'99 5.3L with ls1 cam

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12-01-2003, 10:36 AM
farmtruc

Just wanted to share the gains on my father-in-laws truck after the cam install.

It's a '99 5.3L ext, and it is a completely stock engine and has 105Kmiles, does have a flowmaster though.
This truck ran a 16.8 in the 1/4 mile, after tuning it came down to a 16.1.

The mod I'm posting about is the ls1 cam we just installed. Since these cams are so abundant and ppl are pretty much giving them away, we figured why not install one and see how it works out. No springs to install and the cam installation takes about 2 hrs. Most say to support the lifters, but we chanced it and they stayed up.
btw, we also installed a k&n filter.

The low end seems to still be there and the high end is very noticable.

So what kind of gains does this mean.
Last night at baytown, he went from a 16.1 to a 15.54, I think that is a badass gain for the money. (the cam cost 0$).
We still haven't tuned for the ls1 cam, so he's shifting kind of low, seems to be more in there, maybe up to 6200rpms.

For those who have a few hours to install a stock ls1 cam and want a decent gain, go for it. Some say, why not do the ls6 cam, well, you have to buy springs too and that adds to the labor. Plus , the ls6 cam likes high rpms, so uping the shifts would def. be needed to take full advantage of the cam.
Plus the ls6 cam and springs are a lot more than just the ls1 cam.

just an fyi for those thinking about it.

later,

allen
12-01-2003, 11:02 AM
Sleeper

wow, great numbers. 1.3 seconds with a free stock cam, and some tuning. very nice!!!!
12-01-2003, 11:28 AM
farmtruc

:thumb: ya, stock idle, no spring change, and we tell everyone it just has a tune, lol. , that's mean huh, making someone feel like their new truck is slower than a tune '99, hahha :devil:

later,

allen
12-02-2003, 05:56 PM
Hit Man X

I plan to install this some time this month too! Cheap, sneaky speed is the best!
12-02-2003, 10:11 PM
protruk

Allen, How hard is the labor? You said it took 2 hours. Do you have to drop the oil pan and all that. You know like the old small blocks, and take out the front of the truck. Like the grill and stuff.
12-02-2003, 10:28 PM
RChevy.48

Wow, this seems like a great mod for those of us on a budget.
12-02-2003, 10:29 PM
Hit Man X

Quote:

Originally posted by protruk@Dec 2 2003, 11:11 PM
Allen, How hard is the labor? You said it took 2 hours. Do you have to drop the oil pan and all that. You know like the old small blocks, and take out the front of the truck. Like the grill and stuff.

All you pull is valve covers, rockers, water pump, crank pulley, and front cover. That's about it....aside from the fan/shroud (if you don't have e-fans) and maybe the radiator too.

I am gonna try to do this on the 22nd or 23rd
12-02-2003, 10:35 PM
Hit Man X

Quote:

Originally posted by RChevy.48@Dec 2 2003, 11:28 PM
Wow, this seems like a great mod for those of us on a budget.

You will see more gains as you have the 4.8 too. This cam is coming from a motor that is almost 1L larger in displacment. I just got my cam for $25 shipped...it's from a '98 SS. 198/209 .500"
12-02-2003, 10:42 PM
RChevy.48

I hope that I can find a good deal like that. None on ebay now, but don't have the funds right now. I want to get the most out of the 4.8 for as little as I can, since one day I will be upgrading to an LS1.
12-02-2003, 10:47 PM
Hit Man X

Quote:

Originally posted by RChevy.48@Dec 2 2003, 11:42 PM
I hope that I can find a good deal like that. None on ebay now, but don't have the funds right now. I want to get the most out of the 4.8 for as little as I can, since one day I will be upgrading to an LS1.

Theres still a few in the Parts Wanted section on LS1tech.com...
12-03-2003, 09:42 AM
protruk

To set the timing on the cam. It maybe a stupid question. Do you do this or the computer do this for you? See, I'm old school racer NOT up with this computer controlled jazz.
12-03-2003, 10:15 AM
farmtruc

Quote:

Originally posted by protruk@Dec 3 2003, 09:42 AM
To set the timing on the cam. It maybe a stupid question. Do you do this or the computer do this for you? See, I'm old school racer NOT up with this computer controlled jazz.

