olkarz

Is the LSA cam a good choice for a 600whp turbo 5.3L motor?
I found this guy that has a used 09 LS7 factory cam set and this new LSA cam set for sale. $150 either set.

Just looking to get the best value for my money.

Setup is:
stock bottom end
stock 862 heads, but with a stud kit installed
stock truck intake
60lbs injectors
single T76 w/.96 ar
stock fuel rails
320lph fuel pump
T5 WC delivering the power from the stage 4 exedy kit

JoeNova

Depends on what you mean by 'cam set'.
The LSA cam will need a single bolt cam gear and a timing cover with the cam sensor built in.

olkarz

He's selling the cam, Springs, and push rods that match for both.

JoeNova

I'd personally pass, you would still have to spend money on a gear and cover.
You can get a real cam for $350 or so that will outperform it in every way.

olkarz

What about the '09 LS7 cam, springs, and rod? Would you pass on that 1 as well?

JoeNova

Yes, I would also pass on the LS7 cam. Its really not worth the effort to put in another OEM cam in most cases.

olkarz

THANKS JoeNova! You don't know just how much I appreciate you helping me not waste my money.

I'm on a really tight budget and paying $2000 for a camshaft kit just isn't even a possibility.

What reasonably price cam kit would you recommend for a daily street driven truck. Eventually I'll be pushing the HP up to 800whp, but for now 600ish is fine for day to day city driving.

Mike

JoeNova

600ish can be done on the stock cam. Hell, even 800whp has been done on the stock 4.8 cam/springs with enough boost.

Get single beehive .600 springs like the PAC1218s or Howards springs. The spring pressure is similar to LS6 springs around the .550-.570 lift area, so you can get away with stock lifters, rockers, pushrods, timing chain, etc.

Then just grab a decent sub .600 lift cam.
I'm a big fan of the JFR cams like the Triple 12.
If you want a cam you can just buy anywhere, the 216/220 Trick Flow cam is cheap. You can usually get that and Howard's springs from Summit Racing, for $400 shipped together.

olkarz

What about this these from Summit Racing?
Howards https://m.summitracing.com/parts/hrs-190245-12
https://m.summitracing.com/parts/hrs-190375-12

Com Cams https://m.summitracing.com/parts/cca-54-426-11

Lunatic Voodoo https://m.summitracing.com/parts/lun-20540716


The power band on all is ideal for a daily street driven 5000lb car/truck. Will I have to upgrade my fuel to 93 octane? That's what they sell here in GA.

JoeNova

That first Howard's cam you picked is my go-to cam for a street 5.3.
Works well with a turbo, as long as you don't choke it with a small turbine.

The comp cam would work well, too.