6.0 L Questions from a newbie

[KootFly]

There are a lot of comments about which vintage of LQ4 6.0L to use as a transplant or upgrade. Why is there a preference for a 2001+ LQ4 vs the earlier versions. Other than the iron heads are ther other issues that need to be addressed. I plan to use a 2000 LQ4 6.0L with a matched 4L80E and transfercase for a transplant into a OBS 2500 4x4 91-95 vintage. Is the earlier 6.0L not a good choice for a build up if I plan to swap the iron heads out for LQ9 heads /cam etc? My aim is to upgrade the powertrain in a OBS for towing/offroading with newer/better components than a TBI 350.

Thanks

[92 6.0]

From what I understand the difference is the crankshaft is longer. But if your using a matched setup I dont see any problem. But Im still kinda new to this stuff too.

[RedHeartbeat]

if you have the complete 2000 6L and transmission you won't have any issues other than weight of the iron heads. Use what you have and later put the aluminum heads on it, they'll take more timing and compression without detonation than the iron heads will. Yeah, the crank is longer in the early 6L engines and causes issue for guys with 60e based transmissions.

[KootFly]

Thanks Red and 92 that helps to clarify it. I wanted to go with the 4l80e to avoid having to deal with rebuliding the 4l60es on a regular basis when towing etc. My current 95 K1500 ECSB 4X4 is on it's 3rd one since I bought it with a mildly built 350 TBI. They seem to be a weak link without some major upgrading/mods compared to to the 4L80E.

BTW: Red will the 2000 6L handle the LQ9 aluminum heads ,12561721 cam etc with stock pistons or do I need to use the dished version pistons when upgrading?

Thanks

[RedHeartbeat]

Yep, swap to 317 heads with new bolts and gaskets and you'll be good to go.

[Assman]

Don't bother putting a LQ9 cam in it, it's barely bigger than the LQ4 which is still tiny, go with a really mild aftermarket cam instead.

[GasGuzzler]

+1 effectively the same cam.

[KootFly]

Which cam would you recommend then for after market?

[Jgoodfella069]

Future motorsports F13 Cam with a 3600 stall converter.

[KootFly]

Any mods to the 4l80e to make it extra durable?