mpmarino

iTrader: (1)

Another cam question!

I appreciate any insight. I am 'refreshing' a 2003 5.3 for my '90 300zx.
I am currently running a 4.8 with a toasted crank journal.

This is a STRICT budget build. I am looking at the LS9 cam. Just looking for a bit bigger than factory,
smooth idle, potential for FI later, and inexpensive (and inexpensive).

Hey, I'd do the LS6 cam if someone wants to send me
a guaranteed mint one in the same price range.

On to the question- I have searched and see many references to having to replace the front cover and some other things.
I am using Microsquirt and have no need at all for a cam position sensor. Can I use a LS9 cam as a straight replacement hardware-wise for the factory cam since I won't be using the cam sensor at all? Will the 5.3 timing cover and hardware support the LS9 cam mechanically with no issue, or is there some other physical difference ?

TIA - a lot.
Marc

mark21742

Not positive but I "think" the cam trigger on the ls9 reads off the cam gear but the cam will still fit your block (just had no hole in your stock cover for the cam sensor)

zzcamaro00

cheap, fast, or reliable

pick two

mark21742

Every once in a while you get lucky

mark21742

I think your better option would be to look for a good used cam for a gen 3 like a 224 or so that someone got tired of and went bigger in their ls1.

Search the classifieds here and you should find something...I wouldnt go much bigger than a 228 in your motor looking at your future setup goals

mark21742

I think your better option would be to look for a good used cam for a gen 3 like a 224 or so that someone got tired of and went bigger in their ls1.

Search the classifieds here and you should find something...I wouldnt go much bigger than a 228 in your motor looking at your future setup goals

mpmarino

iTrader: (1)

Yes, willing to give up some on the 'fast'.

I am not looking for it to be a 10sec car, just something to get an ice cream cone in.

____

@ Mark21742

"look for a good used cam for a gen 3 like a 224 " I know, but I worry about the reliable part


Thanks...

mark21742

https://ls1tech.com/forums/parts-cla...e-springs.html

mpmarino

iTrader: (1)

I see what you mean. I agree with buying pre - owned things. For example, I'll pick a $400 used industrial table saw over a $400 new one any day. I know a lot about tablesaws so that sits good with me.

For me, a cam is a different story. I'm not an expert, and the risk of throwing good money away is high. But then again, most people think the LS9 cam is throwing away good money. hmmm

Thanks for making me think some more...

SS Rider'z

Theres a ls9 cam for sale on craigslist here in ABQ.. For 100 bucks

http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/pts/3939882282.html

mpmarino

iTrader: (1)

Yes, thanks.

The thing that makes it so inviting is that one that is guaranteed to be brand new is less than $100.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...umber=12638427

Are they THAT bad?

Edit: also, since it 'seems' like gen 3 guys are generally deterred in part because of the front cover, cam sensor issue. For me, it looks like that might not be an issue. Does anyone know for sure the answer to my original question? Thanks!

mark21742

I wish I did...ive just never seen a gen 4 cam in person so I cant tell you for sure...but it should work.

mark21742

You might even want to post this question on the megasquirt forums

L-EATER

iTrader: (2)

Yes the LS9 cam is a direct bolt in for what you are doing. It has a 3 bolt cam gear so it will slide right in and work fine. I have one in my Gen3 6 liter.

pdsq98gt

We just put one in a 5.3 in a 2012 truck. No dyno numbers but there is a slight loss of 1500 rpm torque and the engine revs to 6k easier. The stock cam was done by 5500rpm and this one pulls to 6000. Would I put one in my 5.3? Not really. There are so many better choices out there. Sure it's cheap, but its not much faster. I really didn't like the low end that it gave up in the truck. Granted it was a 4wd ECSB and heavy. Just my .02 about a 5.3 ls9 cam

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

I'd look for a NIB cam. A lot of folks have those and never install them because they change combos. I did that because I wanted more cam and didn't want to do it twice.

boydzfv

I wouldnt go much bigger than a 228 in your motor looking at your future setup goals

mpmarino

iTrader: (1)

Thank you! I think it is confirmed- as both you and a member on PM have both personally done it.



I knew this would develop into a 'the LS9 cam is not very good' thread. That's a good thing. I respect and consider that opinion, especially from those with first hand experience. Thanks all....

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

This is a great way to pick up near free stock power. One we did was a 2007 Gen4 5.3 with a pull out 2010+ 6.2 cam. Guess what? A stock 6.2 cam is basically the equivalent of an old style Z06 cam....over 200 duration and 550ish lift, designed to work with GM yellow beehives. We installed this cam and springs for near free power because stock cams are generally throw-aways. If you don't require a cam signal, then any new cam will work fine and very easy for you're retrofit. Most new cams are single bolt, so you're gen3 sprocket will not work as it is 3 bolt. Other then that throw any of them in that 5.3......I mean why wouldn't you. Except if you live in a nutshell like the rest of the posters here.

mpmarino

iTrader: (1)

Good stuff. Could you estimate gains and driveability of the 6.2 can in the 5.3? Obviously I'm not worried about exact numbers here, and an overly lumpy idle would give me the attention I don't want or need.

Lol, it would be fun to swap them like baseball cards, but in this install it would take a weekend!

Thanks.