My From Start to Finish 6.0L Build

[RAMurphy]

Additionally, I came across and purchased a Trail Blazer SS (TBSS) intake manifold for this build. I was going to buy a FAST LSXRT- but couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money for the very minor increase in HP/Torque over the TBSS.

 

[Buggdave]

In my rebuild, I went with a new OEM ls2 crank and OEM pistons, they don’t sell the new LQ9 piston part number anymore. I now wish I would have looked more into a stroked rotating assembly. It would not have been much more expensive and the NA power would have been better.

 

[RAMurphy]

I've already started my research and evaluation on the rotating assembly I will be purchasing for this build. I have some thoughts and recommendations from Roger (Vinci Hi-performance). I'm pretty sure I will be going with a fully balanced set - more expensive but I allotted that in my budget. I pretty much ruled out the stroked route early on.

 

[RAMurphy]

My TBSS intake arrived this evening. Came packaged extremely well. Gathering the necessary piece parts for this mod while additionally researching different options.

 

[RAMurphy]

So after detailed research and understanding what I want from this build, I decided to utilize the 862 heads I have on hand currently. They were refurbished, modified slightly and already have double springs for my previous engine that threw a camshaft bearing. They only have 5K miles on them. So my decision was simply based on what I'm trying to do - increase low to midrange torque. I'm rarely above 5.5K rpm and I do tow our camper more and more these days - getting older you know enjoying the quiet times. I talked to Roger and my machine shop and they agreed that this was a good choice: will increase the compression ratio and match well to the custom cam he is making me. I know people will question this decision, I did too, but it will save me money and provide what I'm looking to achieve. So, let the cleaning begin.

 

[RAMurphy]

Just purchased a fuel rail to go with my TBSS intake upgrade.

 

[Rocket Man]

Since you’re DBC do you need an x-link for the TBSS intake/TB ? I can’t remember. There was a time I was considering going that route before I decided on a blower. I was lucky, my 02 is DBW which was only on some of the 02’s.

 

[RAMurphy]

No. X-link is tied to the type of throttle body you need. Since I'm DBC, I don't need it. You would. I wish I was DBW. I wanted to upgrade to a super charger but because I'm DBC they are hard/impossible to find.

 

[Rocket Man]

No. X-link is tied to the type of throttle body you need. Since I'm DBC, I don't need it. You would. I wish I was DBW. I wanted to upgrade to a super charger but because I'm DBC they are hard/impossible to find.

Yeah, I meant that I was lucky I’m DBW because I was able to go with a blower. When I started looking, there were no blowers listed for the 02’s so I asked BlackBear why. I checked under the hood That’s when I found out I could run one.

I just couldn’t remember if the x-link was for a DBC or DBW truck. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Buggdave]

I wanted to go with 706/862 heads on my rebuild, I even sourced a set from the wreaking yard. I liked where the torque curve was at, it match my driving (below 5500 RPM). Because I went with Flat Top Pistons in my 6.0 rebuild, my compression ratio was going to be 11.75:1 which is a little high for 91 Octane (I do not have E85 or 93 in my area). After visting with Roger @ Vinci and Justin @ Blackbear, they advised me against the high comression and indicated I should try to stay in the 11:1 area that the 243/799 heads offer. I found a good set of 243 heads for cheap and decided to go with them for now. As i get better at tuning, I might reconsider the 862 heads. From Richard Holdners videos, I think you will like the 862 heads on the 6.0 LQ4.