5.3L Truck Motor Cam-only
#101
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the volant cai, the ported fast 92 and ls2 tb are the only things not changed... headers are the same, but now i'm running no cats(which made no difference in power at all)... it runs great though, i'm happy with the wway it makes power too, i can hit it at 45 in 2nd and not spin, car just squats and goes... last night i ran a 135i that put 490/520 down(weird its my power just backwards, he showed me the sheet) and pulled him 1/2 a car at end of 4th... he weighs a good 600 lbs less than me so i was happy... i'm no stig either
#102
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I'll post up my 5.3 cam only numbers soon. once i figure out which heads im going to be able to use.
the setup-
M6 Car
LH6 aluminum 5.3
Trex Cam - 242/248 615/610 110LSA
243 or 853 heads (243's checked out, might not use them)
LS6 Intake
POTZ speed TB
ARH 1 7x8 LT's
TSP ORY
Magnaflow Cat Back
will hit the mustang dyno in a couple weeks
the setup-
M6 Car
LH6 aluminum 5.3
Trex Cam - 242/248 615/610 110LSA
243 or 853 heads (243's checked out, might not use them)
LS6 Intake
POTZ speed TB
ARH 1 7x8 LT's
TSP ORY
Magnaflow Cat Back
will hit the mustang dyno in a couple weeks
#103
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Came up with this thread in a search for a good road race / daily cam in a 5.3.
I was intending to run a ls2 cam straight up, increase quench by using a 0.040 gasket, and shave the heads to 59cc. By the way this is a L33 engine, flat tops, 799 heads etc.
Now, after reading this, I have a feeling there are better cams more suited for the application. I do not want to make a high rpm screamer. If it pulls hard to 6k I am more than happy. Higher rpm = larger wallet to make reliable power.
I will be driving the car on the street so low end power is important to me and the road race needs low end torque and a wide powerband for the corners. I will be doing a gear swap to a 3.90 or 4.10 as well on a M6.
What would you suggest in an application as such? I also do not want crazy ramp rates where I need to replace my springs often. This is why I was planning on keeping the LS2 cam, increase my SCR to increase DCR to around 8.5ish, run yellow springs, and port the heads a tiny bit to make them flow a bit nicer.
Been looking at your street heat and torque monsterrrrrrrrrr cams but not sure where to go from there. It will be n/a no forced induction.
I was intending to run a ls2 cam straight up, increase quench by using a 0.040 gasket, and shave the heads to 59cc. By the way this is a L33 engine, flat tops, 799 heads etc.
Now, after reading this, I have a feeling there are better cams more suited for the application. I do not want to make a high rpm screamer. If it pulls hard to 6k I am more than happy. Higher rpm = larger wallet to make reliable power.
I will be driving the car on the street so low end power is important to me and the road race needs low end torque and a wide powerband for the corners. I will be doing a gear swap to a 3.90 or 4.10 as well on a M6.
What would you suggest in an application as such? I also do not want crazy ramp rates where I need to replace my springs often. This is why I was planning on keeping the LS2 cam, increase my SCR to increase DCR to around 8.5ish, run yellow springs, and port the heads a tiny bit to make them flow a bit nicer.
Been looking at your street heat and torque monsterrrrrrrrrr cams but not sure where to go from there. It will be n/a no forced induction.
I have an L33 that I want to use for a road race mustang. It will still see street use too, though not too much.
I would like to turn the motor to 7000 rpm though as I have been researching it would seem that I would have to upgrade the rod bolts. Not to mention from Martin's findings it looks like the motor may not make power up there no matter what cam I use.
What would be an off the shelf cam, spring, and pushrod package that would maximize power in the 4K to 6500rpm range without valve train durability issues and does not require fly-cutting?
Thanks for any advice in advance.
#104
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Martin,
I am bringing this thread up from the dead because it seems relevant to my question and maybe some other people with 5.3L engines might want to know the answer.
I am working on a 5.3L LH8 (aluminum block, 799 heads) swap into a 1967 Cougar.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...gar-build.html
I am installing a Holley Hi-Ram and dual DBW throttle bodies on top with a bug-catcher air cleaner. This is all done for looks, cause well, **** hanging out of the hood is cool sometimes...
I have installed an ASA cam and some upgraded valves springs. With no other mods to the engine.
The questions is: is this thing going to be a total pooch at the low end?
Any thoughts you might have are appreciated. I always enjoy reading your informative and thoughtful posts.
Andrew
I am bringing this thread up from the dead because it seems relevant to my question and maybe some other people with 5.3L engines might want to know the answer.
I am working on a 5.3L LH8 (aluminum block, 799 heads) swap into a 1967 Cougar.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...gar-build.html
I am installing a Holley Hi-Ram and dual DBW throttle bodies on top with a bug-catcher air cleaner. This is all done for looks, cause well, **** hanging out of the hood is cool sometimes...
I have installed an ASA cam and some upgraded valves springs. With no other mods to the engine.
The questions is: is this thing going to be a total pooch at the low end?
Any thoughts you might have are appreciated. I always enjoy reading your informative and thoughtful posts.
Andrew
#106
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
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Andrew
#107
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I think that sounds like one cool car! Dual tb's on a high ram and a bug catcher hanging out of the hood sounds awesome.
IMO it could use a cam with a about 6-8 degrees less duration and tighter lobe center line which would lengthen up the power stroke some and boost the mid range and bottom end. It will also add some overlap which a shorter runner manifold is going to want.
IIRC that cam is 226/236 110. If you put it in at 106 icl or if it's ground on a +4 it will be better. IMO it will need the tighter ICL to get the IVC event more in line.
