WTB: Lq4 shortblock

[Phish]

I am looking for a low mileage LQ4 shortblock. I would prefer it be a gen IV block... 2004 and up I believe. Let me know what you have or if you know of someone with something. Thanks.

[AutoMods]

ever get any more ideas as to what happened?

[Phish]

I have asked around to a few people and I keep getting the same answer. That there is really no reason why this should have happened. Most have never even seen a piston disintegrate the way that this one did. I wish I knew what it was, obviously I would change things up to prevent it. However, all the other pistons look perfect as if nothing was wrong.

[slow ride]

From the tops of the others or did you tear it down? Sucks to see the car just got going. At least everything else is built so this won't take as long. Ever think about an aluminum 5.3?

[Phish]

I have thought about the 5.3 However, I really want to keep using my ls3 topend. Cant do that with a 5.3l. Also, I only have a 98 ECU. Which means 2 bar map sensor. I was running 15psi on this motor , with a 5.3 I would need to turn it up and have no way to do so. I have only looked at the tops of the other pistons. I plan on tearing it completely down tonight or tomorrow night. I pulled the pan off though, didn't see anything crazy with the other rods or valves. That was only at a glance though. I mean hell, the rod and wrist pin was still there and looked good lol PS... is there a reason I can not sure the "enter" key to move down on the page. Lets say to start a new paragraph or to skip a line or two to insert an address to a picture?

[AutoMods]

I have thought about the 5.3 However, I really want to keep using my ls3 topend. Cant do that with a 5.3l. Also, I only have a 98 ECU. Which means 2 bar map sensor. I was running 15psi on this motor , with a 5.3 I would need to turn it up and have no way to do so. I have only looked at the tops of the other pistons. I plan on tearing it completely down tonight or tomorrow night. I pulled the pan off though, didn't see anything crazy with the other rods or valves. That was only at a glance though. I mean hell, the rod and wrist pin was still there and looked good lol PS... is there a reason I can not sure the "enter" key to move down on the page. Lets say to start a new paragraph or to skip a line or two to insert an address to a picture?

i blame the engine failure on the 98 ecu.....lol . enter key works fine on the desktop. you on your phone? this forum sucks for posting with smart phones

[Phish]

negative... I am on a computer. I know, I get a lot of shit about the 98 ECU... still don't think that was the issue though lol I still don't have an enter key ... I have no way to scroll down in the text box. (still on a desktop computer)

[slow ride]

Not sure, which browser do you use?

I forgot about your top end deal. At least gen 4 aluminum 5.3's come with 799/243 heads stock, but I see what you are saying. Your cam is and XER lobe and can be hard to control in some cases if spring pressure is not right even NA (did you measure install height, spring pressure, etc?). Just remember you need a little more spring pressure to compensate for boost, also more for the larger valve of the ls3 heads, etc. Not saying you had a problem, but something to think about.

Look at that rod bearing (if it's still intact) to see if there was any signs of issues on that hole, etc. Check that injector vs others, etc. Hard to say when its vaporized so bad though.

[sLoWnStEaDy]

Might give Aikey in Cedar Falls a call. I get complete LS engines (5.3 and 6.0) from them for $500-$600, they might be able to help you out.

[Phish]

Thanks for all the input guys. One of the things that will be changing, is the cam. I figured that since the engine is out, I may as well pull the cam and have something spec'd to my motor and setup specifically. The Springs that are in the heads are the Crane Cams dual springs. I never actually tested the spring pressure on these cams once installed. I never really gave it a thought as being an issue.

[slow ride]

I set up everything I build as you never know if you have a weird retainer/valve job/locks, etc. Lots of factors determine your install height and I just can't guess at that stuff. I had Crane 832's (not sure which ones you use) on my old heads and they are excellent springs, but needed to be set up right to get pressures up to where you would want them on a XER lobe NA. In no way am I saying a valve impact caused your problem, but I feel that when everything is right weird things don't happen as much ;)

[Phish]

Here is a pic of the plugs. the one thats all smashed came out of the issue cylinder.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/Phish806/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140806_174948593_HDR_zps1uvtj0dj.jpg (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/Phish806/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140806_174948593_HDR_zps1uvtj0dj.jpg.html)

Here are some pics of the pistons/rods. All were in good shape. The one across from the problem piston was beat to crap and also cracked. I would assume from the propblem piston

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/Phish806/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140806_173231886_HDR_zpsyntrdftk.jpg (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/Phish806/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140806_173231886_HDR_zpsyntrdftk.jpg.html)

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/Phish806/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140806_173239394_zpsjg4qypd3.jpg (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/Phish806/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140806_173239394_zpsjg4qypd3.jpg.html)

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/Phish806/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140806_173308028_HDR_zpsvqbpyylo.jpg (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/Phish806/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140806_173308028_HDR_zpsvqbpyylo.jpg.html)

[Phish]

I am still looking to buy. My last shortblock came from this forum, hoping this forum would pay off again with a LQ4-LQ9 find.

[slow ride]

I think it's a bad thing that everyone puts these things in every car out there, now a shortage of engines and prices are going up everywhere. It seems like people hord the damn engines now and buy them all up even when they don't need them just to have or charge more for them int he future. I can see that it makes sense due to the easy to tune computers and compact easy to work on design, but damn people.

[RedRocketZ28]

Your best bet is going to be grabbing one from a yard here in Des Moines.

[Phish]

Yards usually only sell the longblock and want a fortune for a decent one. Right now I am not really anxious to grab one due to the fact I am still working on cleaning up other things and getting everything else in order. When it comes time where I need one and have nothing else to work on, I will bite the bullet and snag one from a yard if I have to

[AutoMods]

I think it's a bad thing that everyone puts these things in every car out there, now a shortage of engines and prices are going up everywhere. It seems like people hord the damn engines now and buy them all up even when they don't need them just to have or charge more for them int he future. I can see that it makes sense due to the easy to tune computers and compact easy to work on design, but damn people.

i remember you saying the same thing about people hording 2.4 dsm mitsu blocks ;) but the demand for those went down. seems like there is too many ls blocks, oem and aftermarket, out there for the price ever to get too crazy

[slow ride]

I know, but I have to look out for myself;) I will stay aluminum forever and probably do some sort of ERL superdeck/dart block down the road if/when needed. I'd buy a f'd up gen 4 aluminum block right now for a core if someone had a decent one.

[SledgeWS6]

i remember you saying the same thing about people hording 2.4 dsm mitsu blocks ;) but the demand for those went down. seems like there is too many ls blocks, oem and aftermarket, out there for the price ever to get too crazy

I'm guessing that day will come once the LT1 proves itself a bit more and its truck counter-part become more readily available in the junkyard.