6.0 4x4 Truck Cam Selection
08-18-2010, 11:05 AM
#1
6.0 4x4 Truck Cam Selection I'm prepairing to swap my 5.3 for a 6.0 in my truck. I've been reading and trying to figure out what cam I should go with. I only drive this truck about 5K miles/year, but still want to be able to use it as a truck when needed.
I'm looking for max power under the curve. I will not be revving this engine any higher than 6,000 RPMs. The shortblock is a LQ4 and wearing a set of 243 heads. See my sig for supporting mods. In addition, I plan to run a TBSS intake and 90mm DBC t-body.
As noted above, I'm not looking for a high RPM setup. I have three criteria.
In reading through other threads, I've come across a cam recommended by Patrick G that sounds like it may be what I'm looking for. 216/220 110LSA 110ICL. What are your thoughts on this cam?
I'm looking for max power under the curve. I will not be revving this engine any higher than 6,000 RPMs. The shortblock is a LQ4 and wearing a set of 243 heads. See my sig for supporting mods. In addition, I plan to run a TBSS intake and 90mm DBC t-body.
As noted above, I'm not looking for a high RPM setup. I have three criteria.
- Max torque from a stop.
- Peak power at 6K.
- Nice choppy, noticeable idle.
In reading through other threads, I've come across a cam recommended by Patrick G that sounds like it may be what I'm looking for. 216/220 110LSA 110ICL. What are your thoughts on this cam?
08-18-2010, 11:34 AM
#2
That looks like a pretty good cam spec for what you are trying to do. Really anything in the low 220s is going to get you what you need. If possible I would try and mill the heads down some for more compression if it hasn't been done already. Compression will help low end power and torque.
08-18-2010, 11:38 AM
#3
That looks like a pretty good cam spec for what you are trying to do. Really anything in the low 220s is going to get you what you need. If possible I would try and mill the heads down some for more compression if it hasn't been done already. Compression will help low end power and torque.
Won't I already have 10.5:1 with the 243 heads on a LQ4 shortblock using OEM gaskets?
08-18-2010, 12:46 PM
#4
Which oil pump should I run? I've read that the high volume can empty the pan. Do I need high pressure for the kind of build I'm doing? I'm simply looking for what I need, to keep my budget inline.
LS2 timing chain, or gears too?
LS7 lifters?
Standard volume and pressure pump, or standard volume high pressure?
LS2 timing chain, or gears too?
LS7 lifters?
Standard volume and pressure pump, or standard volume high pressure?
Last edited by blsnelling; 08-18-2010 at 01:34 PM.
08-18-2010, 01:18 PM
#5
It seems like the consensus is something between 216 and 220 on the duration. I'm thinking a 224 would just leave me sacrificing lowend for highend and having to make up for it with a higher stall. No?
Won't I already have 10.5:1 with the 243 heads on a LQ4 shortblock using OEM gaskets?
Won't I already have 10.5:1 with the 243 heads on a LQ4 shortblock using OEM gaskets?
08-18-2010, 01:31 PM
#6
I would run a ported oil pump for more pressure, not a high volume. The high volume pumps can suck the pan dry under high RPMs.
You can do an LS2 timing chain on this build with no problems. It will not be a high horsepower build so a double roller is not needed.
For lifters you can go with the comp OEM replacements which will not require a different pushrod. They are a little more expensive then the LS7 lifters, but not quite as much as a new set of pushrods I don't think. Our comp OE replacements come in at $204.99, new set of pushrods is $109.99.
You can do an LS2 timing chain on this build with no problems. It will not be a high horsepower build so a double roller is not needed.
For lifters you can go with the comp OEM replacements which will not require a different pushrod. They are a little more expensive then the LS7 lifters, but not quite as much as a new set of pushrods I don't think. Our comp OE replacements come in at $204.99, new set of pushrods is $109.99.
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08-18-2010, 02:21 PM
#8
Sometimes you can get away with 7.40s and sometimes you can't. Every motor is a little and sometimes you just can't get the right preload length with the 7.40s. Typically we will a 7.350 or 7.375. I would recommend measuring with a pushrod length checker if you can, definately the best way to go about doing it.
08-18-2010, 02:34 PM
#9
I'll definately check during assembly. I believe I'll go ahead and go with the LS7 lifters. If I need new PRs, so be it.
Talk to me some more about the cams. When would you go with a split duration cam like the 216/220 vs a 220/220 or 224/224? What stall would each of these be best with?
Talk to me some more about the cams. When would you go with a split duration cam like the 216/220 vs a 220/220 or 224/224? What stall would each of these be best with?
08-18-2010, 05:14 PM
#12
That is a good cam for what you are looking to do. These motors typically make a little more power with a split in the duration. In a 6.0 that will provide an extremely broad powerband. You would not have to do a converter if you didn't want to, but if you did I would do a 2600-2800 converter. Anything smaller wouldn't be worth it in my opinion.
08-18-2010, 05:17 PM
#13
That is a good cam for what you are looking to do. These motors typically make a little more power with a split in the duration. In a 6.0 that will provide an extremely broad powerband. You would not have to do a converter if you didn't want to, but if you did I would do a 2600-2800 converter. Anything smaller wouldn't be worth it in my opinion.
08-18-2010, 07:39 PM
#17
From a stop with light/normal throttle, it feels like stock. But when it shifts, the tach hardly drops. Of course there's a bigger change when it's wound up, but it sure is different. This was the first stall I had ever done.
BTW, I'm planning on jumping on that used 220/224 cam. I'm waiting for the guy to get back with me. With .580 lift I'll probably go with Pac 1218 springs. I hear that they're quieter than Comp 918s.
BTW, I'm planning on jumping on that used 220/224 cam. I'm waiting for the guy to get back with me. With .580 lift I'll probably go with Pac 1218 springs. I hear that they're quieter than Comp 918s.
08-19-2010, 10:35 AM
#20
I think the PAC springs are a good choice, you really can't go wrong with either. You could go that large for torque converter if you wanted to, but I defiantely don't see that being required. The cams we are talking about are on the smaller side, I would expect a 3200-3600 to be required more for cams in the high 220s and low 230s on duration. A 2600-2800 converter would have that 220/224 cam taken care of no problem in my opinion.