IMO it could use a cam with a about 6-8 degrees less duration and tighter lobe center line which would lengthen up the power stroke some and boost the mid range and bottom end. It will also add some overlap which a shorter runner manifold is going to want.
IIRC that cam is 226/236 110. If you put it in at 106 icl or if it's ground on a +4 it will be better. IMO it will need the tighter ICL to get the IVC event more in line.
#108
TECH Veteran
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Good thread!! Martin.... do you have a cam for a 5.3 to maximize TOWING performance?
#109
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
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I think that sounds like one cool car! Dual tb's on a high ram and a bug catcher hanging out of the hood sounds awesome.
IMO it could use a cam with a about 6-8 degrees less duration and tighter lobe center line which would lengthen up the power stroke some and boost the mid range and bottom end. It will also add some overlap which a shorter runner manifold is going to want.
IIRC that cam is 226/236 110. If you put it in at 106 icl or if it's ground on a +4 it will be better. IMO it will need the tighter ICL to get the IVC event more in line.
IMO it could use a cam with a about 6-8 degrees less duration and tighter lobe center line which would lengthen up the power stroke some and boost the mid range and bottom end. It will also add some overlap which a shorter runner manifold is going to want.
IIRC that cam is 226/236 110. If you put it in at 106 icl or if it's ground on a +4 it will be better. IMO it will need the tighter ICL to get the IVC event more in line.
Thanks for your input. If this thing doesn't run well, I'll be in touch for a cam. Here is what it looks like:
![](http://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/cougar/106.jpg)
Andrew
#110
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I thought i'd toss in my 5.3 idle clip.
2001 LM7
Martin Spec Turbo Cam
BBK 13/4" headers ORY
SLP SS catback
I think it sounds really good. Going to add my turbo set up eventually. I don't have any dyno numbers, but with my shitty self tune i'm trapping 82 in the 1/8th with a 2.2 60ft(Bald street tires) and spinning on the 1-2 shift.
2001 LM7
Martin Spec Turbo Cam
BBK 13/4" headers ORY
SLP SS catback
I think it sounds really good. Going to add my turbo set up eventually. I don't have any dyno numbers, but with my shitty self tune i'm trapping 82 in the 1/8th with a 2.2 60ft(Bald street tires) and spinning on the 1-2 shift.
#111
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This motor is a few years off from being started, but I have an aluminum 5.3 waiting to go in a '64 Impala. I'm intrigued to see how it runs.
Aluminum Gen IV 5.3
Flat top pistons
Stock 862 heads
LS6 intake
LS2 cam
![Name: FRC13_zpsdebd5185.jpg
Views: 2229
Size: 50.7 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/dynamometer-results-comparisons/605288d1501304412-5-3l-truck-motor-cam-only-frc13_zpsdebd5185.jpg)
Did a little throwback to the 327s of yore.
![](https://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/MuhThugga/1964%20Impala%20SS/FRC14_zps1dbf46ab.jpg)
It is for my dad's car, and he told me that he only wanted factory parts on the motor. He didn't tell me factory parts for which motor, though.
Aluminum Gen IV 5.3
Flat top pistons
Stock 862 heads
LS6 intake
LS2 cam
![Name: FRC13_zpsdebd5185.jpg
Views: 2229
Size: 50.7 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/dynamometer-results-comparisons/605288d1501304412-5-3l-truck-motor-cam-only-frc13_zpsdebd5185.jpg)
Did a little throwback to the 327s of yore.
![](https://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/MuhThugga/1964%20Impala%20SS/FRC14_zps1dbf46ab.jpg)
It is for my dad's car, and he told me that he only wanted factory parts on the motor. He didn't tell me factory parts for which motor, though.
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
Last edited by MuhThugga; 03-22-2015 at 12:25 PM.
#113
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Ive been looking for 5.3 cam info. Ive got a tick performance stage 1 turbo cam that I planned on using with my turbo setup, but it was stolen. Now im just considering running this cam anyway either n/a or nitrous until I can afford another kit. Motor has 243s and an ls6 intake. It may not be optimal, but as long as it makes decent gains im happy. What do you guys think?
Specs are 227/227 | .62x"/.59x" | LSA114+5
Specs are 227/227 | .62x"/.59x" | LSA114+5
#116
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
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I thought you guys might enjoy this. While technically not "cam only" this is basically a stock LH8 with the GM ASA cam, upgraded springs, and a Holley Hi-Ram with dual DBW throttle bodies. Enjoy.
Dyno numbers will come after the car is all put together.
Andrew
Dyno numbers will come after the car is all put together.
Andrew
#117
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anyone tell me how much at the crank my TB has?
5.3/4L60e stock trans 2800 stall
Flat Top Pistons (10:5:1)
TrickFlow Track Max 216/220 .560 114LSa
TrickFlow Pushrods
Ls6 Springs
Trunnion Kit
Ported 862s
3in PaceSetters
Ypipe/magnfaflow 3in
flowmaster 4in tip
Electric Fans
Full Out Custom tune ???
TBSS 4.11 Limited Slip Axle
TBSSClusters
TBSSOil Pan
5.3/4L60e stock trans 2800 stall
Flat Top Pistons (10:5:1)
TrickFlow Track Max 216/220 .560 114LSa
TrickFlow Pushrods
Ls6 Springs
Trunnion Kit
Ported 862s
3in PaceSetters
Ypipe/magnfaflow 3in
flowmaster 4in tip
Electric Fans
Full Out Custom tune ???
TBSS 4.11 Limited Slip Axle
TBSSClusters
TBSSOil Pan