Help selecting Lm7 truck cam
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2018
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Help selecting Lm7 truck cam Hey guys, as the title says I am looking for help selecting a cam. Vehicle is an 04 2wd Sierra ext cab with the lm7 and 706 heads. Headers and cat back exhaust, otherwise stock. About 65k on the odometer. I do haul a 2500 lb boat in the summer but main goal is performance increase when not towing.
I called tsp and they recommended the 220r cam with 112 lsa and a 3000 stall converter. I think they said springs and rods are included.
Just wanted some real life advice before i make a purchase. Obviously i am looking for most noticable performance increase but i also want a rough idle. I did a cam in my sbc camaro and wish the idle wasnt so smooth (sounds stock)
Also any recommendations on brands, pricing and stall converters would be appreciated. So what do you guys say?
I called tsp and they recommended the 220r cam with 112 lsa and a 3000 stall converter. I think they said springs and rods are included.
Just wanted some real life advice before i make a purchase. Obviously i am looking for most noticable performance increase but i also want a rough idle. I did a cam in my sbc camaro and wish the idle wasnt so smooth (sounds stock)
Also any recommendations on brands, pricing and stall converters would be appreciated. So what do you guys say?
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Just remember, the rough idle is accompanied by less low end power. Consider that if you're towing much. It will want to rev, and be in the lower gears more. Your gas bill WILL go up! lol
Thread Starter
On The Tree
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Yes that is the combination they suggested.
I only tow rarely and dont go far, so this isnt a tow-only vehicle. But it needs to be considered so i dont burn anything up or have trouble towing when i want to take the boat out. But mainly i want a performance increase when not towing.
I only tow rarely and dont go far, so this isnt a tow-only vehicle. But it needs to be considered so i dont burn anything up or have trouble towing when i want to take the boat out. But mainly i want a performance increase when not towing.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
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Ok good advice. What if i paired it with a generic trans cooler? Had my eye on the 224 csm with a 110 lsa despite what tsp suggested.
Towing is about a 30 minute trip one way to the lake with one, maybe two stops, every other weekend during the summer only.
Also truck is not a daily driver by any means but definitely do not want to burn up a good transmission.
Towing is about a 30 minute trip one way to the lake with one, maybe two stops, every other weekend during the summer only.
Also truck is not a daily driver by any means but definitely do not want to burn up a good transmission.
TECH Senior Member
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From: Central Cal.
With the 110 LSA it will idle rougher and you will lose some off-idle power. TSP knows what they are doing, except they forgot you were going to tow occasionally when they recommended the high stall converter.
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
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So would you recommend a stall converter at all? With the added weight of the boat does that mean the stall speed goes up? And is having the requirement of towing a boat limiting my potential performance gains from a cam swap? Ideally i would like to see my gains in the mid to top end range.
I trust tsp’s experience but ill admit the rep i spoke with was quick to rifle off a combination suggestion
I trust tsp’s experience but ill admit the rep i spoke with was quick to rifle off a combination suggestion
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2018
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Im fine with it being a dog while hauling if that is the case, because it is infrequent and the lake is close by. Just as long as its not being destructive. Main goals are performance oriented when NOT hauling
Thread Starter
On The Tree
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Ok thanks for the advice. I will give tsp a call and see what they think about that combination.
How about a recommendation on a torque converter (brand) Ebay has some reman units out of chicago with a 1 yr warranty, think that is safe or no ?
How about a recommendation on a torque converter (brand) Ebay has some reman units out of chicago with a 1 yr warranty, think that is safe or no ?
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From: Euless, TX
I tow a 6,000 lbs travel trailer with an Express van that has a 2,800 rpm stall converter in it. 4L85E has no issues with it. I have the in-radiator cooler plumbed before an additional cooler that has a thermostatic pusher fan. I monitor the trans temps in the pan and have not seen them get over 210*F with the pedal on the floor for a solid 5 miles of uphill run on a 105*F day.
It is not like your RPM is going to stay super low while towing anyway. Even with the factory torque converter and cam my RPM sat between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm almost the whole time I am towing.
It is not like your RPM is going to stay super low while towing anyway. Even with the factory torque converter and cam my RPM sat between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm almost the whole time I am towing.
Plus if you pop a stall or lockup, it sometimes takes the trans with it. So don't cheap out.
You can also have it tuned to where it will only go into lockup at very light throttle and stay out of lock up more to avoid burning the lock up clutch
Thread Starter
On The Tree
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Guys, i need some help re-evaluating my plan. I called TSP again and they painted a pretty ugly picture of me towing with that cam, and even the 220 cam. They basically said it was real easy to over cam a 5.3 and when I do need to tow with it, it will tow like it's tied to a tree. So it's back to the drawing board.
Basically I want a combination that will net the best gains but still be able to tow when I need to. Right now thinking a mild cam paired with some 4.10 or 4.11 gears (8.6 rear end with 3.42s currently) I think I have my heart set on a gear swap anyways.
I was looking last night into some milder grinds that do not require upgraded springs or lifters but wasn't able to determine what I should expect to gain for performance. I might even entertain the idea of a factory performance cam but not sure which ones I should be looking for. Also very much like the price as I can use the money in other areas.
Open for suggestions and recommendations
Basically I want a combination that will net the best gains but still be able to tow when I need to. Right now thinking a mild cam paired with some 4.10 or 4.11 gears (8.6 rear end with 3.42s currently) I think I have my heart set on a gear swap anyways.
I was looking last night into some milder grinds that do not require upgraded springs or lifters but wasn't able to determine what I should expect to gain for performance. I might even entertain the idea of a factory performance cam but not sure which ones I should be looking for. Also very much like the price as I can use the money in other areas.
Open for suggestions and recommendations
TECH Senior Member
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From: Central Cal.
Check into TSP's truck grinds. They have a 208/214 .550/.550 112LSA that would idle smooth and run strong from idle on up. It still needs at least LS6 valve springs, but better springs are always a good idea anyway.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
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Good advice that sounds like a good choice. Would you recommend a converter with that cam?
edit: looking at a 210/218 .552/.552 with either a 114 or 116 lsa from vinci. Sounds like the 116 lsa will be better for towing but th me 114 would work better without the boat hitched on back. Thoughts? Too radical?
edit: looking at a 210/218 .552/.552 with either a 114 or 116 lsa from vinci. Sounds like the 116 lsa will be better for towing but th me 114 would work better without the boat hitched on back. Thoughts? Too radical?
Last edited by chalou88; Feb 19, 2019 at 07:08 PM.
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TSP has a 212/218 on I think 112, that would work pretty well. Would be about the largest I would go in your situation. Will still probably give up a certain amount of leave without a converter though; maybe something 2600 - 2800ish. As said, a good one; not just the cheeeeeeeepest thing you can find that nobody went to jail for fraud on account of printing the word "converter" on the box. Yank & Circle D have some in that range.
