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LQ 9 Engine Specs

Here in this article you will learn about the LQ 9 Engine Specs, Performance, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More, Let’s discuss the LQ 9 Engine Specs, Valvetrain+, performance, and Reviews.

General Motors vehicles from 2002–2007 were equipped with LQ9 6.0L Gen 3 small block engines.

It was marketed under various names, including the Vortec HO 6000 and the VortecMAX. This data applies to a factory standard engine.

The LS and Vortec engines developed by General Motors were used in various Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, and even Saab, Hummer, and Isuzu vehicles due to their mechanical similarity.

LS and Vortec motors are ubiquitous, making them the standard for performance and swap applications.

Turbos, superchargers, high-flow cylinder heads, intake systems, cams, and nitrous oxide are all effective ways to increase power in these engines.

There is a robust aftermarket, consumers can purchase crate engines, and secondhand machines can be purchased at low cost from local junkyards.

For the convenience of engine builders and tuners, Summit Racing has published a series of in-depth manuals covering each member of the LS family of engines.

The General Motors LQ9 engine is the focus of this particular manual.

LQ 9 Engine Specs

LQ9 Block Specs

Material Iron
Displacement 6.0L / 364 c.i.d.
Bore Dia. 4.000 in.
Stroke 3.622 in.
Deck Height 9.230 – 9.240 in.
Bore Spacing 4.400 in.
Thrust Bearing Location #3 Main
Main Cap Style 6-Bolt
Main Housing Bore Dia. 2.751 in.
Cam Housing Bore Dia. (2002-03) Bore 1/5 = 2.326, Bore 2/4 = 2.317, Bore 3 = 2.307
Cam Housing Bore Dia. (2003-07) Bore 1/5 = 2.346, Bore 2/4 = 2.326, Bore 3 = 2.307
Cam-to-Crank Centerline 4.914 in.
Casting Numbers 12551364, 12573581, 12577184

Engine Ratings

Compression Ratio 10.1:1
Horsepower Rating 345 hp
Torque Rating 380 ft./lbs.

LQ9 Cylinder Head Specs

Casting Numbers 035, 317
Material Aluminum
Combustion Chamber Volume 71cc
Intake Port Shape Cathedral
Intake Runner Volume 210cc
Exhaust Port Shape D-Port
Exhaust Runner Volume 75cc
Intake Valve Diameter 2.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Diameter 1.550 in.
Cylinder Head Bolt Style Torque to Yield (TTY)
Cylinder Head Bolt Size 2002-03 (8) M11 x 2 x 155, (2) M11 x 2 x 100, (5) M8 x 1.25 x 45
Cylinder Head Bolt Size 2004-07 (10) M11 x 2 x 100, (5) M8 x 1.25 x 45

LQ9 Valvetrain Specs

Lifter Body Diameter 0.842 in.
Pushrod Length 7.385 in.
Rocker Arm Mounting Style Pedestal
Rocker Arm Style Die-Cast, Roller Fulcrum
Rocker Ratio 1.7
Rocker Offset None
Valve Spring Style Beehive
Valve Spring Color Natural
Valve Angle 15 Degrees
Intake Valve Material Steel – Solid Stem
Intake Valve Dia. 2.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Material Steel – Solid Stem
Exhaust Valve Dia. 1.550 in.
Lifter Style Hydraulic Roller
Lifter Link Style Plastic Lifter Tray

LQ9 Cam Specs

Part Number 12561721
Duration @ .050 in. (int./exh.) 196/201
Valve Lift (int./exh.) 0.467 in./0.479 in.
Lobe Separation Angle 116°
Cam Gear Attachment 3-Bolt
VIN 8th Digit Year Make Model
N 2002-06 Cadillac Escalade
N 2002-06 Cadillac Escalade EXT
N 2002-06 Cadillac Escalade ESV
N 2003-07 Chevy Silverado SS
N 2004-06 Chevy Silverado HO Edition
N 2004-06 GMC Sierra HO Edition
N 2006-07 Chevy Silverado Classic VortecMAX
N 2006-07 GMC Sierra 1500 Classic VortecMAX

LQ9 Cylinder Head Specs

Casting Numbers 035, 317
Material Aluminum
Combustion Chamber Volume 71cc
Intake Port Shape Cathedral
Intake Runner Volume 210cc
Exhaust Port Shape D-Port
Exhaust Runner Volume 75cc
Intake Valve Diameter 2.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Diameter 1.550 in.
Cylinder Head Bolt Style Torque to Yield (TTY)
Cylinder Head Bolt Size 2002-03 (8) M11 x 2 x 155, (2) M11 x 2 x 100, (5) M8 x 1.25 x 45
Cylinder Head Bolt Size 2004-07 (10) M11 x 2 x 100, (5) M8 x 1.25 x 45

 Oil Pan Specs & More

Intake Manifold Truck Style
Throttle Body 80mm, 3-Bolt
Throttle Control Electronic, Drive-by-Wire
Fuel Injector Flow 25.2 lbs./hr.
Fuel Injector Length (between O-Rings) 1.9 in.
Fuel Injector Connector EV6
PCM Warren
Crankshaft Reluctor Ring 24x
Camshaft Sensor Rear Mount, 1x on Cam
Oil Pan Deep Rear Sump
Oil Pump Standard Volume

LQ 9 Engine Review

The LQ9 is a robust 6.0L V8 engine recognized for its durability, performance, and affordability. It excels in providing substantial low-end power and smooth revving, making it a top choice for tasks like towing, hauling, and enthusiastic driving.

While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option, its relatively budget-friendly price and extensive aftermarket support make it an attractive choice.

In summary, the LQ9 stands as a well-rounded engine, offering a commendable blend of performance, endurance, and value.

Full review YouTube video check here.

LQ 9 Engine Specs FAQ

What cars did the LQ9 come in?

It was first seen in use as standard equipment on the 2002 Cadillac Escalade. Until 2007, it could be found on Cadillac Escalades and General Motors trucks.

Besides the Vortec HO 6000 and VortecMAX, the LQ9 was known as the Vortec HO.

What LS engine is the LQ9?

Chevrolet Performance LS364/450 6.0L LS Series Engine, also known as the LQ9 Crate Engine.

Is the LQ9 reliable?

They are featuring the Lowrider Garage 5.3 Engine Swap. The GM 5.3 LQ9 engine is getting increasingly popular among car enthusiasts, but you can still find them for a reasonable price.

Every day, the driver with these engines has clocked more than 200,000 miles without a problem.

Is the LQ9 an iron block?

Chevrolet Performance now offers a 6.0L LS cast iron engine block, allowing you to create the ultimate LS street performance.

The LQ4 and LQ9 Truck and SUV models with the 6.0L engine and no Active Fuel Management inspired this block.

With its renowned reliability, this block is ideal for street-legal LS supercharged and turbo power upgrades.

How big can you make an LQ9?

We are improving the Engine Block of the LQ4/LQ9. Displacement can never be replicated. Overbearing the cylinders by 0.030 in is safe.

With a stroke of 4.000 inches, the resulting removal will be 408 cubic inches (or 6.7 liters).

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