Cam?'s

[Roger]

I could use a little advise on cam selection for my truck. It's a 2004 5.3 rcsb w/3.73's. I want a little more mid-upper range power without loosing much low-end. Basicly I like motors with strong mid-range torque. I don't plan on installing a stall, and would like to still be able to tow heavy loads if needed.
I'm considering used LS1 car cams, especially the 2001 LS6 cam. Can anyone tell me how much power increase I might expect from this cam?
I've also noticed a number of F-body and a few Vette cams used for cheap, are they worth the time and effort to install?

[Hit Man X]

I like this grind from Comp...

Lobe Numbers: 3710/3713; 214/220 @.050 (267/273 adv) .559/.564 114LSA

Good lift and idle very well. Lots of midrange HP and TQ too.

I had an '01 Z06 cam but never installed it, I don't think it'd be too bad as it's a std base circle, tighter LSA, and less exhaust duration. I was talked out of it. With any cam a 2600-3000rpm stall would rock. That Trailblazer TC is good as is the TCI SF due to cost.

The production cams help in the upper RPMs only...

[farmtruc]

I'd go for one of comps low lift cams, around 529 or so and a low duration, like 212, that will give you awesome lowend and mid range and still pull hard to 6Krpms.
Stay away from the ls6 cam if you want strong lowend and midrange, it's an awesome cam, buy you'll loose some of that lowend that you need to get off the line.
The ls1 cam in a 5.3 will loose a tad lowend but make up for it quickly after 3K rpms, then pull hard to 5900K or so.

good luck,

allen

[Hit Man X]

With lower lift you can run the less expensive Z06 springs too, I just recommended the higher lift as used 918 springs are all over the place (I got a set for $40 shipped) and lift is cheap HP.

[Roger]

I was playing around with Desktop Dyno last night and I wasn't very impressed with the stock LS1 or Z06 cams. I did try a few of the smaller aftermarket cams. Of the few that I tried, the Comp XR259HR (206/212 .515/.522 112LSA) was by far the best. It looked like it would pick up power across the entire rpm range. I'll probably try some more cam profiles tonight.

[Hit Man X]

Even with the smaller 212-214/218-220 cams you're not going to lose much if any low end power. I'm still at a loss as to why people are concerned about power under 1600rpm usually...I never spend time at that low of an RPM.

I cruise around 1900-2100rpm in the city and 1900rpm on the freeway. I'd be more than happy to give up 10-15tq @ 2000rpm (that can be made up with some headers or more bolt ons) for another 25-35hp from 3500-6000rpm.

It's not like any of the cams available are going to lose a whole lot of off idle torque like 30 ft-lbs or anything, simply doesn't happen.

Also... when playing with Desktop Dyno, try playing with the adv duration numbers more over the ones at .050

Check out this dyno chart. It compares a stock 5.3 to a cam'd one (218/222) to a 402 cratemotor. I'll toss one together tonight for you to show that you won't lose much if any power at low speed.

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