5.3/LS1 Combo build opinions
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5.3/LS1 Combo build opinions
Sorry if this has been asked before. I did search but couldn't find much on what i am doing.
I would like some opinions from experienced builders out there.
I am planning a low budget build using all factory parts just to use in a street car for fun and cruising.
The parts list......
LM7 iron block.
L33 rotating assembly (factory flat tops)
Stock ls1 cam (#1721)
Stock ls1 intake and TB
Stock 241 ls1 heads
How much better would a ls6 cam be for this combo?
I figure it should produce moderate power, enough for a fun cruiser and be reliable with decent mpg.
Has anyone else done this? Any opinions or thoughts on it?
Anything I need to watch for to make it all work together?
Thanks for any input you guys may have.
I would like some opinions from experienced builders out there.
I am planning a low budget build using all factory parts just to use in a street car for fun and cruising.
The parts list......
LM7 iron block.
L33 rotating assembly (factory flat tops)
Stock ls1 cam (#1721)
Stock ls1 intake and TB
Stock 241 ls1 heads
How much better would a ls6 cam be for this combo?
I figure it should produce moderate power, enough for a fun cruiser and be reliable with decent mpg.
Has anyone else done this? Any opinions or thoughts on it?
Anything I need to watch for to make it all work together?
Thanks for any input you guys may have.
Last edited by 1970fbody; 02-07-2012 at 01:49 PM. Reason: added ls6 cam question
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Well the L33 rot *** is rated at 310 flywheel hp and 335 tq and adding the LS1 heads and cam will net roughly 15 ponies and if You used the 2002-2004 LS6 cam it should be worth maybe another 15 ponies ,,,,,,,,,if You added long-tube headers You should pick up 20-25ponies more so LM7 with L33 rot with LS1 H/C 325 hp and 340 tq ,,,,,,,,,,exchange LS6 cam for maybe 340 hp and 345 tq ,,,,,,add headers LT's for 360 maybe 370 hp and 350-355 tq with a tune . Oops I thought You said LS1 heads ,,,,,,,,,the LM7 intake actually flows a little better than some years of the LS1 intake ,,,,,,,,,,,,but the LS1 tb I believe is maybe 5mm larger . The 2001 and 2002 LS1 intakes are LS6 intakes ,,,,,all other years flow a little less than the truck intakes ,,,,,,,,,,,so these #'s are gonna be a little different but pretty close to what I wrote .
Last edited by chrisfrost; 02-07-2012 at 02:44 PM.
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Well the L33 rot *** is rated at 310 flywheel hp and 335 tq and adding the LS1 heads and cam will net roughly 15 ponies and if You used the 2002-2004 LS6 cam it should be worth maybe another 15 ponies ,,,,,,,,,if You added long-tube headers You should pick up 20-25ponies more so LM7 with L33 rot with LS1 H/C 325 hp and 340 tq ,,,,,,,,,,exchange LS6 cam for maybe 340 hp and 345 tq ,,,,,,add headers LT's for 360 maybe 370 hp and 350-355 tq with a tune . Oops I thought You said LS1 heads ,,,,,,,,,the LM7 intake actually flows a little better than some years of the LS1 intake ,,,,,,,,,,,,but the LS1 tb I believe is maybe 5mm larger . The 2001 and 2002 LS1 intakes are LS6 intakes ,,,,,all other years flow a little less than the truck intakes ,,,,,,,,,,,so these #'s are gonna be a little different but pretty close to what I wrote .
My intake is the older ls1 unit. Not the shared ls1/6 intake you mention.
I am still keeping my eyes open for a ls6 cam.
It will have long tube headers, full chassis dyno tune and a rock solid fuel system behind it. Plus a custom CAI as its all going in a 70 camaro. I need the lower profile intake (vs truck) for hood clearance. Otherwise I would use one from a truck over this particularly ls1 unit I have.
#4
I wont claim to know the specifics here... But L33's come factory with the big heads and the better camshaft (LS6 based heads? dont remember).
