toeffer777

I have a stock bottom end 5.3, going with the 317 heads to lower the cr. Its going in a 47 chevy truck that will be a driver, but still want the best performance/$ . It will be getting a turbo so I want to choose the right cam for a "lower" budget build.

I've read most of the cam posts on here and I have a migraine. I am trying to find a ls6 cam used but having a hard time. That I think is my best option.

If I got with an off the shelf cam I talk to Howards Cams and he recommended something like a 232/236 625/625 @ 112. I am pretty uneducated when it comes to cam options.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Chicago TDP

iTrader: (3)

Dont put the 317's on, you will drop the compression too much and it is going to be a dog...ask me how I know.

If you can, put the stock 853 heads on and keep the compression at 9-9.5:1

With a good tune, good head gaskets and set of studs, you will hold 12 PSI with no issues.

There are guys on here in the 20+ PSI range even without issues.

I think the whole "317" craze hit when people were dropping the compression on LS1 motors with the truck heads...no need to drop the compression MORE with 317 truck heads on a truck motor.

No go advice on the cam though... I use LS6 cams off of ebay or if you on the vette forums, they are usually in the for sale section due to LS6 guys going to bigger cams.

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

get dual springs.
Brian Tooley Racing sells a good kit

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

Keep the stock heads and pick up a used 224-228 duration from the classifieds if you dont want to spend the 400 on a custom cam.

toeffer777

Well I already bought the 317s with ls6 springs. My stock heads have a couple exhaust bolts broke off so I just opted to get new heads for around the same cost to get my stocks fixed.

I don't think you're crazy for not recommending the 317s but I see it being in my best interest to run the 317s because I plan on making a little more than 12psi.

The guys that are running 20psi are either running e85 or race fuel to be able to achieve 20+lbs boost on 9.5 cr?!?!

edwardzracing

iTrader: (59)

If you have LS6 springs... don't plan on running a Cam over .570 lift. If you were to run the cam that Howard recommended, you'd definitely have to change springs. Here's a little bit of good info:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...6-springs.html

Good luck with your build.

Chicago TDP

iTrader: (3)

Just to help you out, I would learn from what I and others have done and keep the compression up higher. On the street, that motor is going to be very lazy until you build boost.

I would sell the 317's with the springs, get double PRC springs and easy-out the broken bolts.

Just my .02 cents

toeffer777

So I really am confused about the 317s now. Everyone seems to want to stay away from them but I don't really understand why.

Do you guys drive your cars around out of boost alot? If so I don't plan on it.

I would rather lower my cr and give it more timing/boost than have a higher cr and lower boost.

When I go to e85 I will then think about changing my heads, but for now I think Ill stay with the 317s(unless someone talks sense into me).

Thanks for the name drop, ordered a cam/dual spring/pushrod kit from him, seems like an awesome guy!