finding that perfect cam

[custom 68]

Well all I have researched some and it seems like there are too many cams to choose from. first some history since I dont post on here as much as most. my truck is a 1968 short bed pickup I installed a 5.3 and 4l60e tranny with a TB converter and transgo shift kit. Emmisions aren't a concern. I have Z06 exhaust manifolds into true duals no catts. I have CAI that is plumbed to outside air that is forced into it thru the grill. The truck weighs around 3900-4000 pounds. 3.73 gearing and last but not least Allen tuned. It runs very strong and reliable.

now for the cam I want something that give some thump but want to drive it around and be able to hop in for a 4-5 hour road trip. What happens when cruising at 2100 RPM at highway speeds with a cam rated from 1800-6500 or so? I dont want to hurt my cruising stuff.
My initial thoughts were for a TR220 but I am very open. I currently have 2003 Z06 springs and pushrods and would like to use them unless this is just a mistake.

like I said it runs great now but know there is more potential in these 5.3 motors that I havent seen yet.
sorry for the long post but maybe I covered most of the questions. I would prefer to find a used one to save some money but dont want to settle for something that is not what I want or need.
Thanks
Dave

part of this was posted but I didnt want to continue to jack the other thread

[chrisj6]

I gained 41 hp with the Z06 cam in my Z71. I will say however that GMpartsdirect.com lists the Z06 and 5.3L pushrods as the same part #. Otherwise I would have switched already.

Chris

[yeary03SS]

Originally posted by chrisj6@Oct 25 2005, 01:03 PM
I gained 41 hp with the Z06 cam in my Z71. I will say however that GMpartsdirect.com lists the Z06 and 5.3L pushrods as the same part #. Otherwise I would have switched already.

Chris

Did it feel like you lost any low-end power with that z06 cam?

[bud8fan]

for you guys that want new cams...hit allen up and he will check out your mods and can tell you what he would recomend ...he gets custom grinds done on a regular basis

[custom 68]

Yea man I had e-mailed him right before I posted this, just wanted to get some other feedback, but yes I will listen to his thoughts since he has tuned this and knows about my truck.
I wish I was closer, Missouri is a ways to drive...
Dave

[chrisj6]

I may have lost a hair, but the hp shot up and the torque is much smoother throughout the powerband all the way through the shifts. A higher stall isnt completely needed, but it would will be even more fun to drive when I get one. I only gained 3 peak ft*lbs of torque.

Chris

[bluecajun5.3]

that tr220 should be a good choice. allen pretty much has the tune downpacked for that cam. mine has great drivability and reliabilty. drove 1200mi. (19hrs. straight) to louisiana back in july and it didn't miss a lick. also running 4.10's with 29.75" tall tires turning 2400 @ 70 getting 20mpg!

[custom 68]

Well Lance that does sound promising. I just got worried about "lugging" the truck down with a larger cam and really killing the gas mileage. did you go with the 112 or 114 lsa? What valve springs did you change to?
looking at your signature looks like it performs great!
Thanks
Dave

[bluecajun5.3]

i only suffer from gas mileage in the city b/c of the 3k stall. if you want it to be more street friendly i'd suggest going with a trail blazer stall or 2600. i went with a 3k b/c it's only a weekend/strip truck. i went with the 112, it idles rough and when the weather changes (humid, cold, hot, etc...) it wants to die sometimes but it's not agrivating b/c i'm use to it and it doesn't bother me. the 112 should give you better low end torque than the 114 but the 114 will idle better and smother. it's your choice. only thing i did to the heads was put in some comp 918 and some harden pushrods.