Silver Sleeper

iTrader: (7)

i have a 99 LS1 cam for my Turbo 4.8...would it be worth the time to swap my stock 4.8 cam out for the LS1 cam?

A.R. Shale Targa

iTrader: (2)

Check the stickies for the factory specs...IIRC the 99 cam is 198/209 and
.498/.497 lift
the 4.8/5.3 stuff is about 190/193 @ .050
since you already have it why not use it but the gain will be small, 5-7 hp

Silver Sleeper

iTrader: (7)

thanks...i will install it.

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

I have a 5.3 and had a spare vette cam and I figured it was worth the time since I refreshed the motor anyway...

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

If the motor isn't already torn down, I wouldn't do it. I don't think you will feel much difference and its a lot of work. If your going to go through the trouble of tearing the engine apart for a cam swap, go for a much better grind performance oriented. Gain 25-30hp!

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

I def agree, but if you have an fbody or corvette cam laying around for a cheap build it is def worth it. If I had cash I woulda upgraded the 5.3 with a comp or something.

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

That cam is not worth the trouble. I assume the engine is not in the car which will make it easier, however, It's still a lot of work and money for a small gain if any at all.

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Balancer, timing cover, chain, cam sprocket, cam plate...not that hard to do, however I would pull the lifters before changing as the retaining trays are a gamble at best unless you use the wooden dowel method...the ls1 cam will increase the lift/duration/rpm range so it is worth it IF you don't have the money for an aftermarket cam...

Gunslinger09

If it was a Ls6 cam I would say sure. But not an Ls1 cam.

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

No, not hard...But you have to consider

Do you have a pulley removal tool?
Pulley install tool?

Don't forget the cost of

Coolant
Water pump gaskets
Oil
Loc-tite
Timing cover gasket
RTV for oil pan



Also...you have the cover off...How old is the oil pump? Is the chain loose?

It all adds up...as stated for little to no gain.

Not worth it.

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

My point exactly...^^^

Silver Sleeper

iTrader: (7)

motor is not in the car and is torn down to the shortblock while the heads are freshened up...im swapping to LS1 F-body balancer and the timing cover is coming off to get powder coated...installing a brand new water pump, brand new CTS-v oil pan as well.....

if the difference is really that minimal, i might as well keep the stock cam in it and wait to buy a purpose ground cam later on

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

I would spend the $$$ now or not at all....It will easier than down the road.

prokilllsx

get a custom ground cam even if it means a delay in putting her back together. why tear her back apart later? Once you know exactly what the rest of your configuration will be you can go custom to maximize your components. I see huge gains if you go that route.

chrisfrost

iTrader: (8)

If You have the 4.8L balancer on there now and want to use LS1 balancer You'll also need the power steering / alternator bracket and the a/c compressor bracket as the LS1 accessories are a little closer to the engine as are the LS6 accessories are even closer than the LS1 stuff all 3 truck, f-body and vette access are at a different distance from the front of the engine . Yes the water pumps are all different also ,,,,,,

Silver Sleeper

iTrader: (7)

i already have the LS1 water pump and balancer....plan on running only an alternator