5.3L camshafts

rtbrick · May 4, 2003

I have been wondering what gains I could acheive if I install a more performance oriented camshaft in my 5.3L truck. I suppose I would pick up 25-30 hp and maybe a bit more torque. Seems like cams for the LS1 are "automatically" $350-500! Pretty steep for just a cam. As stated in other posts, I may get a similar performace gain from a higher stall TC. SLP has a 2600 stall TC for much less than the touted Yank.

I guess I'm looking some overall performance gains I can actually see, feel and use on a daily basis.

americanmuscleman · May 6, 2003

5.3L's (and 4.8L's and 6.0's) use the same style cam as an LS1 or LS6.

If I was going to add an aftermarket cam to a 5.3L, I would get an 02' or 03' Z06 cam. The 01' Z06 cam is slightly smaller, but not by much. This cam has fairly stock sounding idle, but has a strong mid range and top end. I've installed and done a lot of work with LS1's, and the LS6 (Z06) cam produces nearly as much power as some more aggressive aftermarket LS1 cams. It will return you better mileage, have a good idle, strong low end, and pull hard on the top end.

No matter what you choose though, your going to need aftermarket tuning to get the most out of it.

One cool thing about the LS1/LS6 and 4.8/5.3/6.0L motors is, in order to swap a cam, you dont even have to pull the intake manifold off. You take the valve covers off, remove the rocker arms, pull the pushrods, remove the front engine dress (water pump, accessories, brackets, etc..), timing cover and timing chain. You can rotate the cam, and push the lifters up in the lifter valley bores, and just slide the cam right out. Lube the new cam, and slide it back in! The lifters will stay up in the bores unless you have a LOT of miles on your truck, and there isn't enough friction to keep them up. Then you just put the truck back together. Compared to most cam swaps in the trucks, this one is a cake walk. Its best handled by someone knowledgeable, but it isn't by any means difficult.

Good luck, and my vote goes for the 02'/03' Z06 cam. You'll need Z06 valve-springs as well.

Steve

sting5841 · May 10, 2003

does anyone have the specs on the 5.3l camshaft thats stock i cant find it anywhere

rtbrick · May 11, 2003

By no means am I an expert at camshafts, but I found this article comparing the LS6 camshafts of '01 and '02 that may point to some swapping issues. It seems that the change involved more that simply increasing lift or lobe seperation. The GM engineers lengthened and lightened the valves to compensate for a smaller base circle on the newer camshaft. Exactly what does this mean for an attempt to run the newer LS6 cam in a '00 5.3L? Valve train geometry problems? Failure at higher RPMs? Note that as I am driving a 4wd extended cab, I desire more low to mid range power. Seems like to Z06 cams would make their power in the mid to higher ranges.

http://www.idavette.net/hib/02ls6/page2.htm