Hey Travis, what up, I remember those old school days in your old red truck and my primered el camino, suppp, hahahhaha.

Like hitman said, pull those things. the hardest part is going to ge the crank bolt and the most nerve racking will be wondering if the lifters really fall down or what that hole incident made up by someone who forget to spin the cam before they removed it. I think someone just made a boo boo and won't admit it. The lifters stayed up fine and if you look at the design , they should always stay up. just my opinion.

hell i'll give you deal on a tune and cam install if you want.

let me know,

allen
12-03-2003, 12:48 PM
protruk

Allen,
I still have that 64 chevy. I rebuilt the motor,bigger cam, intake, holley carb,ect.
It's puttin out over 325ponies. (not bad for an old 283ci). Afraid to take it to the track. 40years old+325hp=BOOM!!! HAHAHA Just put in the 3rd tranny in a month in it. Broke the housing of the last one. Old 3speeds don't last long.

I difinetly want the tuning and ls1 cam. Maybe pullies and fans too.
It'll be in the next 3 weeks. I'll call you and set it up.
12-03-2003, 12:50 PM
farmtruc

Quote:

Originally posted by protruk@Dec 3 2003, 12:48 PM
Allen,
I still have that 64 chevy. I rebuilt the motor,bigger cam, intake, holley carb,ect.
It's puttin out over 325ponies. (not bad for an old 283ci). Afraid to take it to the track. 40years old+325hp=BOOM!!! HAHAHA Just put in the 3rd tranny in a month in it. Broke the housing of the last one. Old 3speeds don't last long.

I difinetly want the tuning and ls1 cam. Maybe pullies and fans too.
It'll be in the next 3 weeks. I'll call you and set it up.

Nice, i bet scoots pretty good. I'd like to see it again, that's a nice truck.

:wave: ok, i look forward to meeting again,

allen
12-03-2003, 01:33 PM
RChevy.48

Hey Allen,

Do you know if the cam gave any increase or decrease in gas mileage.

Randy
12-03-2003, 09:24 PM
farmtruc

Quote:

Originally posted by RChevy.48@Dec 3 2003, 01:33 PM
Hey Allen,

Do you know if the cam gave any increase or decrease in gas mileage.

Randy

Not sure on the milage, he hasn't drivin the truck normally since he's had it in, hahah, plus he's been on vacation since we put it in so ...

it sure is a decent and very cheap upgrade,

allen
12-03-2003, 09:34 PM
RChevy.48

Cool, I will add it to the mod list.
12-03-2003, 10:30 PM
Hit Man X

Quote:

Originally posted by RChevy.48@Dec 3 2003, 10:34 PM
Cool, I will add it to the mod list.

You should get yours installed when I do mine around the 22-23. :smile:

It is so cheap it isn't even funny! :laugh:

Allen...my city gas milage went up to around 16.5 up from the mid 14's !! :lol:
12-04-2003, 07:07 AM
6gear

I have an LS1 cam and springs out of a 2000 model if anyone is interested, I will take $50 shipping included.
12-04-2003, 09:46 AM
RChevy.48

Thats a good deal where are you located.
12-04-2003, 03:49 PM
boonybouncer

Will the cam and springs work on a supercharged engine? Sadly, I don't think it will.
12-04-2003, 04:15 PM
farmtruc

Well the stock ls1 and 5.3L respond very well to superchargers, so i don't see why not.

However, maybe i'm just being safe, i'd upgrade the stock springs and pushrods if i had your setup.

Since you've gone soooo far on modding your truck I bet there'd be a better suited cam for your truck.
This swap was intended for the budget minded and person who wants a stock feeling truck, you're way beyond that, lol.

allen
12-04-2003, 04:34 PM
GMCwantsLS1

Add a cam with some serious lope to it!! :thumb:
12-04-2003, 07:27 PM
Hit Man X

Quote:

Originally posted by farmtruc@Dec 4 2003, 05:15 PM
....This swap was intended for the budget minded....

