EZA

I see to gm parts # for the LS3 cam 12623063 and 12631811 what's the difference and are they both single bolt cams?

G Atsma

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.

Che70velle

iTrader: (6)

G Atsma

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.

EZA

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?

G Atsma

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.

EZA

Since the LS3 oil pump is driven off the crankshaft and not the cam it might work. I will have to check with a knowledgable gm parts dealer to be sure.

LLLosingit

iTrader: (4)

All LS based engines drive the oil pump off the crankshaft. What engine do you have?

EZA

I have a 2005 L33, rear cam sensor 24x wheel. I can get the 3063 1 bolt (low mileage take out) for $30, the 1811 new for $130. I know the single bolt will require moving a plate etc. not sure what the three bolt will require but it might be cheaper an easier to spend the $120 up front for the 1811, but it may require additional expense too. I'm new to LS motor's so this is base on the research I've been doing. Here's a link to the LS3 cams specs. https://help.summitracing.com/app/an...3-engine-specs

G Atsma

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.

EZA

So are there aftermarket cams that are a direct swap with the L33, it might be easier and less costly than adapting.

G Atsma

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.

EZA

Yes I read that article but they are talking about it going into a full size truck, an S10 is comparatively light. Also that article had some flaws in it, two LO9 charts instead of a LS6. Makes you wonder if anyone bothers to proof read the stuff before printing.

G Atsma

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.

EZA

Yeah, I have learned all that since doing LS research for the last week, I,m knew to LS engines but learning fast. I believe the early LS6 cam was a 3 bolt with rear sensor a nd a drop-in but haven't seen any of those used. The LS 3 made 405 hp in their truck engine, that's 52 hp over stock. In my L33 I would think at least another 10 hp, that would be 415 hp at the flywheel. Did I mention that it going into a 2003 S10 cc which is a good 1000 lbs lighter than the truck it came out of. The LS 3 cam would give me the hp I want and I can get a take out for $30 plus $60 for new springs and the parts for adapting. I might just go that route.

G Atsma

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.