My From Start to Finish 6.0L Build

[RAMurphy]

Well, I've never done this before but always wanted to. I've done just about every other kind of maintenance/repair in the past 45+ years on so many different kinds of vehicles including my 2002 Tahoe. Always wanted to build an engine. So I just ordered a 6.OL block and will start this journey because I can and before I'm too old to make it happen. This will not be a quick build for two reasons: 1. I'm still working full time+ and 2. I want to do this right, after all it will be going into my 2002 baby.

 

[iamdub]

Well, I've never done this before but always wanted to. I've done just about every other kind of maintenance/repair in the past 45+ years on so many different kinds of vehicles including my 2002 Tahoe. Always wanted to build an engine. So I just ordered a 6.OL block and will start this journey because I can and before I'm too old to make it happen. This will not be a quick build for two reasons: 1. I'm still working full time+ and 2. I want to do this right, after all it will be going into my 2002 baby.

 

[OR VietVet]

 

[Sam Harris]

Hell yeah!! I want to do this too, but way too much going on right now..

 

[RAMurphy]

Reached out to my Machine Shop that I have used in the past to assess his availability to help with this build. Luckily he is available to look at my block and determine what will need t be done to the block - although it is supposed to be build ready. I never trust those words. Additionally, I will be talking to him about suggestions on what to purchase for this build. I'm leaning towards the LQ9 but will take suggestions. I will also be reaching out to Black Bear and Vinci Performance. Waiting on shipping information on my block.

 

[iamdub]

Reached out to my Machine Shop that I have used in the past to assess his availability to help with this build. Luckily he is available to look at my block and determine what will need t be done to the block - although it is supposed to be build ready. I never trust those words.

You can never be too sure and there's no sense in building on a questionable foundation.

Additionally, I will be talking to him about suggestions on what to purchase for this build. I'm leaning towards the LQ9 but will take suggestions.

What're your intended uses?

How do you drive?

Mostly do highway cruising or lower-speed, block-to-block city jaunts or both?

Do any towing- what and how often?

Would you prefer to not be limited to high octane?

Aiming for a stock ("clone" of LQ4, LQ9 or LS2, etc.) build or custom to suit your needs?

Plan on any power-adders other than N/A?

Do you have a particular power number in mind that you'd like to hit?

 

[RAMurphy]

What're your intended uses?

First, thank you for responding. So, I'm really looking for lower end torque. But, I do like to get on it.

How do you drive?

I'm a bit heavy footed. But, when I'm with my wife, not so mush so - she's more happy with just cruzing.

Mostly do highway cruising or lower-speed, block-to-block city jaunts or both?

Both, more city though.

Do any towing- what and how often?

We do own a camper and try to get out twice a month. One of the reasons for the upgrade.

Would you prefer to not be limited to high octane?

My upgraded 5.3L already requires high octane so not an issue.

Aiming for a stock ("clone" of LQ4, LQ9 or LS2, etc.) build or custom to suit your needs?

No, not necessarily looking for a clone.

Plan on any power-adders other than N/A?

Not really possible since my vehicle is throttle by cable. I've looked and nothing really available.

Do you have a particular power number in mind that you'd like to hit?

I would love to hit 500hp.

I'm in a position in life that funding is available but not unlimited. My 2002 Tahoe is my baby and my project. Our three girls are all grown and out of the house.

 

[Rocket Man]

This is on my list of things to do too. What block did you order and where from?

 

[RAMurphy]

Based on my family's success and my recent success with ATK performance. I have over 8K on my current upgraded engine. I also was able to get a significant discount after talking to customer service. So, I purchased the 13G8 Machined LQ4 6.0L Bare Block.

 

[Rocket Man]

Based on my family's success and my recent success with ATK performance. I have over 8K on my current upgraded engine. I also was able to get a significant discount after talking to customer service. So, I purchased the 13G8 Machined LQ4 6.0L Bare Block.

I like how they call it a “seasoned” block. Shipping to OR is only $175! Any idea of a total budget for your build? Or maybe you don’t want to know!