Oh don't ya mean a cheap ass! :rofl:
12-04-2003, 10:31 PM
RChevy.48

Quote:

Originally posted by Hit Man X+Dec 4 2003, 07:27 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hit Man X @ Dec 4 2003, 07:27 PM)</div>

Quote:

<!--QuoteBegin-farmtruc

Quote:

@Dec 4 2003, 05:15 PM
....This swap was intended for the budget minded....

Oh don't ya mean a cheap ass! :rofl: [/b]

:wave:
12-05-2003, 03:42 AM
boonybouncer

sorry Ron, i guess i'm out.
gotta get a bigger one.
thanks though.
12-06-2003, 11:44 PM
RChevy.48

Quote:

Originally posted by Hit Man X+Dec 3 2003, 10:30 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hit Man X @ Dec 3 2003, 10:30 PM)</div>

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<!--QuoteBegin-RChevy.48

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@Dec 3 2003, 10:34 PM
Cool, I will add it to the mod list.

You should get yours installed when I do mine around the 22-23. :smile:

It is so cheap it isn't even funny! :laugh:

Allen...my city gas milage went up to around 16.5 up from the mid 14's !! :lol: [/b]

Well, I am really looking into getting on, there is one on ebay now for 25 dollars. Where are you getting yours installed.

Also is there any performance increase for something like this Ebay Listing

Thanks,
Randy
12-06-2003, 11:50 PM
farmtruc

Don't worry about the sprockets and timing chain, you'll be fine.
12-08-2003, 01:58 AM
Sleeper

Quote:

Originally posted by RChevy.48+Dec 7 2003, 12:44 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RChevy.48 @ Dec 7 2003, 12:44 AM)</div>

Quote:

Quote:

Originally posted by Hit Man X@Dec 3 2003, 10:30 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-RChevy.48

Quote:

Quote:

@Dec 3 2003, 10:34 PM
Cool, I will add it to the mod list.

You should get yours installed when I do mine around the 22-23. :smile:

It is so cheap it isn't even funny! :laugh:

Allen...my city gas milage went up to around 16.5 up from the mid 14's !! :lol:

Well, I am really looking into getting on, there is one on ebay now for 25 dollars. Where are you getting yours installed.

Also is there any performance increase for something like this Ebay Listing

Thanks,
Randy [/b]

shoot for a 98-00 LS1 or 01+ LQ9 cam i think on the list allen posted they are the same and have .500 lift and the biggest duration (209/196)

:twocents:
12-09-2003, 12:49 PM
BigKID

Allen, which cam exactly did yall put in there? year/body? We just put a G5X2 in a buddies 02 WS6 and he said I could have his cam and was thinking of putting it in this week before our big track meet this sunday. Just wondering if it would be worth my time.
Also if I do it, I was wondering if you could give me some tips on what yall did with you buddy's tune so I could get it dialed in a little quicker.
12-09-2003, 01:11 PM
Hit Man X

Quote:

Originally posted by BigKID@Dec 9 2003, 01:49 PM
Allen, which cam exactly did yall put in there? year/body? We just put a G5X2 in a buddies 02 WS6 and he said I could have his cam and was thinking of putting it in this week before our big track meet this sunday. Just wondering if it would be worth my time.
Also if I do it, I was wondering if you could give me some tips on what yall did with you buddy's tune so I could get it dialed in a little quicker.

I could swear they used a '00 F-bod cam. I have a '98 F-bod cam to put in later this month...should be interesting. :smile:

The '02 has a bit less lift than the 98-00 ones from F-bods but you are still gettin' the increases duration.
12-09-2003, 01:35 PM
BigKID

I know, thats why I was curious. At only +.013/.010 lift, that isnt very significant but I believe the +5* of intake and +17* of exhaust duration would definately help especially on the juice. Plus the 01-01 f-cam has the tightest lsa of all the f-cams at 116. I would just curious if the gains would be significant enough to be worth my time or just wait till I can afford and aftermarket cam cause I am broke right now.
12-09-2003, 02:01 PM
GMCwantsLS1

Quote:

Originally posted by BigKID@Dec 9 2003, 12:49 PM
Allen, which cam exactly did yall put in there? year/body? We just put a G5X2 in a buddies 02 WS6 and he said I could have his cam and was thinking of putting it in this week before our big track meet this sunday. Just wondering if it would be worth my time.
Also if I do it, I was wondering if you could give me some tips on what yall did with you buddy's tune so I could get it dialed in a little quicker.

