eilax053

I have been told to put a LS6 cam in my 5.3L "LS1" I would need to get a cam, pushrods, and springs. Do I need to get anything else? Also what size Throttle body would you recommend? (I need a new one)

Thanks
Cory

AU N EGL

the 5.3 is truck engine, not an LS1.

The LS1 and the LS6 are both 5.7L

There are better cams then the LS6.

The cam should be designed for what you want your car to do? not just use Cam A or Cam B.

tlove32

100%

eilax053

I said I have a 5.3 "LS1" (LS1 in quotes) engine. It is a 5.3L with the LS1 intake setup.

As for the cam I am not sure what I want to do to my car. I just want to upgrade some of the truck internals.

Thanks
Cory

civlant

LS6 cam is a popular cheap cam upgrade on the 5.3L motors. At the same time though you can get a better cam tailored to your setup for $250 more (most used LS6 cams are around $50). You DEFINITELY need new springs since the truck springs won't last that long with that higher lift cam. I would do hardened pushrods as well since our stockers are not exactly the best.

0HorsePowerAddicts

You will also need a new crank bolt, fluids, and gaskets (if yours are damaged). A LS2 timing chain, ported oil pump, and a underdrive pulley are all a good ideal while you are doing the cam. If you are using a stock intake then a ported ls1 throttle body will be fine to use.

ALLEGRO

In my opinion, there is just not enough bang for the buck in JUST making a cam change of this type. I would save my dead-presidents and do it right when I could afford it.

JMHO

AU N EGL

So your running a "5.3 L iron block truck engine" with a "LS1 intake"? Ok just getting clarification?

Cams for 5.3L iron block tuck engines are not the same as LS1/6 cams.

Comp Cam has a very good section for performance truck cams.

Good Luck

phils C5 vette

I wouldnt go lower than like a TR224. Its very friendly and fun.....for a starter cam.

SDPC

Yes, cams for the truck engines are the same as they are for the LS1. The LS6 cam is a large upgrade for the 5.3l since the displacement is smaller the cam is actually a good cam for it. I have my LS6 cam in my wife's 5.3l 98 Chevy swap truck and it runs great. You can slightly hear the cam sound and it's only a little soggy down low. Pulls GREAT up top. Better fuel mileage than when the engine was stock.

Dave_2003_TRZ06

+ infinity!!

Many of the 5.3 truck guys do this. I recently sold an old LS6 cam I had laying around to a guy that planned on tossing it into his silverado.

JVetthead

I have a used '04 LS6 cam and springs I will let go if interested..

FASTFISHEL

I have a brand new 2003 ls6 cam for sale if there is anyone interested in it I paid $350 plus shipping for it I will let it go for $300 total including shipping I found a comp I want to use

FASTFISHEL

Has anyone got input on longevity of putting ls6 cam in non ls6 motor? I know the base circle is smaller Ive heard of people using .025 longer push rods but that makes lift at valve.043 higher and even the ls6 springs wont carry that lift so I am wondering by using stock length 7.400 push rods and losing lifter preload if anyone is having valve float problems or have used this set up with over 10k miles with no issues.Thanks in advance for any input.

ipuig

Using longer pushrods to maintain the desired lifter preload will not increase valve lift. Valve lift is determined by the lobe lift and rocker arm ratio.

FASTFISHEL

Your right to a degree but if you add ANYTHING to the equation before the rocker you have to multiply what ever is not absorbed by lifter by 1.7 because your adding .025 to the whole cam lobe not just the base circle. You are adding .025 lift to the nose of the cam while only making up the lost preload on base circle

FASTFISHEL

In other words what I am trying to say is your taking up the slack thats lost by having smaller base circle but you are adding lift because lifter will not absorb an additional .025 when cam is at max lift.

FASTFISHEL

Please correct me if Im wrong I dont mind being wrong just not at the expense of a customers engine

kp1

You're over analyzing. Lift is lift. A longer PR doesn't add lift. A PR that's too long will have the valves hanging open on a non-adjustable rocker. You may need a slightly longer PR with the LS6 cam or taller valves as GM installed in the LS6.

ipuig

You are wrong, measure it with a dial indicator if you do not believe me. Given a smaller base circle cam, a hydraulic lifter plunger will move up in its travel within the lifter body unless you use a longer push rod or rocker adjustment (if you had adjutable rockers) to restore the original pre-load.