Cam Questions...

[BlackAvi03]

Ok, I know that the 5.3 is supose to be an LS1 derived motor, so I was thinking of ways to make more power. If it is truly an LS! base, what is the possibility of puting an LS1 or hot cam into the motor? Is this possible?

If it is possible, what kind a affects wil this have on the power curve? I am thinking that puting a cam designed for a 5.7l, will make it rather wild in a 5.3l, but will it cause the power curve to move too high into the RMP range, or just make good solid power?

I have to admit that this thing moves pretty good for a 6000lb truck, but I would like to get a little more. I would like to do this with NA hp instead of a SC, but who knows, maybe both will be in the future.

So does anyone have any thoughts about an LS1 cam?

 

[02_2500avalanche]

Any of the cams for the ls1 will work in the 5.3, just how well they will work is a good question. The cams could have a bad effect on low end torque if you do not choose the right one. Usually cams with tighter LSA (Lobe Seperation Angle) produce good torque as do cams with a nice amount of lift. The AV needs low end torque, if the torque curve poops to the high side then it will take alot of pedal to get it going good. A super charger might be the better way to go in this situation or if you are hell bent on doing it NA consult a good cam company and have one custom ground to your specs.

Alex

 

[colek]

One of the LS1 forums has covered this up and down and I still haven't seen anyone agree on an answer to this. Call cam makers like Comp, Crane, Etc, and site sponsor TByrne (www.tbyrnemotorsports.com Hours: 9-5 Monday - Friday (EST) Order line: 1-877-4-TBYRNE) for more info as to your specific desires.

 

[steelheadchaser]

In general, a cam profile that is relatively mild in an engine with 350cid, will be a bit more radical in an engine with less displacement. Correspondingly, the power will be made higher up the rpm band.

 

[11H]

BlackAvi03,,,

One other consideration is what cams can co-exist with the PCM ... If you look at Crane Cams chart for the LS1 for example, you can choose from about the bottom 1/4th and still be relatively ok as far as the PCM is concerned... This gets into some calculations and research, as at times, to make good gains, a cam might require valvetrain modification and head matching... It just all depends on how far you want to go...

The other guys are right... To make power equivalent to what a blower makes, with a cam and heads swap, will be a hell of a task AND stay under the roof of emissions... The PCM can always be re-programmed for whatever combo you choose... But I don't think there is a cam alone worth spending the money on vs. the output you would hope for... I think the days of a simple cam swap are over... The cam swaps of yesteryear were good for some healthy HP gains, as many cams were pretty conservative, and emissions controls were almost non existent... This day in age, it's almost protocol to do heads, cam, and PCM re-tune to see anything good... But I think it would be hard even doing heads, cam, and PCM to come close to a blower kit that bolts on, and comes pre-engineered in a nifty little package... A blower is unbeatable for great HP, and under the roof of the PCM/Emissions ...

I don't mean to discourage you, but a solitary cam swap probably won't do you much ... The oem cam is pretty good at keeping the 5.3 for the AV in the "Zone" ...

Also, I believe the "hot cam" you reference is the "LT4 Hot Cam" ... It is solely for an LT4 or LT1 with proper prepping... (An LT4 Hot Cam won't drop in an LT1) But an LT4 standard cam will with a spring swap ... (LT4's were in: 1996 6 Spd Vettes, 1996 Grand Sport Vettes, 1997 Firehawk (SLP), and the limited run 1997 Camaro SS Anniversaries from SLP which I almost bought !!! Ugh!!!) ... The LT4 hot cam is a screamer, and used widely in LT1 Build-ups ... Any LT1/LT4 cam won't work in an LS1 ... Just a little piece of info for those who care ...

11H

 

[davidw55]

I care...Nothing like getting an education in CAMS at 5:30 in the morning I always liked Lunati myself, but those days are long gone, besides I think they're owned by Comp or Crane anyhow... Thanks again for the info.

David

 

[02_2500avalanche]

They make an ls1 hot cam now FYI

Alex