Questions about 5.3 upgrades

[BigRed76]

So I just got my 5.3 this week, it's a 2000 w/125K. But I have some questions about performance upgrades. The only thing I know for sure is that it will have headers and a cold air intake.
But if I were to throw in a bigger cam at what point do I need to get it tuned?
Or do you guys recommend getting a tune anyways?
If I do anything that increases air flow in/out of the engine then the MAF will see that and compensate accordingly correct?

[BR3W CITY]

To get it to run you'll have to get it tuned anyway; things like the VATS, o2's etc need to all get removed. Things like torque management and traction control also need to be fiddled with to get all your power to the ground in a swap car.

Since your already doing that, you might as well throw a small stick in it, providing you keep it conservative enough to run off stock injectors.

The tune itself is good for some HP, so its always worth it imo. Dyno tuning is the best from a power and driveability stance, and no mail order tune despite what anyone claims, will ever be as good.

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

To get it to run you'll have to get it tuned anyway; things like the VATS, o2's etc need to all get removed. Things like torque management and traction control also need to be fiddled with to get all your power to the ground in a swap car.

Since your already doing that, you might as well throw a small stick in it, providing you keep it conservative enough to run off stock injectors.

The tune itself is good for some HP, so its always worth it imo. Dyno tuning is the best from a power and driveability stance, and no mail order tune despite what anyone claims, will ever be as good.

Yeah that makes sense. I don't need gobs of power, but figured a better cam would be very beneficial. Any recommendations on a cam that isn't too big for stock injectors?
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[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by BigRed76

Yeah that makes sense. I don't need gobs of power, but figured a better cam would be very beneficial. Any recommendations on a cam that isn't too big for stock injectors?
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I'm using a Comp Cams LSr 265 cam, Lunati springs, 1.75" long tubes, K&N FIPK and a Blackbear Performance data log tune in my 5.3L with a Yank TT2600 converter. Stock injectors & intake. Good torquey DD setup. The valvetrain is a little noisier that stock, but the cam is over .600" lift with stout valvesprings, so that is to be expected.

[JNJchev77]

Z06 cam is always a nice mild option. You can usually find a used one on LS1tech for cheap, or brand new they're on ebay or summit, etc for $300. you'll need the yellow beehive valve springs as well.

I'm running this cam with other upgrades and no dyno tune, yet, and it runs pretty strong.

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by JNJchev77

Z06 cam is always a nice mild option. You can usually find a used one on LS1tech for cheap, or brand new they're on ebay or summit, etc for $300. you'll need the yellow beehive valve springs as well.

I'm running this cam with other upgrades and no dyno tune, yet, and it runs pretty strong.

I picked up a used Z06 cam for my 5.3. I havent gotten around to putting it in yet (engine is on the stand)

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by JNJchev77

Z06 cam is always a nice mild option. You can usually find a used one on LS1tech for cheap, or brand new they're on ebay or summit, etc for $300. you'll need the yellow beehive valve springs as well.

I'm running this cam with other upgrades and no dyno tune, yet, and it runs pretty strong.

I've read that the Z06 cam requires longer pushrods because of a smaller base circle on the cam. Is that correct?

[bohmankid]

Tune is usually always recommended after you start replacing internals with performance parts. I would even recommend a tune after bolt ons like headers.
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[tinydb84]

Remember with a cam swap you may need new valve springs. Not a big deal but just something to consider

[tinydb84]

Many people run the same ones. Its .050 smaller so your pushrod needs to be .025 shorter. I am planning to mill my heads .025 to bump the compression anyway.
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