The cam is the same as the one your buddy is offering you! Get it and put it in you will be very happy you did! This cam on the 5.3L kept the same low end but picked up from 3K plus a bunch! At the price you are getting an almost free mod! :jump:
12-09-2003, 06:59 PM
BigKID

Sweet! I am glad you said how the truck reacted to the cam. I believe it is going to help where I need it which is on topend. My truck is great out of the hole but falls off on the topend. I figure it will cost me about $50 after getting new water pump gaskets, front cover gasket, front seal and some coolant. I am hoping to put it in either thurs or friday then I just have to get the tune ironed out before sunday. :D
12-09-2003, 08:07 PM
Hit Man X

Cool, keep us posted! :lol:
12-09-2003, 11:28 PM
farmtruc

Sorry been busy tuning and installing,

The cam was from a 03 LQ9 6L, the same cam as the '00 fbody with the .5 lift.
I know the bottom end didn't suffer at all becuase is smokes the tires better than ever, even on a downshift into first from a roll, it will squeel the tire all the way through. For the money you can't beat the mod. Get a new timing cover gasket, front crank seal, and waterpump gaskets.

For tuning, monitor you ltrims and adjust for those, bump the shift a few 100 rpm, like 6100 for first, 6000 for second, and 5800 for 3rd. I was keeping it safe, the engine has 100K plus miles and the trans has never been a problem, so i wouldnt want it to break now.

The truck went from a low 16 to a mid 15 just from the cam swap, that was before tuning for the cam.
check your a/f ratio to make sure it didn't change too much, also, you'll be able to bump timing, a more aggressive cam bleeds off some of the compression so you'll be able to increase timing.

good luck,

allen
12-09-2003, 11:57 PM
BigKID

Quote:

Originally posted by farmtruc@Dec 9 2003, 11:28 PM
The cam was from a 03 LQ9 6L, the same cam as the '00 fbody with the .5 lift.

Are you sure about that .500 lift? In the book I have the 03 LQ9 is the same cam as the 02 LS1 f-cam I listed earlier.
I also just found out I may be able to get a 00 y-cam as well, which, imo, is the best of them all excluding the Z06 cams. 198/209 .500/.500 115.5. :D
12-10-2003, 12:07 AM
farmtruc

Quote:

Originally posted by BigKID+Dec 9 2003, 11:57 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BigKID @ Dec 9 2003, 11:57 PM)</div>

Quote:

<!--QuoteBegin-farmtruc

Quote:

@Dec 9 2003, 11:28 PM
The cam was from a 03 LQ9 6L, the same cam as the '00 fbody with the .5 lift.

Are you sure about that .500 lift? In the book I have the 03 LQ9 is the same cam as the 02 LS1 f-cam I listed earlier.
I also just found out I may be able to get a 00 y-cam as well, which, imo, is the best of them all excluding the Z06 cams. 198/209 .500/.500 115.5. :D [/b]

ooops, my bad, it's late and i'm tired, lol,
you're right, it's not a .500 lift , haaha,

it's the same came as the other fbody's., not the .500 lift one. I agree the .500 would be best, but the other fbody / 6L cam worked out well too,

allen
05-21-2014, 09:57 AM
stngh8r

DO a search, Do a search...

Well I did and I found what I was looking for. Thanks for posting your findings Allen.

It looks like my pampered 120k mile Suburban (Family Truckster) as decided to trash a lifter. Yes, the oil has been changed at recommended intervals. So the lifter issue is the catalyst for me looking to maybe find a '00 vette cam since I'm going to be in there anyways.

Thanks
05-25-2014, 08:33 PM
zebra

if only i was in a spot to swap mine out, i've got a 2000 vette with a 58kmi stock cam.
good luck, though...

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