LS3 cam in a 5.3. Whats it take?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
LS3 cam in a 5.3. Whats it take? I have a friend gearing up to swap a 5.3 into his 2000 S10. While he wants to keep it pretty much stock and driveable, I suggested he at least cam it to liven it up a little bit. I acquired an LS3 cam from a 2010 Camaro and according to Car Crafts stock cam test, it should be a nice little boost in power. BUT, I know the gen IV cams use a one bolt cam gear vs the 3 bolt in his 2006 donor, so im guessing ill need the LS3 cam gear, but what about timing covers? Gen IV different than Gen III and if so, what one am I looking for? Anything else Im overlooking? Thanks in advance for any info!
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
I have a friend gearing up to swap a 5.3 into his 2000 S10. While he wants to keep it pretty much stock and driveable, I suggested he at least cam it to liven it up a little bit. I acquired an LS3 cam from a 2010 Camaro and according to Car Crafts stock cam test, it should be a nice little boost in power. BUT, I know the gen IV cams use a one bolt cam gear vs the 3 bolt in his 2006 donor, so im guessing ill need the LS3 cam gear, but what about timing covers? Gen IV different than Gen III and if so, what one am I looking for? Anything else Im overlooking? Thanks in advance for any info!
A better choice going rock bottom budget buster mode would be an ls2 cam which can usually be had 4 50-60 in the classifieds (seen a cpl of Them go 4 free in the "pay it forward" section) Then get an LS2 cam gear, then call Ruperts Auto Salvage in Oklahoma and He should be able to hook You up with a newer timing cover including the cam sensor shipped 4 50-55 bucks,,,,,35 4 the cover without shipping. Don't forget to switch the 2 outer wires or rather the #1 wire to the # 3 spot in the harness and vice versa. The extension part is easy and can be done in about 5 minutes using heat shrink tubing,,,,,,,etc ,,,,the LS2 cam has the same specs as the 2001 LS6 cam . Not sure when They switched to the single bolt cam gear but the LS2 cam I got is the 3 bolt gear so You need the newer timing cover with this 1 because the earlier cams had the reluctor molded into the rear of the cam and the LS2's cams the reluctor was in the gear. Oh ya the LS6 springs can be had for $60 at Fred Beans Parts and at least 1 other retailer that I can't remember,,,,,,,,might be scoggin dickey
