superdave84

Hello all,

If you have seen my build thread, you already know that my engine has something wrong with it. It squeals really bad after running for about 30 seconds, and at the moment, I am 99% sure it's not the belt or accessory related. I have a guy who works for GM looking at it, and without seeing the car yet, he seems to think it might be a lifter issue, which might also be causing issues with the cam.

ANYWAY, I will get to the point so I don't bore you. If it ends up being a lifter, that's a fairly easy fix, and will only cost about $100. My question is, while I am at it, should I upgrade to a better cam? I have a 5.3, and I only have a little LS1 intake, and stock truck heads.

I don't know what the engine can handle without a new intake, retune, etc.....but I don't want to pass up the chance to gain a few HP while the engine is apart.

Thoughts?

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Sure, go for it.. many stock cam you can get cheap.. or spend the money for a new one that would fit your build... (220*-224* ?)

Even a LS6 cam/springs would be a nice little bump, you can find them on ForSale Section or on eBay or Criagslist.. not sure what your HP Output you would be looking for?.

ZQV8

Seems most guys have good luck with a ls6 cam in the 5.3L
Any cam that will gain hp will require a tune

superdave84

Haha well what I WANT is like 550hp. What I EXPECT is something more like stock, maybe 20 or 30 more. I don't know. Like I said, I don't know how much hp I can make with stock heads and an LS1 intake.

superdave84

an Ls6 cam along with stock 5.3 heads? I forget what I have but they are definitely not the 243s

ZQV8

You can run the ls6 cam with any truck heads, just need to upgrade the valve springs

bczee

iTrader: (12)

550..is that all !. LOL.. I want that to the Rear Wheels !

yeah we all know that "I Want List..!" To bad. .some guy was givng a LS6 cam way in the Area here. I know I was the first one to look at the ad. but I passed.. If I had known. I would have picked it up !

You can get the LS6 Springs for like $60 from SDPC... I think you would also need 7.425 push rod, That is what I used in my Chevelle LS1.

You just need to consider what RPM Range you want the power.. But 20-40 more wouldn't be a problem with a good Tuner.. I was able to put 330wrhp on my Chevelle with a stock 99 LS1 with Headers and a LS6 intake, my Tuner found almost 30 HP by the time he was done. I am hope on the next tune with the LS6 cam and new springs to add another 20-30 more, maybe 40 ?

BC

i r teh noobz

iTrader: (4)

I've heard the LS6 cam isn't the best down low. May want to consider something else if the car is heavy.

Even an LS6 cam should be tuned.