Cam size

[Dustinh]

so the motor in my 02 hoe is locked up. And after going back and forth on rebuild or replace with a 6.0, I think I want to rebuild it and put in a cam. My question is one that has probably been answered quite a few times on here but what cam can be used with stock stall and stock valve train? Or do I have to upgrade the valve train for any cam? I want a noticeable lope but don’t want a crazy cam. Looking at the stage 2 Brian Tooley. If the valve train needs to be upgraded, upgrade to what? Thank you in advance for input

 

[swathdiver]

Crane and Cam Motion have camshafts that can still use the original springs. Most folks will upgrade to LS6 springs (.570 max) anyway as the cost is minimal relatively speaking. Which motor do you have, an LM7?

 

[Dustinh]

Yes it’s the 5.3 flex fuel. I see cams that say stall recommended and big cams say valve train upgrade recommended but just an upgrade cam it doesn’t say

 

[Countryboy07]

Best bet is to call Brian, rather his shop, and let them spec one out for you. They know what works with what and can get you all squared away.

 

[Rocket Man]

Any good cam grinder will set you up with the correct cam if you talk to them and let them know what your goals are. I used Vinci High Performance and Roger Vinci not only set me up the first time but answered questions months afterwards as I added more performance parts and wanted to make sure it would all still work together.

 

[swathdiver]

Your L59s stock cam specs are 191-190 .457-.466 114

BTR Stage I Truck is 206-212 .525-.534 114+2

This cam will need stronger springs. Stock springs are good for .520 lift.

Check out these three Crane Cams, the 1449501, 1449541 and 1449511. Cam Motion also some similar grinds but they just changed their website and standardized some specs so check them out for the latest. There's a fella on another forum with one of these low lift camshafts that picked up 40 horsepower with no loss in fuel economy and no need for a torque converter. I see these much bigger camshafts and while they sound great, I do not think their higher lifts are offering us with trucks any more power. But I am new to these LS engines and haven't been messing with cars in 20 plus years.

I may get that first Crane Cam or spec one out just slightly larger just because.

 

[Dustinh]

Thank you for the replies. I might purchase a set of springs and hardened rods since the motor is going to be out anyway. Still don’t want a crazy cam tho

 

[Rocket Man]

Thank you for the replies. I might purchase a set of springs and hardened rods since the motor is going to be out anyway. Still don’t want a crazy cam tho

Vinci High Performance has packages with pushrods and springs all meant to go together. Their website lists what the different cams require, and he's also one of the few who spec cams specifically for trucks so you don't lose bottom end torque. Make sure you don't get something meant for a car. If you're going to do springs, make sure to get one of the spring compressors meant specifically for an LS engine or you'll be fighting it, especially if you go with dual springs like I did.

 

[swathdiver]

Vinci does Crane's R&D or something like that. Crane's 1449541 and Vinci's MTR065 share the same specs and are very popular choices for trucks that tow where losing bottom end torque is unacceptable. It's right up your alley.

 

[Maximus1]

Yes it’s the 5.3 flex fuel. I see cams that say stall recommended and big cams say valve train upgrade recommended but just an upgrade cam it doesn’t say

Dustin,
I have had the same exact issue that you are having now. I decided on the 5.3l with a good cam and I can’t be happier. The cam I went with requires no valve train mods. It’s a Howard’s cam from Summit Racing and everyone I’ve talked to loves the sound and performance too. Here’s a link https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hrs-197245-12
This cam makes a great daily driver plus it really seemed to wake up this 5.3l. It will run after you install it but the ECM can’t seem to catch up so a custom tune is highly recommended

 

[iamdub]

The stock springs and pushrods are marginal with an all-stock setup. For the minimal cost, LS6 springs and thicker/hardened pushrods are cheap insurance and, IMO, are a necessity with even a small performance cam.

 

[swathdiver]

Stock valve springs (12589774) are good for .520 lift. that Howard's Camshaft is .525 and Summit does recommend new springs.

 

[Tonyrodz]

The stock springs and pushrods are marginal with an all-stock setup. For the minimal cost, LS6 springs and thicker/hardened pushrods are cheap insurance and, IMO, are a necessity with even a small performance cam.

I had these upgrades done with my cam, along with a new oil pump.

 

[iamdub]

I had these upgrades done with my cam, along with a new oil pump.

No doubt and I'd hope so with the way yours sounds!

 

[Dustinh]

Stock valve springs (12589774) are good for .520 lift. that Howard's Camshaft is .525 and Summit does recommend new springs.

I saw that as well

 

[Maximus1]

The stock GM L59 5.3L valve springs are rated at a .530 lift and I ran these springs without any problems whatsoever for a long while until I upgraded to my 799 heads that were decked.030 and CNC ported. With these heads I chose to go with the Z06 blue springs with a .565 Max lift. Then I chose to go to a 1.8 full roller rocker instead of the 1.7 which increased my lift to .555 lift on both intake and exhaust

 

[Maximus1]

Stock valve springs (12589774) are good for .520 lift. that Howard's Camshaft is .525 and Summit does recommend new springs.

I’m not seeing where you say that Summit recommends a valve spring upgrade for this cam. Are you sure that you are viewing the correct camshaft? In fact for this specific camshaft it says that valve springs are not required. Here’s a picture. Anyone can recommend anything but it’s not required. Hell I’d recommend that we all have twin turbos but it’s not required

 

[Maximus1]

But I would recommend the Z06 springs simply for the cost. Mine cost $65 installed and I would recommend a stronger pushrod i.e. trick flow or comp cams. These do cost a little more ($100)but as stated earlier it’s good insurance

 

[swathdiver]

Hi Tom, I clicked on the link you provided via my PC. In the Q&A Summit recommends valve springs and Pace Performance's website was where I recorded the max lift of the various springs.

There is a terrible amount of conflicting information out in cyberspace and that being said if yours is holding up well then the combination should be promoted and considered by those looking to do the same. How much horsepower and torque did you gain, assuming you were able to measure the results?

 

[Sgtduckyboy]

I just had a lifter get stuck. I replaced the cam I use the melling MTC - 7 and it works great all I had to do was upgrade the springs and put the rest of it back together. The specs on it we're much similar to a low-end crane cam. I have a slight idle problem which is normal when you change the cam but once it gets warmer I will be able to get it tuned with the guy over at the diablosport forums. If you do any cam upgrade you will more than likely need to get it tuned to make you completely happy. Besides you'll get so much performance and efficiency increase with it it's actually worth it I think.