I have a 2003 LQ4 (50K fleet engine) Ill be swapping into my 96 RCSB silverado. Currently I have a TSP 224R cam, TBSS 243 heads (likely going to have ported and polished prior to install), patriot gold dual valve springs, will be picking up 7.4 pushrods, LS6 OEM style melling oil pump, have an LSHD timing set. (will also be installing TBSS intake and 87MM TB)

Im mainly looking for suggestions on hardware that would be best replaced by ARP while the engine is apart? maybe other things im missing that would be best to replace. Which gaskets to replace or what brand/material is best to replace with on the more obvious stuff. Im definitely on a budget, but I want this done right the first time.

Also, thoughts on an underdrive pulley while Im at it? beneficial, heard maybe safer at high RPM. Just tyring to feel it out.

Still a newb to this, but trying to learn. Thanks in advance guys...

 

How much do you plan to mill the heads? I took .025" off my 317 and had to use a 7.35 PR. Are you planing any power adders? Nitrous? If not stock head bolts and gaskets will be fine. ARP rod bolts for added insurance. I ran the LS2 timing chain. The underdrive pulley should work. Might want to get an overdrive alt pulley so you dont lose electrical power at idle.

 

Dont plan on milling 243s any? just port/polish. Ill probably upgrade electrical anyway. No nitrous or FI, for now

 

Have now ordered pushrods, have the timing set, xlink, just waiting on a few more small things.

 

How was intake fitment after cutting .025 off your heads?

 

The 243 heads will raise the compression ratio over the 6.0 heads, so milling is not all that important, If you ever plan on pulling the heads off again, then APR head bolts are a good investment. Otherwise, just get the GM head bolts and GM MLS head gaskets. When you pull the old heads off, inspect the lifters. If they are good and you don't have excessive miles, then they can probably be reused. Might want to replace the plastic lifter trays though. You mentioned getting a new timing set, might also consider a new oil pump too. Texas Speed has a basic heads and cam swap gasket and bolt kit that is reasonably priced.

 

This thing should run pretty good by the time you're done with it, especially in the RCSB. It'll feel like its got torque for days too in such a light truck.

 

Forgot about this thread for a while haha. Now I have a full gasket set, ARP head studs, Melling 10295 oil pump, of course cam/springs/pushrods/UD pulley etc. Still been lazy and havent gotten the heads down bare and took them for P&P. Need to get on the ball with this, the crews and suspension etc just been taking up some valuable time.