Upgraded camshaft..what do i need?

[odie301]

ok i have an 04 tahoe with a 5.3. runs pretty darn good w/ my cai, corvette servo, and bb tune. But as always i want a bit more. SOOOO i am thinking cam swap.

What cams are good for a daily driver ( i have 130k on it already). I don't need the power to be top end by any means. Something with some good low end torque and a stiff mid range would be awesome.

So, what do the stock corvette cams do in these trucks? Are they more hp than torque or does it change a bit w/ our set up? How about cams made for these trucks, what is good?


With a cam install what stuff is an absolute must to replace? and what can slide? I assume you need some new springs (stock corvette or aftermarket?), and push rods?? Do i need new lifters? Do you have to remove the heads in order to get the new springs on, or can that be done w/ the heads installed?

Thanks for the help. in case it matters this is my daily driver..and i do some towing.. not a whole lot but i don't want to lose my ability to tow with a cam change.

[DallasD]

Comp Cam part# 54-412-11

[blueflamed03]

http://www.compcams.com/Cam_Specs/CamDetails.aspx?csid=1085&sb=2

need springs and might as well get new timing chain.

[Robert.K]

Well this aslo work for a 5.3 i a 2001?

[blueflamed03]

Robert, yes, forgot, hardened pushrods!

[odie301]

what kind of power gain can I expect with this?? will it run on my bb tune until i can get a re tune

[Yuke2K]

Depending on the cam it will probably run...but might not run very well. You'll want a retune asap.

[JKmotorsports]

Since you have 130K miles on the engine and you have to pull the timing chain anyway for the cam install, I would replace it like blueflamed suggested. You can replace it with a stock single chain or upgrade to a double roller for better reliability and less chain stretch in the long run. Most aftermarket cams with a higher lift will require a spring change, and swapping to stronger pushrods for reliability isn't a bad idea while you're in there. This can all be done without removing the heads.

[blueflamed03]

it should run fine with the BB tune, just better with the new tune to compliment the cam change.

---------- Post added at 12:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:35 PM ----------

would LOVE for mine to sound like this....hhhmmm, maybe someday soon :D

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EGbRCIdpV7I&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EGbRCIdpV7I&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Grocery Getter]

it should run fine with the BB tune, just better with the new tune to compliment the cam change.

---------- Post added at 12:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:35 PM ----------

would LOVE for mine to sound like this....hhhmmm, maybe someday soon :D

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EGbRCIdpV7I&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EGbRCIdpV7I&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Yikes..... no thanks. I'll turnover the hog if I want that much racket....

Well....my pop's hog, haven't been able to afford one YE! Ol' man is on like #38 and I got nuthin'

[odie301]

Anyone know about how long it take to install a cam? guessing w/ the motor in the truck, i would have to pull my radiator in order to slide the cam out, but otherwise looking at the top end it looks pretty easy to get the valve covers off and such. Does one have to pull the intake or can that stay put as well?

But so far my list goes like this: new camshaft, new heavy duty pushrods(what length?), new valve springs (stock corvette ones should work?), and a new timing set.. any other items needed?

[Cobra]

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/327734-cam-guide.html

[hyde]

I can tell you from experience and many many dyno pulls on different trucks, a factory ZO6 camshaft, springs, CAI, headers and pulley, tune will make 330rwhp all day long and you wont even know it has a camshaft.

[Yuke2K]

Where would one source a Z06 cam and springs for a decent price? I'd imagine the local chevy parts department could get one, but I'd be afraid to ask how much it would cost from them...

Edit: would the corvette cam drop into a 6.0?

[blueflamed03]

yes, but you'd think the 6.0, being larger cubic inches, would want a larger profiled cam.

[Yuke2K]

You're probably right. I'm still learning about all of this. I want some added power without a crazy chopped up idle...I do not want my rig sounding like a dragster. That vid you posted earlier is the polar opposite of what I'm looking for. Don't get me wrong, it sounds badass. Just not what I want for my every day vehicle.

Somewhat different than stock would be cool, just nothing crazy.

[blueflamed03]

just get a wider LSA, like 114 or 115....

[BlueTahoe2001]

Would a ZO6 Cam sound like the video above? Wouldn't mind my Tahoe sounding like that at all...What about the install of the cam? Would you have to pull the whole engine, or could you just pull the front grille, radiator ECT...?

[blueflamed03]

no, that's a big cam in the video...yes, pull radiator, front engine assebly down to timing chain, change springs, pushrods,etc.

[hyde]

You can buy them used with low miles off of ebay and new off of ebay. I would check LS1tech for one. Cam and springs used runs around 200-300. Easy install roughly 6 hours truck will run with no tune good but you will notice alot more with tune. Ling cams arent rough idle and make decent power also.

[odie301]

How does the stock Z06 cam compare to the comp cam listed above? will the corvette cam make as much torque? I am worried about swapping a cam in, and losing torque where i need it most, for those times when i do pull a trailer. Which isn't often, but i don't want it to be where i can't pull anything cause then i might as well have a station wagon!

But if the numbers would come up fairly close as far as hp and tq..then the stock vette cam is probably a cheaper route

[hyde]

Well I can tell you it will make more trq and more hp. It will run a whole lot better. THe good thing is with that cam you can install it and drive...The computer can live with it no problem, once you tune it will pick up very nicely.

[odie301]

is a trailblazer ss cam the same? found one of those used on ebay for like $80. The z06 will work good in a 5.3 correct? it doesnt need the larger discplacement?

[Max]

Stock cams aren't worth it I'd drop dime on a nice one :imo: Call a few camshaft manufacturers and tell them what you're trying to accomplish, they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

[odie301]

the trailblazer ss cam i found on ebay has these specs 204/211 .525 .525 116.5 LSA... comparing that to the comp it has a hair more lift. the duration and lsa are different but i am not sure how that translates into more or less power.

As a price point, since the economy is in "hard" times and all. For $80 the stock z06 sounds like a nice improvement.. considering the comp cam is like $350 new.

[Fred]

I have a 2002 tahoe with a 2004 Z06 cam and springs. From 30 to 100 truck pulls like a different truck from a dig i lost the low end. Do not get a cam out of a trailblazer the cam sensor is in the front and on tahoes its in the rear or vice versa.