My point is, that LS1 heads and cam shouldn't be any real improvement over a factory L33. Compare the cumbustion chamber size of LS1 heads to the L33 heads to see if you gain or lose compression.
My point is, that LS1 heads and cam shouldn't be any real improvement over a factory L33. Compare the cumbustion chamber size of LS1 heads to the L33 heads to see if you gain or lose compression.
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I wont claim to know the specifics here... But L33's come factory with the big heads and the better camshaft (LS6 based heads? dont remember).
My point is, that LS1 heads and cam shouldn't be any real improvement over a factory L33. Compare the cumbustion chamber size of LS1 heads to the L33 heads to see if you gain or lose compression.
My point is, that LS1 heads and cam shouldn't be any real improvement over a factory L33. Compare the cumbustion chamber size of LS1 heads to the L33 heads to see if you gain or lose compression.
I would have done things differently if I found a good deal on a low mile running L33.
This all started with the ls1 heads. They came off the camaro performers project car "Black Betty". I got a great deal on them. And I started buying other parts as deals came.up. If nothing else it's been a great learning experience and fun too.
I don't actually have the block and rot assy yet. I am waiting on pictures of everything to finalize the deal.
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So I found a ls6 cam. 01 version. All else being equal how much power gain is there over a stock ls1 cam?
Last edited by 1970fbody; 02-09-2012 at 07:45 PM. Reason: wrong year for cam.
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I was looking at the differences between the two cams and the ls6 has way more lift. The ls1 cam is the 1217 ( same as in many trucks). The ls6 cam has .525/525" if I remember correctly. Edit: its the '01 ls6 cam.
On paper it seems like a big gain. But I've never played with either so I have zero real experience with them. I'm moving into LS land from gen1 sbc. It's a whole new world. LOL
Last edited by 1970fbody; 02-09-2012 at 07:44 PM. Reason: cam info was wrong
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I never had the L33 cam. Just the bottom end rotating assembly. The ls1 cam will sit on a shelf for awhile. I'll use the ls6 cam.
I have a lm7 in my truck with 225k on it. Still runs great. Maybe ill stuff the ls1 cam in it when its time for a rebuild. Or sell it. LOL.
I have a lm7 in my truck with 225k on it. Still runs great. Maybe ill stuff the ls1 cam in it when its time for a rebuild. Or sell it. LOL.
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I told him I am making a list of all the little things I need and will get back to you next week on that.
You should post up your Nova for us to see. Then we can all give you hell until you drop a LS motor in it. LOL!
Send me some pics, I'd like to see it. Just text them to me.
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I found the same info too. The stock lm7 cam was widely used and is the same as the ls1 cam I have.
I found a good deal on a '01 ls6 cam which is much better for my use. I'll use that instead.
I never had the l33 cam, so it's not a concern.
This motor is going in a 1970 camaro rs. With a manual tranny. It should be a fun little package on the street. No big power numbers, just fun and reliable.
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I think you will be very happy with it's output. And even if your wanting to step it up a notch or two, the gm hot cam or ASA cam will give you a small boost in power and give it that muscle car lope without driveability concerns
I've seen these two cams going for reasonably cheap.
I've seen these two cams going for reasonably cheap.
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I think you will be very happy with it's output. And even if your wanting to step it up a notch or two, the gm hot cam or ASA cam will give you a small boost in power and give it that muscle car lope without driveability concerns
I've seen these two cams going for reasonably cheap.
I've seen these two cams going for reasonably cheap.
Any hp/tq guesses with this combo?
5.3. L
Flat tops.
Ls1 241 heads with ls6 yellow springs
Ls1 intake (old, true ls1 version)
Ls1 tb & MAF
01 ls6 cam (.525"/.525" lift)
Long tube headers.
Full dyno tune.
Manual trans.
Full dual exhaust with very free flowing mufflers.
I'm guessing based on a previous post around 360/370 hp. Maybe 380/400 tq. At the crank.
Any ideas?
Thanks!