 

[RAMurphy]

LoL. Yep, I had to ask what a "seasoned" block was and was told essentially the same thing when I looked it up:

A "seasoned" block is one that has gone through heat cycling, hot to cold, hot to cold, etc. A block that has been heat cycled is more dimensionally stable than a brand new block since material deformation has already taken place. Sometimes, a builder will bake a new block through several heat cycles before machining it.

To change a famous football rant from Mr Jim Mora - "Budgets, don't talk to me about budgets, really budgets...". Now seriously, I do have an upper limit but I do want to see first the direction I go.

 

[Rocket Man]

LoL. Yep, I had to ask what a "seasoned" block was and was told essentially the same thing when I looked it up:

A "seasoned" block is one that has gone through heat cycling, hot to cold, hot to cold, etc. A block that has been heat cycled is more dimensionally stable than a brand new block since material deformation has already taken place. Sometimes, a builder will bake a new block through several heat cycles before machining it.

To change a famous football rant from Mr Jim Mora - "Budgets, don't talk to me about budgets, really budgets...". Now seriously, I do have an upper limit but I do want to see first the direction I go.

I thought they meant used?

 

[RAMurphy]

@Rocket Man I'm sure it means it is used too. I hope you realize I was joking on my budget response. Like everybody, I don't have an unlimited budget but I'm willing to pay to get what I need/want. Not sure what that means yet. Still researching and determining what the best bang for the buck will be. Always looking for suggestions.

 

[Rocket Man]

I didn’t mean to get personal as far as budget goes, I’m more trying to get an idea of different total costs for different types of builds, so I’ll know if I want to start down this road. I haven’t even decided if I want to build an engine for my pickup or if I want to start a boat project and build a motor for that. I’m going to look into what it takes to run boosted LS based engines in jet boats instead of the big blocks they usually run. There aren’t many of them running an LS. At this point I’m mostly still in the dream stage.

 

[RAMurphy]

@Rocket Man : One of the problems with written forums (and social media) is that your attempt to be funny can be taken wrong. I did not take your question on budget as personal. In this forum it is a legit question. So, please realize I respect your thoughts, comments, questions and recommendations. Everyone here is so helpful, knowledgeable and willing to share their experience and experiences - with the occasional comedy thrown in. It's why I've been a member so long. Budget: while I continue to do my research I'm looking at $5-7K. But, like I said this could change a little as I progress. As someone just recently posted, and as you found out during your A/C adventure, work like this has a tendency to grow by $100 at a time.

 

[RAMurphy]

Just reached out this morning to Roger from Vinci Hi-Performance. Such a great company and looking forward to his response.

 

[RAMurphy]

Last night I finished the tear down of my previous 5.3L engine that I mentioned in a previous post started losing oil pressure, then developed a slight knock which became a more significant knock but I was able to limp it home and park it. Which is why I dropped another 5.3L which I upgraded. I also mentioned that I wished I dropped a 6.0L in it instead. Which is why I started this project. Below is one of the camshaft bearings I pulled out. It was separated from the block. Some of the damage was caused by me pulling it out so I could get the camshaft out.

Two other bearings also looked worn. The crankshaft with 280K miles and bearings all looked good.

Because of those miles and some areas on this crankshaft I will not be using this crank for my rebuild. So, it looks like I will be procuring the entire rotating assembly. Researching products, manufacturer and possible kits. Also whether I should by a fully balanced kit or have my machine shop do the work. Thoughts?

 

[RAMurphy]

Just reached out this morning to Roger from Vinci Hi-Performance. Such a great company and looking forward to his response.

I heard back from Roger that same very evening and he provided me a CAM recommendation and some other suggestions and thoughts. This, even when his family and company were evacuating due to hurricane IAN. Thoughts and prayers out to all who have been affected by that massive storm.

 

[Rocket Man]

I heard back from Roger that same very evening and he provided me a CAM recommendation and some other suggestions and thoughts. This, even when his family and company were evacuating due to hurricane IAN. Thoughts and prayers out to all who have been affected by that massive storm.

Roger is unbelievably dedicated to his business. Best customer service I’ve ever encountered.

 

[RAMurphy]

Vinci Hi-Performance is back up and running this week. Just talked to him this morning and ordered my custom cam for this LQ9 like build.