Hi guys/gals, I'm new here but I've done a lot of reading on here so I decided to join! Despite my research, I can't seem to find an answer to my question. I have a 3000lb S10 with a 5.3. The motor has minor bowl work and is otherwise stock. I'm running a 4.3L converter but it is barely even noticeable.. However, I would like to stay with the converter I have, at least for now..

I've been considering the cams listed below and I need help deciding between these two.. I want a noticeable chop at idle but nothing too radical..


TFS 216/220 .560/.560 114
Regrind 218/228 .550/.550 112

Any relevant input is appreciated! Thanks!

 

As light as the S10 is I would take the second cam. If you want to shake the bed like a monster cam, then cut some timing out of idle. It'll choo

 

I was thinking the same thing.. I've read good things about the 216/220 in heavy trucks however, this thing only weighs 3000lbs.. I'm thinking I could get away with the 218/228 without issues..

 

I'll tell you this. The S10 in my sig has the LS2 cam. I have a suburban that I put the LS6 cam in (close enough to each other in specs).

It's a turd in the suburban, but great in the S10

 

Awesome! I happened to notice the S10 in the sig. and was about to ask you about it haha.. I think I'm gonna go for it, I found a nice deal on this cam and it seems suitable for decent gains..

I have one concern, the word "regrind." How reliable is this cam going to be.. I've heard some run them for years with no problems, some have disasters.. Thoughts?


EDIT: I was just told that that it is not a regrind, but a custom grind on a blank gm core.. Problem solved?

 

get a cam doctor report on it. if they can't give you one, give Kip Fabre a call at cam motion. He cam doctors all his grinds.

 

I trust this guy that in buying from so I don't know if a cam doctor is needed.. But I am very familiar with them.. I have to say thanks to darthv8r, you're the only one that has helped me so far!

 

Alright so the 218/228 cam is in and it sounds awesome! I got it to idle with the tb adjustment screw and drove it around the block untuned.. It seemed to be running ok, considering the stock tune but it definitely lost some low end.. I had it street tuned this week but I've been away and haven't drove it yet.. How much of a difference do you guys think it'll make? The pcm was never tuned originally so I'm guessing it should pick up a good bit??

 

Are you asking like a HP gain? Those cams in a 5.3 generally pick up ~50hp. I have just a bit bigger cam in my 5.3 S10. I also lost a little low end, but about 2800rpm, it starts spinning the tires and I can annihilate them through 1st into 2nd. I have a bit more converter than you though.

It won't be long, and you'll be looking for more HP.

 

You were going to lose some low end. if you want to get some of it back, you can advance the timing, but you'll lose top end. If you're wanting a little more help getting off the line, move to a higher stall converter, and you'll be golden. Glad you like the cam

 

Yeah I expected some losses down low considering the added duration.. I'm certainly happy with the cam, I was just wondering how much of a difference the tune would make? The computer was previously unaltered besides torque management and the security removal..

BTW: As soon as the funds are laying around, I'll definitely be going to a higher stall! Being a college student takes it's toll on the bank account haha!

 

For anyone who is wondering, this is what it sounds like UNTUNED... 218/228 .560/.560 112lsa.. Sorry if the video is sideways

 

Hey guys/gals,

Reviving an old thread.. I'm looking to replace that cheap knockoff cam with something a little better. Keeping in mind that I'm sticking with the stock CR, how would a 228/230 .585/.585 work in a 3000lb s10 with a 4000 stall? I'm thinking it should be ok due to the weight and high stall converter? I would be using the PAC1218 springs as well...

Thanks

 

Wow, time is fun when you're having flies!

I'd be a little concerned about that cam being lazy in a 5.3, but with a 4000 stall, probably less of an issue. you didn't mention LSA or advance, which will certainly affect things.

I'd recommend the PSI1511 springs. They're about as light as you can get, will accomodate your lift. I know a friend who went to these and cut a pound out of his valvetrain weight with them. That'll help with some of the laziness of the cam as well.

 

Thanks for the help man, I sure appreciate it. Sorry I should've been more specific, the cam is the TF (not sure if they're a sponsor) 228/230 .585/.585 @.050 112LSA. On the cam card, max intake lift is specified at 108 ATDC so I'm pretty sure that means +4 degrees advance ground into the cam, assuming it's installed straight up with a 108 ICL.. Is that correct thinking?

 

Yes that advance of +4 is correct.

 

So guys, I'm getting ready to order so I can do the complete valvetrain upgrade over spring break. I've just ordered a set of Straub trunnion upgrades but now I need some help picking the camshaft, please... The truck is 3000lbs w/ 3.73 gears and a 4000 stall. Not a daily driver but would like to retain a small amount of street manners. I've narrowed it down to these two options:

220/224 .575/575 112+4

228/230 .585/.585 112+4

Thanks

 

I would say the bigger cam as long as you're prepared for the potential PITA factor

 

Any insight on what performance changes I will see with the 220/224 and 228/230 compared to the 218/228 I have installed now?

Thanks again for the advice Darth

 

I do t think you'll see any improvement going from 218/228 to 220/224.

Hard to say how much you gain going to the 228/230, but you will at least gain some. Rough guess 15 hp? So many other variables.