Admittedly, I don't have a whole lot of experience with small cams. I've always used, recommended and built with cams in the mid 220's all the way up to the 250's duration @ .050". I am starting to gather parts for the AFM delete on my 2007 and a cam swap will be one, gears and converter will happen as well.

I'd like to compile everyone's experiences with small cams in the 220 and below range. I know the Isky 212 and Comp HR265 are both popular and effective, but what else? I've considered a custom grind for my setup but honestly don't think this truck warrants that much thought and BS LOL, it's my wife's DD.

Please list the truck/engine/converter/gears/tire setup yore running with these camshafts and as much information as possible about powerband, towing etc that you can include. I want something with a tiny bit of sound, good low/mid power and easy tuning/driving. It'll have a 3000 stall and 4.10's turning 33x12.50x20's they're pretty heavy, aside from being tall... Anyway, let's hear what you've got...

 

Mine is just over what your wanting but i really really like it. You can tell it has a cam in it when it is idling. Down low is pretty damn good! A 3200 converter is perfect for it. I have had 3 different converters with it. The cheap circled 278mm 3200 was perfect. It flashed right to the sweet spot.

In my 4.8 i had a FTI 214/220 108+4. That was a damn nice cam for the 4.8. Had really good low end and pulled up to 6700. That cam would definitely talk to you for how small it was.

I have also had a 220/220 114+4 and 222/224 112+4

 

Given your criteria I dont think youre going to find much difference between the normal small cams. Im planning on going with something around the 212 area for my heavy turd, need to keep tq up in the low rpms to keep some gas mileage.

 

I did think about your 214/220 cam.... A custom grind isn't out of the question. I just don't want anything crazy, it's staying with all stock exhaust minus the muffler. I'd like to run some type of OEM valve springs just for noise and reliability. Doesn't hurt they're cheap too...

 

The power on the 214/220 cam on like a freight train in the upper rpms. The HP curve looked like a huge step.

 

Power should come in a little sooner in the 5.3 vs the 4.8, everything else being equal. I wouldn't mind a little bit of lope, but if it's too much she'll hate it for sure.

Honestly, if this year didn't have issues with chewed up cams, I wouldn't even mess with it. But if I'm going that far into it, I might as well do it. I'll be pulling the engine out of the truck anyway. It's getting new head gaskets, bolts, lifters, oil pump, timing set, tensioner, the works.... When it goes back together, I don't wanna mess with it again. I was ki da hoping they'd **** the bed under warranty, but it ran out in July and magically the noise is just now getting a little worse. figures...

Hell, I've even considered an LS6 cam for it....

 

Do NOT get an LS6 cam. Theyre real close the gt2-3 cam I had in my LQ4, that thing was a dog down low. Keep the split narrow and the LSA down to keep low and mid range tq.

 

I'm running the 216/220 low lift (.532/.525). Give good pull all the way throught the RPM range, stock stall friendly if you're wanting to go that route. I decided to match it to a 3200.

 

At highway cruise speed a 5.3 only makes about 200ftlb torque, as 1slowz71 said pick a cam based on low end torque and not one that makes peak hp on a dyno chart.

 

sub'd for additional info for mine.