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My work/tow rig... (constant changes)

Greg

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
Location
Grand Junction, CO
So I'm seriously considering swapping a GM LQ4 (or LQ9) 6.0l truck engine into this '95. The early 2000's GM trucks came with 6.0's and NV4500's so I could use factory parts to bolt up a 6.0 to my NV4500. It would be a lot cheaper & easier to bolt in with much less 'modification' (if any) to get the 6.0 in place compared to the Isuzu 4BD1T. Run a standalone wiring harness and ECU from a Manual trans. truck.... I'd imagine the 6.0 with the NV4500 and 3.73 gears would pull pretty well and still get respectable mileage when unloaded.

I don't think it would be too big of a project... should tow great and be plenty reliable.
 
Greg

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
Location
Grand Junction, CO
I would prefer to find an LQ9 for the slightly higher compression ratio (10 to 1), but it's not a deal-breaker. I think while I had the engine out, I'd swap the stock camshaft for an aftermarket cam with a focus on towing/torque. Also swap on a set of 1.7 ratio roller rockers at the same time. Add to that come custom ECU programming work to go with the cam and higher valve lift. That should result in a very reliable and strong 450 HP & 450 ft/lbs. I would think with the NV4500 that would pull down around 15-16 MPG unloaded.
 
bryson

bryson

RME Resident Ninja
Supporting Member
Location
West Jordan
I'll play.:bryson: I know you've thought about this, but I'm curious as to why you've decided (for now;)) on this route. You'd almost certainly be $$$ ahead to just find a truck with a 6.0L and NV4500 (or "settle" for a 4L80E) already in it, and you'd get the newer, stronger GMT800 or 900 platform, and not have to do any work (unless you do your cam swap still). Granted, it might take you a few months to find "the one", but... You could also get a real 3/4 ton truck this time.:cody:
 
Greg

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
Location
Grand Junction, CO
bryson said:
I'll play.:bryson: I know you've thought about this, but I'm curious as to why you've decided (for now;)) on this route. You'd almost certainly be $$$ ahead to just find a truck with a 6.0L and NV4500 (or "settle" for a 4L80E) already in it, and you'd get the newer, stronger GMT800 or 900 platform, and not have to do any work (unless you do your cam swap still). Granted, it might take you a few months to find "the one", but... You could also get a real 3/4 ton truck this time.:cody:
Click to expand...

If I'm going to buy a newer truck, then I'd rather spring for a 2007+ GM 2500 for the 6 speed auto. That's what I'll probably end up doing anyway, but it'll cost me around $12k for a truck that I'll use 6-8 times a year.

My reasoning is that I actually like this '95 and the NV4500. It's super cheap to insure and easy to work on.... a 6.0 LQ9 under the hood would make it much more powerful, with the benefits of a modern engine and more reliability.
 
Greg

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
Location
Grand Junction, CO
Need to change the title of this thread.... the '95 is pending sale and the replacement is home. It's pretty rough inside, needs a fair amount of work, has high miles but the price was right. Outside it looks decent, has a couple dents here and there.

New truck is a 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, 6.0 LQ4, 4L80E, 4WD, etc. It was used as a farm/ranch truck, so it's pretty dirty and has some DUMB farmer fixes. It needs tires, door hinges, seat work, new windshield, new radio, new exhaust (has LOUD glass packs) and some interior cleanup work. I think it'll be a great tow pig. It runs strong, has tow/haul mode and a transmission temperature gauge, which will be nice for towing duties.

20180318_160321-L.jpg
 
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