[Creatine]

Hello everyone,

I am planning a restoration project to my '88 s10. I was initially going to go with a LS1/t56 tranny setup, but after some guidance for cost purposes, it seems the Lq4 is the way to go. I would like to make 400-500HP from headers/intake/heads/cam along with a complete dual H exhaust and tune. Not interested in boost/nos setups. Budget for motor is about 3K. I found a 04 LQ4 compelte with harness and computer for 350 from credible source with only 120K on it.



Theres really only two main setups that I have seen. But no cam suggested.

04 LQ4 Long block + L92 heads + LS3 intake

or

04 LQ4 Long block + LS6(or 243) heads + LS6 intake.

What is the best setup to go with, and what kind of cam should I be looking to run based on either one? I would like a really nice mean idle to it. Also, what kind of pistons would I put in when I rebuild it? I know theres alot of talk about the CR and seen some posts recomending dish, but I think that was for boost applications only.

I found this guide that lists most the parts needed to complete this. however its for a carb setup. Anything I should need to know or you would like to suggest please feel free to, I am not very techy (don't worry I have some old hot rodders helping me build it) I just need to line up all the parts first and buy them

Are my stock heads/intake/internals worth selling? If so, what might they be worth.

Thanks

EDIT: before anyone mentions this since I get it alot, the 3K is for motor only, and I already have the rear end upgrades planned. I just need help on the motor.