LS3 cam difference
#2
TECH Senior Member
Both single bolt, both same specs. One might have a minor update for quality assurance or something else minor. It doesn't take much to change a part number.
#3
ModSquad
iTrader: (6)
https://help.summitracing.com/app/an...3-engine-specs
#4
TECH Senior Member
Thank you! I was not aware GM made a 3-bolt LS3 cam. I thought 1-bolt was the rule on those. Sorry EZA, I was assuming too much!
Just looked at the link provided above. Dry sump engines used the 3-bolt cam.
Just looked at the link provided above. Dry sump engines used the 3-bolt cam.
#5
Thanks, Guys! I did notice the specs at one site said wet sump for one and dry sump for the other?. Does that mean it can only be used with a dry sump oiling system?
Last edited by EZA; 01-19-2019 at 07:18 PM.
#6
TECH Senior Member
3-bolt cams were the standard for Gen III engines, so I would think either will work as long as you have the correct cam sprocket.
Trending Topics
#9
#10
TECH Senior Member
Neither cam will have the rear sensor rings for the rear cam sensor. You will need a Gen IV front cover and sensor, along with an extension harness to hook it up. Plus you will need to swap the end 2 wires in the plug to allow it to work properly.
#11
So are there aftermarket cams that are a direct swap with the L33, it might be easier and less costly than adapting.
#12
TECH Senior Member
Something in a 212/218 .550/.550 would wake up the L33 and have great drivability all over the rev range.
#13
I would get a nice mild cam that will actually do the L33 well. The LS3 is not suited for the 5.3. Hot Rod did a test a few years back and The LS3 was not one of their favorites.
Something in a 212/218 .550/.550 would wake up the L33 and have great drivability all over the rev range.
Something in a 212/218 .550/.550 would wake up the L33 and have great drivability all over the rev range.
#14
TECH Senior Member
I caught that too, but the article still has good info. Their tests were on a dyno, so the truck is immaterial. You still want a cam that is flexible up and down the range. The LS3 cam is made for the 6.2L LS3, which has enough low end torque to make up for what the 5.3 does NOT have. You still have to decide if you want to adapt a Gen IV cam, or use an aftermarket one(which nearly all fit Gen III) that will dive better.
#15
I caught that too, but the article still has good info. Their tests were on a dyno, so the truck is immaterial. You still want a cam that is flexible up and down the range. The LS3 cam is made for the 6.2L LS3, which has enough low end torque to make up for what the 5.3 does NOT have. You still have to decide if you want to adapt a Gen IV cam, or use an aftermarket one(which nearly all fit Gen III) that will dive better.
#16
TECH Senior Member
The LS3 WILL give you more power, BUT it only shows after 4500RPM, and LOSES power below that. The LS3 is not that great a cam for a 5.3 engine.