LQ4/LS2 rod swapping

I'm building a pretty much stock 6.0l with the exception of forged pistons. i don't plan on climbing too high in the hp range as this will be my daily driver and i want to keep it as reliable as possible.

to that effect, i've noticed that GM RPO LS2 engines use a floating wrist pin connecting rod and rather than buy and expensive set of forged rods to bolt on my stock crank, i think the ls2 rods would be the right choice. the reason being, it i much eaier to find a et of floating pin style pistons than presed pin pistons.

the only thing i've really been worried about is balancing the rotating assembly. i cant find the weight of the ls2 rods compared to the stock lq4 rods. doe anybody have some info? otherwise, i'll have to find a good used ls2 crank to keep from having to pay the balancing fee, which can be alot. . .

you should have the engine balanced either way

What year is the LQ4 that you have in your truck? up to 02 you need to replace the crank/rod assemblies with LQ9's. All 2003 and 2004 model year LQ4 engines had the updated crankshaft but had pressed fit piston pins. The pressed fit pistons are the same weight and mass as a full floating piston. Mixing pressed pin pistons with full floating pistons will not cause a engine imbalance.(assuming you use OE replacement pistons). Dont have alot of info on the LS2 tho.

lemme know if you find forged pistons for stock rods...cuz i cant find any

i have a 2003 lq4, shouldn't be too much trouble, thats why i'm going with the floating pin rods, i wont have to hop around trying to find pistons, just get the block bored.

You will still need to get the engine balanced, forged pistons are always going to be heavier than cast.

Like banker said, more than likely you'll have problems finding a forged piston to fit a stock rod. Most of the after market 6.0 pistons I've seen are made for a 6.125" rod.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by parker

Like banker said, more than likely you'll have problems finding a forged piston to fit a stock rod. Most of the after market 6.0 pistons I've seen are made for a 6.125" rod.

---

+1 and the pin size is wrong also...

Eagle rods and forget it, they're not that high, and balance it nomater what you do.

well....i just stumbled across these

mahle P/N LS1340000F04

4in bore, stock rod and crank dimensions