What is max cam lift on a 5.3L?
 

Hi, new here. I was wondering what max cam lift would be on a 5.3L before there is some piston to valve problems? This would be for stock, unmilled heads. I am looking for the max number able to run. I would not run this number, but it would give me a "safe" zone to look for in aftermarket cams.

Is there some sort of formula for figuring this out? I assume if you milled the heads you would need to subtract an equal amount of lift.

lift isn't the issue, duration is the issue

not sure what you are trying to do, but it sounds like you need to call a cam vendor and get some advice before you shop for anything because the "safe" zone is way larger in terms of both duration and lift than can be useful in a 5.3 for anything but max effort drag purposes

the 5.3 is going into a first gen rx7. loss of low end torque is not much of an issue. I still want the car to idle good, doesn't have to be great, but good. It will be tuned of course. I would like power to peak in the 6k range, I will probably run to 6500 max rpm.

cam timing events in relation to the piston location ,and duration are what you have to be concerned about .like mentioned above contact a good cam spec person to get it right the first time .

To keep a peak and shift window that low you will definitely want to talk to a professional. The majority of even the smallest ls cams are designed to peak at 6000 or higher.

If you want a larger cam to do the same you will need something custom.