Need advice; 205/210 vs 212/218 camshaft
03-01-2017, 07:02 PM
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Need advice; 205/210 vs 212/218 camshaft
2006 5.3L LH6 Chevy Trailblazer
I am in the process of tearing it down to delete the DOD/AFM and replace the camshaft (non-DOD).
Truthfully, I don't know enough about these things (learning as I go) so I need some help choosing the cam.
I'm pretty sure it'll be between TSP low-lift 212/218 114LSA or SDPC low-lift 205/210 115LSA. I've heard that the 212/218 is pretty well thought of on these trucks but I just found the 205/210 from SDPC, so...
This will be a daily-driver, family & kid shuttle, but I'm looking for some performance improvement over stock. There are no other mods other than suspension stuff I did years ago and the new LS7 lifters for the DOD delete. I'll probably put in new GM LS6 springs and stick with the existing pushrods if possible. I will not be towing anything with this vehicle, that's what my Excursion is for. I don't want to sacrifice too much, if any, fuel mileage. I would like a nice sounding growl but don't want too much 'lope'.
So, can any of you tell me what the differences would be between these two cams for my application? Recommendations?
Thanks a ton!
I am in the process of tearing it down to delete the DOD/AFM and replace the camshaft (non-DOD).
Truthfully, I don't know enough about these things (learning as I go) so I need some help choosing the cam.
I'm pretty sure it'll be between TSP low-lift 212/218 114LSA or SDPC low-lift 205/210 115LSA. I've heard that the 212/218 is pretty well thought of on these trucks but I just found the 205/210 from SDPC, so...
This will be a daily-driver, family & kid shuttle, but I'm looking for some performance improvement over stock. There are no other mods other than suspension stuff I did years ago and the new LS7 lifters for the DOD delete. I'll probably put in new GM LS6 springs and stick with the existing pushrods if possible. I will not be towing anything with this vehicle, that's what my Excursion is for. I don't want to sacrifice too much, if any, fuel mileage. I would like a nice sounding growl but don't want too much 'lope'.
So, can any of you tell me what the differences would be between these two cams for my application? Recommendations?
Thanks a ton!
03-02-2017, 09:11 AM
#2
I can not speak for the SDPC cam but the TSP 212/218 550/550 112 or 114 is a proven cam in a 5.3. It will add roughly 50hp to the flywheel along with a slightly rougher sounding idle. The cam is mild enough that you can use your factory converter and it will not require other modifications other than valve springs. Because of the lift you are able to use the OE LS6 valve springs and you can also keep your factory pushrods.
The SDPC cam would bring the power and torque in a tad bit sooner, but that cam is just barely bigger than a stock cam. Its also on comp lobes so its going to have a noisy valve train. If you are wanting to stick with a 20x cam TSP offers a 208/214 low lift which would be a good compromise between the two you listed, and will have very minimal, if any valvetrain noise when you have the correct preload on the lifters. My TSP Custom cam doesnt make any valvetrain noise! Its super quiet like a stock cam and its 600+ lift
Good luck with your build! Dont forget the 3 bolt 4x cam gear and cam bolts. Some AFM kits come with that and some kits offer that as an option.
-Avery
The SDPC cam would bring the power and torque in a tad bit sooner, but that cam is just barely bigger than a stock cam. Its also on comp lobes so its going to have a noisy valve train. If you are wanting to stick with a 20x cam TSP offers a 208/214 low lift which would be a good compromise between the two you listed, and will have very minimal, if any valvetrain noise when you have the correct preload on the lifters. My TSP Custom cam doesnt make any valvetrain noise! Its super quiet like a stock cam and its 600+ lift
Good luck with your build! Dont forget the 3 bolt 4x cam gear and cam bolts. Some AFM kits come with that and some kits offer that as an option.
-Avery
03-02-2017, 09:57 AM
#3
TECH Enthusiast
i cant say enough good things about the TSP stage 3 high lift cam i just installed in my 05 avalanche with a 5.3. 216/220 600 lift on a 112. It has just a slight chop at idle. The only problem is you would need to change the valvesprings again. But they do offer a low lift in that same cam that would allow you to reuse your ls6 springs. I am currently on a factory stall and have no drivabilaty issues.
03-04-2017, 06:54 PM
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Dont forget the 3 bolt 4x cam gear and cam bolts. Some AFM kits come with that and some kits offer that as an option.
-Avery[/QUOTE]
Avery, thanks for the reply. I am just about the order the 212/218 kit with springs from TSP. I got part of the tear-down finished today and the existing cam is a 3-bolt. I can re-use the existing cam gear correct?
-Avery[/QUOTE]
Avery, thanks for the reply. I am just about the order the 212/218 kit with springs from TSP. I got part of the tear-down finished today and the existing cam is a 3-bolt. I can re-use the existing cam gear correct?
