popfizz7

You guys have inspired me! I have decided to replace the 5.3 in my 2000 Silverado EXT Cab 4x4 with a 6.0L LQ9 Crate motor. After much research and reading on this site, I am planning to use the 5.3 intake, throttle body and injectors. I will be adding a cold air intake, headers, cam 4.11 or 4.56 gears and a tune.

I am still having trouble deciding on a cam and am looking at the following:
• .216/.224 - .553/.553 – 117 LSA
• .212/.218 - .522/.529 – 114 LSA
• .216/.224 - .551/.551 – 117 LSA

I don’t ever plan to add forced induction or make any other internal modifications to this engine. My goal is to be able to lay down 325 & 350ft-lbs torque at the rear wheels during my dyno tune. From what I have read from you guys, these numbers seem attainable but would like to get some feedback before I start placing order for parts. I have a preliminary budget for everything stated above (except the gears) of about $4k. I will be doing all the work in my garage so labor is not factored in to this cost.

One more thing, I realize that I will need to do something with the transmission but for now I am going to leave it in its stock form. Once it goes then I will be forced to updgrade!

Thank You!

AndysC3

iTrader: (14)

The 212/218 will have better low end torque and flow better up top. what lobes are the 216/224? your goals are reachable. Why not upgrade to the NNBS intake? It will definitely help out. What exhaust are you going to run? You will be close to maxing out your stock 5.3 injectors on a cammed 6.0L. Try looking for some 8.1L injectors.

popfizz7

I would love to upgrade the intake & injectors. Which I will do in the future. Gotta get more money saved up first.

My exhaust is already installed. It is true duals 2.5" illuminized with cats into two flowmasters. 70 series I think. Then 45 degree out behind both back tires. I also have a nH-pipe installed between the two pipes, just after the cats.

You asked what lobes are on the 216/224. I don't know what that means?

Thank you for your reply!

AndysC3

iTrader: (14)

who makes the other two cams? do you have stock exhaust manifolds, shorty headers or long tubes?

1FastBrick

iTrader: (17)

Although this cam • .212/.218 - .522/.529 – 114 LSA is a very popular cam for people getting started, its typically used in smaller applications. Considering that you will have larger displacement with higher compression you may want to consider something with a little more lift to maximize your combo. Most people also state they wish they would have went a little larger. Comp has a similar cam with more lift that you may want to look at. You could also have something custom ground too...

54-412-11 = XR265HR 212/218 .522/ .529 114 LSA +2 degrees advance

54-424-11 = XR265HR 212/218 .558/.563 115 LSA straight up

I am not familiar with the other two specs you listed but the fact that there ground on a 117 indicates that they may be better suited for a blower type application.

I had something similar ground to the 54-424-11 = XR265HR 212/218 .558/.563 but it was ground on a 114 LSA with 2 degrees advance and it had a little more lift to maximize air flow for my heads.

GMCtrk

iTrader: (27)

A stock cam LQ9 will achieve 325/350 at the rear wheels with headers

nonnieselman

iTrader: (10)

If there was a dyno around here i could tell ya what the cam in my sig would do.. but... theres not.

Do you not plan on a stall?

Also with headers, you could go down to a 112 lsa and a lil more duration.

What do you plan on doin with the truck?

I really like the little 215 cam that im running now, makes good low end for towing and gets great gas mileage, but still has good mid - top end power.

popfizz7

Wow. Thanks for all the input. I cannot remember the manufacturers of the cams. They are listed on a spreadsheet on my work computer. I will get them on Monday. I may be close to the office tomorrow so I may be able to get them then.

Currently the 5.3 that is in the truck just has the stock exhaust manifolds. I will upgrade to headers when the LQ9 gets installed. I know you all are going to think I'm crazy for doing this but I'm probably going to go with shorty headers over the LT's. Mostly because I just spent several hundred dollars on the new exhaust system that is on there.

I plan to use the oem stall converter for now then upgrade it later when the transmission goes. When I do change it out it will be with something mild.

This truck is a daily driver. A couple of times a year I will do some hauling. But never more than a 2000lbs or so. Right now the truck has a leveling kit with 33" tires and 3.73 gears. I haven't decided if I want to install a 6" lift and put 35's on it or if I want to put it back to stock height and make it sort of a sport truck. Either way this 6.0 swap will beneficial.

redsilv

i did the same thing
i installed a lq9 from gm performance
with 216/220 560/560
headers and a 3200 stall
its not tuned yet and its fun.


i agree about the injectors, mine are the 5.3 inj. and it sure seems like
i lose alot of power from 4k up
so im looking at the 42# from fast. i dont plan on a fuel pump upgrade or ever boosting it

mine is a 2001 and not a 4x4

that cam has a nice lope sound but not too hard lope
just enough to make one ask "is that cammed?"

popfizz7

Hey redsilv do you have any regrets, wish haves or unexpected issues during the transformation?