5.3 towing cam

[krwyellowZ28]

I did a quick search, but came up with nothin. Here's the scoop...

My dad just traded our 234k mile 1996 3/4 ton, 2wd, 454 Suburban in for a 2001 1/2 ton 4x4, 5.3 Suburban. It is a better truck in every aspect, except when it comes to pulling our loaded 25' enclosed snowmobile trailer. The LSx motors just don't have the low end that he'd like (he also has an '02 HD 4x4). Does anyone know of a good cam that will put more power a little lower in the rpm range, and also bump up the tq numbers?
Any help is much appreciated!

[airdeano]

the genIII has got torque, just a lil later
than what your acustomed to.
how much weight is this trailer fully stocked?
you are missing about 50-80lb/ft of torque.
dunna know what can be done about the
loss. the vortec 5.7 had 330 @ 2800rpm
as your genIII has 330 @ 4000rpm.

[krwyellowZ28]

The '96 had a stock 454 that was rated at 410 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. The Gen3's just seem too high strung to do the pulling we want. The '01 was shifting back and forth (until I just dropped it to drive and left it. . . and yes the tow/haul was engaged) on fairly flat ground. It even down shifted to 2nd on a hill that the '96 would have just chugged right up maybe dropping to 3rd.

I don't expect the 5.3 to have the grunt of a 7.4, I am just looking for suggestions on a good cam to increase the torque #'s sooner in the rpm's. I did find the Vinci cams. Has anyone dealt with this company?

[RedHeartbeat]

The Radix/Magnacharger should fix any issue with low RPM torque numbers. I fear the cam won't be enough to get what you're really wanting.

[txarkitekt]

Wellllllll duh!!!! Comparing a 7.4L and a 5.3L??? That is 2.1L and 130 c.i. of displacement. Of course the 454 will pull it better... What rearend does the new Sub have vs. the old one? 3.73's? You may need to do 4.10's with a locker... The Vinci cams are pretty decent from what I hear. If I am not mistaken, they are another variant of a Crane cam... Try the Vinci 065 truck cam. It will probably give you the best bang-for-your-buck. In addition, do new valve springs and pushrods. Do a set of underdrive pulleys, throw in a 2600-3000 TC, and a shift kit for the tranny. It will pull the trailer A LOT better.

[sprayed99]

By a blower and be done with it. Radix will kick arss for towing. I just sold mine a while back.

[krwyellowZ28]

Haha, I would love to put a blower on the Sub, but this is yet another project trying to be done on the cheap. If I had a nice budget it would be another story. I was thinking about some LS6 valve springs, CAI, tune, and one of the torque-oriented cams. I should be able to get this done for around $1000-1200.

[Ramsey]

Put Some 410s Itll Help .a Big Block 454 Has Soo Much Towing Torque Than A Small 5.3 ,i Just Went Through The Exact Same Thiing .i Went From A 4.8 L Too A 6.0 Pulling A 24 Ft Trailer It Still Struggles With A Load In It With The 6.0 Built Too The Ass Including Smaller Cam In It For Towing .the Old Boat Anchor 454 Had No Towing Problems At All .dont Exact Know The Real Specifics .but Its Really Not Going To Be Easy .i Think Put A Set Of 4.10s In It ,if That Dont Work Get Something Else Motor Wise ,or Youle Spend A Fortune Trying .trust Me.just My Exp.an 2 Cents

[Slimsilverado]

Hey just a little tip for towing never put ur trans in over drive while u r towing, it will burn up you over drive band. Always pull a load in 3rd that way engine speed is up and ur trans will live alot longer.......

[krwyellowZ28]

Well, that's kinda true, but more so for older vehicles. The tow haul button is there for a reason. As long as the convertor isn't locking/unlocking or shifting constantly, you'll be fine.

The 454 Suburban had 232K+ on it with the original engine and trans. It was bought new and used by a farm equipment manufacturer to pull the show trailer. Then we bought it and 50% of any road time was with at least a 5000# trailer. All this was done in OD and not a single hicup.