Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

5.3 best cam choice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 6, 2009 | 09:56 PM
  #1  
alwaysmessedup's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Default 5.3 best cam choice

hi im swapping in a 02 5.3 into my 89 camaro. i was wondering what the best cam for the 5.3s is. ive done searches and there is alot of info. my setup is a ls1 intake for now manifolds possibly long tubes, 3000 stalled built 700r4 3.73 gears. any info i will be thankfull.
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2009 | 09:15 PM
  #2  
Third Gear's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Chino Hills, CA
Default

I've kind of been out of the loop for a little bit since I have no LSx vehicle, but I'm looking at picking up a 5.3 for a project of mine like you are.

Since both engines have the same stroke, if you have a hot cam for a LS1, it should work just fine in the 5.3. However, since the engine is smaller, a cam that might not seem big on a LS1 will be more noticeable in a 5.3. I'm not sure what your goals is, but I wouldn't go too crazy on the duration (but that's just me). My engine will be going in a truck, so I'll probably go with the Lingenfelter GT2-3, better than stock, and the smog guys won't notice. The stall and the gears will help out a lot if you choose a cam that's pretty lumpy. Good luck.

I
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2009 | 09:31 PM
  #3  
fknsmshn's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Puyallup
Default

The cam depends on what kinda power you wanna make.
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2009 | 10:40 PM
  #4  
BBLS1's Avatar
I Like Gold!!!
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 0
From: deerpark, texas
Default

tsp224 works really well with the 5.3
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2009 | 11:31 AM
  #5  
50chevy's Avatar
Staging Lane
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Tx
Default

I have a 5.3l with a 222/222 .566/.566 112lsa, it feels stock-ish on the low end, mid range is better and top end is great, good sounding idle. It would be a nice cam for a car. Through a TH-350 it makes 331 rwhp at 6000-6200 and 315 rwtq about 4000-4400. I bought is from LPE, I think the part # is gt2-5. I am currently going to a 408 stroker to get a better low and mid range becuase this is in a truck.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2009 | 11:54 AM
  #6  
Fbodyjunkie06's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,712
Likes: 5
From: Greensboro, NC
Default

224/224 .581/.581 114

218/224 .566/.581 112+4

224/228 .581/.588 112+2

These three have all had really strong performances that I've seen in the dyno section for 5.3s. I am planning a 5.3 swap for my truck (s-10) and I am leaning towards the 218/224 combo.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2009 | 08:42 PM
  #7  
alwaysmessedup's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Default

thanks for the suggestions, im looking for around 400 hp and trq. ive been thinking of doing car crafts oct 04 build of a 5.3, consist of stock 5.3 long tube headers, lpe gt1-1 cam 229/242 .631/.631 and 114.5 lobe sep., comp cams behive springs lpe steel rocker stand 30lb injectors. with a truck intake, they made 369 trq. at 4800 and 413hp at 6600. im just wondering if anyone has done a similiar build and if so what is the drivability like.. i drive my car alot but i beat on it alot too so i need a motor that will perform, my current motor is a copy of a car craft build supose to be 401hp and 427 trq. its carburated and i want fuel injection. my current setup i run out of motor at about 1000ft on the dragstrip and have to shift into overdrive and thats at 5400rpm. i have a 5.3 in my seirra and i love how it revs all the way to 6k. thaks again
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 09:17 PM
  #8  
alwaysmessedup's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Default

bump any one on my last post
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 9, 2017 | 11:42 AM
  #9  
Jackson71's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by BBLS1
tsp224 works really well with the 5.3
do you need to do anything to the 5.3 for this cam or can the engine be stock?
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2017 | 02:37 PM
  #10  
Third Gear's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Chino Hills, CA
Default

Wow, really old thread. To sum it up, LS engines are a blank canvas. Have fun.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:20 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE