02 4.8

[redsierra04]

i have been along time guest now a member, i have a question i have a 04 4.8 GMC that i want to swap out the cam for a LS1 but i want to know if i have to use a 04 LS1 cam or can i use any other year. I am getting a good deal on a used cam from a 02 LS1 i just want to know if i can use it. Finally will i need to get my computer tuned? Thanks in advance for all your help

[chrisj6]

If you are wanting to stick with a GM cam have you thought about the LS6? It idles and drives just as nice but will be more worth the swap with the extra gain you will get. I'd go for the 02+ LS6 cam.

Chris

[1BADC10]

^^ yep. yep.

[redsierra04]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(1BADC10 &#064; Feb 17 2006, 12&#58;02 PM) [snapback]44713[/snapback]</div>

^^ yep. yep.
[/b]

thanks for the quick response, my only question is my truck is a 04 can i use a 02 cam or does it have to be a 04 and i thought i couldnt use the ls6 cam without changing valve springs am i wrong, let me know becuase i can get a ls6 cam for free

thanks again

[chrisj6]

Your gonna need to swap out the springs, but the springs are cheap, you can get a set for &#036;50-80 bucks. The year of the cam doesnt matter as long as its for a GenIII motor, i have an &#39;04 cam in my 99 truck, but it just came in 02-04 ls6&#39;s.

Chris

[adrenalinep]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(chrisj6 &#064; Feb 17 2006, 12&#58;54 PM) [snapback]44716[/snapback]</div>

Your gonna need to swap out the springs, but the springs are cheap, you can get a set for &#036;50-80 bucks. The year of the cam doesnt matter as long as its for a GenIII motor, i have an &#39;04 cam in my 99 truck, but it just came in 02-04 ls6&#39;s.

Chris
[/b]

Do the springs make any difference? I installed just the cam.

[chrisj6]

well if you have the stock springs you run a good change of either breaking one for valve float.

[airdeano]

the common upgrade is the 2002 LS6 camshaft
upgrading the valve springs is a common practice to "match" cam lift with approprate spring
rate to provide adaquate valve control. too lite of a spring will cause "valve float" and
cause piston to valve contact, deformed valve seats, broken springs...
coil bind is a problem with larger lift cams. the coils bind causing the valve to no longer travel
and break rocker studs, bend pushrods, and break cam and/or lifters.
tuning isnt a have to have, but to unlock all the gains of the swap, tuning is key..
from 20-30hp gain to 50-70hp gain.

airdeano