Best cam for torque in a 5.3L

[Newman]

Okay, so I have search the site for suggestions for a cam for my 5.3L but as is the case most of the posts ramble and are unintelligible at best. Go public school system! I'm not looking for the most HP but the most torque. It’s a truck and not a 3400lbs sports car; it needs torque for getting moving not so mush hp and Johnny law is always looking. Anyone with a 5.3L knows how anemic they are at low rpm and if you have oversized tires there isn't much chance of burnouts but spins them right nice on a wet road. I thought about adding a LS1 intake but I’m not sure is my injectors and rails etc. will work on the LS1 intake. That's really a seperate thread. No I haven't search the site for that info. So I’m not trying to make this a all out super snake and import killer I just need more torque when I pull a trailer and when I need to get out of my own way. I was thinking LSA in the 112 range to help build low power with a 220/220 and around .500 lift. I’ll have to get a tune about the same time; yeah I have thought of that. Oh, I would like to know what springs will work well with suggested cams. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[Koots]

Apparently, it's your stock cam that's the best for torque.

I've got nothing to go by other than hearsay. But i've heard it plenty of times on this site, but i wouldn't take that as gospel.

[bigbob6988]

If i were you, I would go on LS1tech.com and talk to "Pat G" or "Predator Z" about getting a custom spec'd cam to suit your needs. Or you could throw in Comp's 206/212 cam. It should work good for you.

[94SLE]

Not sure about a cam but I would defintly leave the stock intake, the LS1 would make it even more of a dog down low. I would also consider a gear swap instead of a cam for towing. Also a tune will really help everywhere, espesially trans shifting.

[91_bowtie]

Okay, so I have search the site for suggestions for a cam for my 5.3L but as is the case most of the posts ramble and are unintelligible at best. Go public school system! I'm not looking for the most HP but the most torque. It’s a truck and not a 3400lbs sports car; it needs torque for getting moving not so mush hp and Johnny law is always looking. Anyone with a 5.3L knows how anemic they are at low rpm and if you have oversized tires there isn't much chance of burnouts but spins them right nice on a wet road. I thought about adding a LS1 intake but I’m not sure is my injectors and rails etc. will work on the LS1 intake. That's really a seperate thread. No I haven't search the site for that info. So I’m not trying to make this a all out super snake and import killer I just need more torque when I pull a trailer and when I need to get out of my own way. I was thinking LSA in the 112 range to help build low power with a 220/220 and around .500 lift. I’ll have to get a tune about the same time; yeah I have thought of that. Oh, I would like to know what springs will work well with suggested cams. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

The truck intake actually makes more torque, in the range you'll be working with. Are you willing to get a converter too? I'd lower the duration, and get more lift. What gear and tires are you running? The ls6 springs will work fine, for the cams that you'll be looking at.

What part of kc are you from? I have a friend that does alot of LSx installs, if you're wanting someone to swap the cam and springs for you.

[Newman]

Thanks for the input.

Yeah a tune is in order no mater what happens. I just was thinking of a cam and tune at the same time. It's the DD and I work for myself so it will be a weekend thing with little down time

91_bowtie I'm in BS off 70 and 7hwy. I might be interested in some help with the cam install. I’m technically proficient but I haven’t installed a cam on a LS engine, maybe if the price is right and I help. I haven’t tapped into the LS community here but worked around a dude (Corry or some such with a firebird) from Shaw Electric that said it was extensiveLS6 springs sound good and what maybe 160ish new? I've thought about a TB converter and I've got 265-75-16 on the stock bowtie wheels.

Gear or not to gear? Gears would be nice… 3.42’s are great for mileage maybe 4.10 after I get a newer work truck. Like I said I just want more torque. Maybe I should pony up and find a 496. Now that would be some power!

[91_bowtie]

He's pretty close to you then. He's at 24 & 291.

I'd get the following...

comp xe lobes 3710/3713
214/220
.559/.564
115+4 lsa

It should have a nice, broad powerband; and gobs of torque.

The ls6 springs can be found for much cheaper than that. I might be able to get a set for you locally, from my friend at Superior chevy.

[1989K1500]

Get gears first, then tune bolt ons and converter, before worrying about a cam. IMO

[montecarlo33]

He's pretty close to you then. He's at 24 & 291.

I'd get the following...

comp xe lobes 3710/3713
214/220
.559/.564
115+4 lsa

It should have a nice, broad powerband; and gobs of torque.

The ls6 springs can be found for much cheaper than that. I might be able to get a set for you locally, from my friend at Superior chevy.

Not to come in for the steal....but where is a good place to get that cam?

[91_bowtie]

Not to come in for the steal....but where is a good place to get that cam?

Directly from Comp. Just call and place your order. You should have it in a couple days.

[Newman]

Well it looks like it will be a TC. My Trans broke Sunday and I'm having one rebuilt with some goodies. I'm going with what I think is a TB TC first to see if it’s what I want. It may be enough stall for me for now, it may not be... I was looking at a Yank TT2600 or TT3000. The TB TC from all I can figure should stall any where from 2400-2600rpm so I guess we will see and if it doesn’t fill the need I'll have one for sale cheep and be getting one of the Yanks. But with the Trans beefed up the truck will be ready for a cam and tune! I got to make some money first...Anybody in the KC area need a bathroom or basement remodeled? I also do replacement windows and all kinds of handyman work. Just putting it out there KC.