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

 

[TheFuzz]

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

[yt]<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>[/yt]

 

[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

[yt]<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>[/yt]

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'