A good cam for a completely stock 5.3?

[tinos555]

Hey guys, I don't know much about cams or their specs, I have a plain stock 02' 5.3 with a 4l60e 2wd tranny, what would be your recommendations for a cam swap? Don't really want to replace the torque converter but would like to gain @ least 30 horses and that unique roaring sound of a cammed engine. Any input is appreciated.

[Wasted Income]

The "best" cam for a stock 5.3 with a stock converter would probably be an LS6 cam...simple install with only a valve spring change needed.....but that wont' get you the cam lope you're after.

Some turbo guys love the Isky "triple 12" cam. Good torque and response out of boost, better top end, and not too excessive. Would be a good, mild NA cam also.
Triple 12: 212/212 0.56x/0.56x 112 LSA

Isky 212/112 Lsa - YouTube

Precision turbo silverado 5.3 idle, triple 12 cam...

[tinos555]

I like how the triple 12 sounds... If I go that route would I need to change the stock torque converter?

[BR3W CITY]

Not really. You'd potentially gain a little bit in the 1/4mi and a bit of feel, but since your not drastically raising the powerband, the converter won't net you nearly what it would on a more aggressive setup. The LS6 gets brought up in literal cam-only discussion for that reason.

If you want to spend the 5-900 on a 'verter, its still a good purchase....however if you decide to go bigger on power in a year or two, you might need to re-spec the converter (and that is no fun for the back, or the back pocket).

[JNJchev77]

I wouldn't focus so much on the sound of the cam rather than the performance. If you want something that's going to get you 30-40 RWHP and compliment the 5.3's sweet spots, go with something like this from Cam Motion - http://store.cammotion.com/53-l-325ci-95-compression-2

I looked into this cam as an alternative to my LS6 cam, but didn't pull the trigger. I did a head/intake swap and left the ls6 Cam, but I have a buddy who tried this cam in his 05 5.3 and I can tell you that it will make that 5.3 feel a lot better! Better peak power/tq in the right RPM range for the 5.3.

Also, found this on LS1tech. Guy shows his actual numbers from this cam - http://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomete...hp-22rwtq.html

Hope this helps.

Justin

[tinos555]

Thanks for comments guys, the cammotion cam sounds promising, going to do some research on it.

[LeesTruk]

Take a look at the Brian Tooley Stg. 1 cam (.527/.535, 206/212, 114LSA). I'm using this in my '05 5.3L, with better valve springs being the only deviation from stock. The truck has good manners around town with a VERY strong mid-range. I'm sure that having a good tune in the PCM has a lot to do with it too (PCMperformance.com). So far, even in the coldest of days, the truck will start without hesitation and perform admirably.

[hugger6933]

One of my customers[he buys LS motor stuff from me] bought a comp cam [specs unknown] and they told him it would make close to 150 HP with just a cam/ spring change. I 'm sure a pcm tune would be in that as well and he isn't figuring the free flow air inlet and headers/dual exhaust that the engine swap into and older chassis will give him. 150 ? I guess it is possible with those other things figured in and the fact that the motor is choked down so much it isn't funny

[whitels1]

From experience, the stock 5.3 cam is a great all around cam. If you don't want to do a stall, then save the money on a cam, install some headers and get a good tune. There is you 30hp and better sound! If you are doing a small enough cam that you don't need a stall you won't really notice much difference anyways.

[bpatrol]

I respectfully disagree. A cam even a small one is the single biggest hp maker on an ls style motor. 212 218 cam with a 535 ish lift will net you an easy 20-30 hp while changing nothing else(not even springs). These engines can move air very well. put on some headers and a tune and you're results will be even better. And a stock stall will work just fine

[Wasted Income]

Originally Posted by bpatrol

212 218 cam with a 535 ish lift will net you an easy 20-30 hp while changing nothing else(not even springs).

Why would you to to the trouble of swapping in a new cam, but cut a corner and leave the stock valve springs in?
It is widely accepted in the LS world that the stock valve springs are good for .500" lift, max...why would you suggest leaving the stock valve springs in with a .535" lift cam, when brand new blue LS6 springs, that are rated at .570" lift are only $60?

[bpatrol]

sorry i had a dumb moment , yes you need ls6 springs at a low cost. my apologies for not correcting that. I still stand by my opinion
cheers
bpatrol

[Wasted Income]

Aside from the valvespring gaffe, I agree with you as well.

[Bowtiguy]

For those who have used the GM LS6 beehives, did you need to change the spring cups +/or retainers.....or are they a direct bolt in?

I plan to run the comp cams XR265HR camshaft and dump the VVT set-up in my 243 headed 13' all aluminum LC9. Chevy High Performance got some good numbers out of this one in a little project called mighty mouse a few years back.


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-54-412-11

LS springs are definitely cheaper than the comp version.

[65Gregg]

I going through the same issue trying to decide what to use in my L33 which is in the machine shop for a refresh. I'm leaning toward a TSP stage 3 low lift and LS 6 springs.

[LeesTruk]

You can use your stock spring hardware

[XwalkerX]

ive been eyeing up the TSP 224r for my L33

[Robznob11]

I just sold the perfect cam for you. I had a scoggin dicky z+221. It's a 221/226 .565/.560 on 114. Ground by cam motion. Solid 350-370 rwhp nice lope . Check my clips on YouTube. No need for a stall. You want some solid advice tho. Springs are a butt to change and those and push rods are a must. If your going through the trouble double that 60$ and get some Pac, prc, comp or trickflow .600+ lift behives. More reliable than ls6 springs and leave you room to grow if the bug bits you. Also you can run up to a 224ish cam on stock converter and injectors but the injectors will be maxed. And it will gain with both upgrades. I wen with fic injectors for my new cam.

[69gmcc10]

Thought I would post this for some reading material!

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/...st-comparison/