if i was to swap out my 5.3 for a LS1, i'd probably end up putting some heads and a new cam in too. What do you guys think would be the best cam to install? I see alot of guys runnin near .600 lift and 112 LSA, but thats also on a 3000lb camaro/vette. Would that work for a truck, or would it bump your hp to far in the upper rpm range and loose a bit down low? Or maybe get one of those double roller timing chains???
well, i'd like to hear what you guys think.....thanks

 

Kinda a broad question, but I'll try. As far as a ls1 swap in a truck, go with a 6.0. No substitute for cubes. Cam, my opinion, near 600 is way too big in a truck, 550's range is more like it in a 6.0 or even a good modded 5.3. If you like trucks, do the norm and swap a 6.0 and build it. "Double roller timing chain" nothing to do with hp in the upper range. A double roller will just add security of timing and maybe a little less restrictive because its roller but I am pretty sure the stock is roller anyway, just single row. Any more?'s just shout, someone will chime.

 

you can run a cam with upwards of .600 lift, BUT you're going to have to have a proper converter and gearing and a bunch of tuning. and a set of heads would definatly help the cam a bunch. i agree with mudz go with a 6.0 and a mild cam like a 222/222 .560/.560 113/4 but you'll definatly need a converter with it and LS1EDIT. you'll make great power with it but the converter/gearing will be needed to get it outta the hole.

 

get a C2 cam from MTI

 

I have a 99 5.3. Would aComp 212/218 .522/.529 114 918's springs with TR pushrods be good enough?

 

you really need to figure out what power adder you are going to end up with first. that comp would be nice with stock cubes and should sound good too. try some isky gold stripe springs instead of the infamous "918's" that EVERYBODY talks about. their first run of 918's broke regularly and i have heard that even some of their new ones are breaking too. there are other manufacturers out there besides comp. you will fine a wide range of prices on a timing set too, shop around a bit before you decide on one particular brand. i ended up with a rollmaster that only cost about $90 and has lots of adjustment available.

 

the comps are a bad *** spring, they will last forever with the lift size you're looking at and never break unless something catastrophic happens. they are cheaper than most springs that are comperable to them if not all that are. Speedtek in Hurst, Tx 817-282-0042 is where i got my cloyes double roller set for less than 85 bucks...so for you shipped it would probably be 90ish

 

$85 for a cloyes? good price!

 

is that the entire cam for $85??

 

nah, it's just the front 2 bearings worth of lobes....

the cloyes is a double timing chain set...got that for $85