My From Start to Finish 6.0L Build

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

RAMurphy said:

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.

Click to expand...

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.

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.