Best Cam for 4.8 L for significant hp gain?

Hello guys,

I have done some reading on here and found this is the most informative site so I thought I would join !

I have a 1960 chevy shortbox where the old man and me are dropping a 4.8L in as we got a smoking deal on a 03 chevy write off.

What the best proven cam for the 4.8. without changing too too much? I'm looking to put a more aggressive cam in, and reprogram the engine when it is repinned. Any recommendations and suggestions are greatly appreciated !!! This won't be a daily driver so I'm not too concerned about hauling anything but then again I don't wanna blow up the insides.

Thanks again !

I would think something in the 220/224 575/588 with an lsa 112 would work nice. Make sure to upgrade springs and pushrods for sure. I'm no expert so maybe some more experienced members will chime in. Now before picking any cam for any engine it would be best to know what other supporting mods you are going to do. Such as stall size, gear ratio, headers and so forth. Once all that is determined you could then better determine what would be best for your particular build.

http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/front...in-budget.html

Thanks for the advice, that link is a 5.3 not a 4.8.

I am not wanting to put a stall converter in but as i need to get the motor re-pinned i will be programming it to the specifics of the motor and the new cam i finally pick. The 4.8L will have a new cam, long tube headers and exhaust from the headers back as the 1960 will pass inspection in Canada without the cats as its a 1960.

Any more advice on cams and over all easier install instant hp would be appreciated. I am hoping with a cam and the exhaust without the cats i would be pushing 325hp, thoughts?

Thanks again for helping a newbie out

4.8/5.3 same rules apply. Look at your block, it's even stamped 4.8/5.3

I would go with a XR265HR 212/218 .522/.529 114+2 or a similar custom grind. Without a converter and it being a 4.8L you don't want to over cam it.

Comp 269LR-HR12. Same cam in running in my 5.3 crew cab. Makes good torque, even better in a 4.8. But you will need a higher stall than factory, I'm running a 2800.

325 at the crank I'm guessing. Of your not wanting to run a stall the 212/218 mentioned earlier would do good. I ran that in my 5.3 for a while without a stall and had very good drivability.some good 1 7/8 headers 3 inch exhaust with y or h pipe. Now the most bang for your buck is going to spray! The stock bottom end should take 125 pretty easy if tuned correctly.

Custom ground version of Comp 54-450-11 which is 206/212 @.050, Have it ground at 112LSA and you could even add few degrees of center line advance. It would sound good and actually make power without a converter or gears.

Thanks for the advice guys !!! When would I need to change the pushrods and springs ? What im trying to say is whats the most aggressive cam without installing the pushrods or over camming the motor ? I love the sound of an aggressive cam and if i can get some serious hp gains that would be awesome.

Thanks again ! any more guys want to chime in?

Yes you need new springs and hardened pushrods. The HU1 from sd parts is a great option 212/216 low lift I believe or anything under 220 duration should be fine. A 212/218 is great or the isky triple 12. Good mild cams. A proper tune cam and exhaust will get you around 325 to the flywheel.

Pushrods, springs are required, Keep in mind that sounding fast and being fast are 2 different things unless your are willing to go all the way with other supporting mods (stall, Gears) You are fighting an uphill battle with 4.8 and torque. Ask me how I know.

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Originally Posted by Gus

Pushrods, springs are required, Keep in mind that sounding fast and being fast are 2 different things unless your are willing to go all the way with other supporting mods (stall, Gears) You are fighting an uphill battle with 4.8 and torque. Ask me how I know.

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You need to keep in mind this is most likely going in a much lighter weight 1960 2wd rcsb. He can likely handle a lot more can than your truck which weighs 1000+lbs more than this truck. This is also more of a toy. Your truck is a DD with truck activities like hauling and offroading. Being a street truck with out a stall I would again suggest the HU1 from scoggin dickies. Safe to run yellow springs which saves money and will run strong while sounding good too.

Thanks for all the suggestions and yes this is going to be a toy. I'm going to run 3.73 gears, and I'm still researching a cam...... Sounds like the 212/218 comp camp .522 .529 with 114 LSA. Going to spend a bit more now, going with a 3400 and once the truck is running (April) I'm going to research turbos and or supercharger. Would this cam be a good match for 3.73s, 3400 stall and a supercharger ? Or should I go more aggressive? I thought I read something somewhere that said to keep the LSA down if you were going with a supercharger but I might be wrong. Truck overall maybe weights 3000 lbs.

Thanks again for all the help guys !!!!

Iv got a comp xr275hr cam for sale. 222/224 .566/.568 112 lsa. It would run good with a 3400 stall. Pm me if your interested

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Originally Posted by chvy=power

Iv got a comp xr275hr cam for sale. 222/224 .566/.568 112 lsa. It would run good with a 3400 stall. Pm me if your interested

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Is the 112lsa an issue with boost or is it more about overlap?

what about a lq9 6.0 stock going with long tubes first. looking for best order to upgrade?