondition conn. rods and crankshaft, 317 heads recond. and cut to raise CR (10.5:1), bowl blend work & valve job, Smith Bros trunnion upgrade, LS6 springs, Summit 8718R1 camshaft, new Johnson Hylift lifters, and other bits and pieces I can't remember. Most everything is new except for block, crankshaft, cyl heads, connecting rods(which I got lucky this engine had Gen4 floating pin rods).
I'm currently trying to decide if I'm going to do the swap or farm it out to an automotive repair shop. This is kind of an out of the ordinary job for repair shops in this area, and a few places have looked at me sideways when I told them I want the engine swapped. Time is always the thing in short supply which is why I'm considering having the swap done so I don't lose multiple nights and/or weekends. If you did a swap yourself, how long did it take?
Around the same time the engine goes in, I need a trans rebuild done. The original 2004 L59 5.3 and 4L60 both have 334k on them, so they both needed attention. Neither one gave up the ghost, but I'm not chancing a new engine with an old trans. The trans I will be having done by others, the same shop that does the rebuild will R&R it too. Don't know if it matters which order this is done in....engine in first, then take to trans shop OR take to trans shop to do their thing, then swap the engine after the trans is done. Anyone have .02 cents on this?
The new engine is so clean, I'm considering painting the block. I wish it were painted before assembly, but it wasn't so here I am. Also would like the clean up the valve covers a bit. They are squeaky clean, but still have this dull, rough chalky look to them. Anyone ever done a light polishing or anything else on factory valve covers? Suggestions and examples(pics or video) are much appreciated of cleaned up, detailed engines.
The driver's side cover is the factory 04 with the fixed PCV opening. Now is the time for me to change it if it's the better option. Earlier valve cover with removable PCV? Later valve cover with the same fixed orifice and the larger rectangular opening on the baffle?
Thanks all for any and all suggestions and info.
