AJ1794

Hey guys,

I was hoping you could lead me in the right direction in terms of a cam. I have selected a couple cams but I am wondering which would be best for my application. The engine will be the aluminum block L33 5.3L with TBSS intake manifold and ported TBSS TB, Doug Throley tri-y headers, full 3" single exhaust and custom intake, T-56 Mangum transmission. The engine will be going into a 3400lb Chevy Colorado (see sig pic). So the choices are:

Comp 212/218 low lift (or maybe high lift)
Comp 216/220
Comp LSR 269LR

Now I was wondering if there are any beehive springs that could be run with the LSR cam or if I have to buy the expensive dual valve springs.

Also since my truck weighs so little, I was thinking I could run a cam designed for a Camaro since I don't really need the low end torque as for full size trucks, though it would be awesome to have torque like that in such a light truck.

gamble686

iTrader: (3)

Being a t56 in a feather weight truck you can go about as big as you want. You might want some steeper than stock gears though maybe some 3.90s. A 224/228 .581/.581 LSA112 would be a moderate cam. Duals are nice but their are plenty of options single spring wise out there.

Vortec350ss

iTrader: (20)

Still may be a tad bigger than I'd go gamble... But I tend to be a little conservative on cams. Is this thing purely a toy? How aggressive do you want the idle?

I do think that the 212/218 and even 216/220 are on the small side though. I'd like to see a 219/222 on a 112+3

gamble686

iTrader: (3)

I am the same kind of way for full sized trucks. However, the way I see it we need to look at this thru the eyes of someone specing a cam for an Fbody. Those guys run the MS3, torquer and other low 230 duration cams like its nothing. Now this is a smallish motor, but has a good manifold and 243s. Overall I would expect a little more aggressive all things considered. Not trying to say your opinion is bad or wrong. Just trying to bouce ideas off you.

Vortec350ss

iTrader: (20)

Very true. All good points. I guess what it really will come down to is how the truck will be used. If it's a toy I say have at it.

AJ1794

Thanks for the input guys. I would love to run as big of a cam as possible but my the budget I have right now is really only allowing for a small-moderate cam (something I can run single springs with). My initial cam of choice was the TSP 220R but seeing how shitty the Canadian dollar is right now it's a little too expensive for just a cam, I can get other ones for cheaper up here locally.

When the 5.3 is put into my truck it will become a toy. I would like it to have good street manners since that will be most of the driving it will do and will take it to the strip every now and then. I'm optimistically aiming for 330-340 rwhp (is that reasonable considering my other modifications?). I'm still on the fence on how I'd like it to idle. I like both the lopey idle (not choppy) and the low rumble idle. As for the heads mentioned I believe this engine has 799's not 243's.

Bluecollar Hotrods

iTrader: (18)

How about this cam?

Trick Flow® Track Max® Hydraulic Roller Camshafts for GM LS TFS-30602001 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

The price is right, and similar specs to the three you posted.

gamble686

iTrader: (3)

243 and 799 are twin sisters. Some have even claimed to have one of each before from the factory. The true LS6 243s had lighter valves and that's the only difference.

You are right the Canadian dollar is whooping your *** right now and they are lame about importing stuff for you guys. Honestly you can go pretty agressive. The concern with springs is unwarranted. Brian tooley makes a very affordable dual spring. Do it right the first time you will be glad you did.


This is the very best budget cam option out there right now IMO. However, it's just a little small. That 114 LSA will help it rip it, but at the cost of sound and early torque. Just not right for this build.

AJ1794

That's what everyone has been telling me. Do it right, do it once and forget it (for the most part) that way it leaves room for more in the future.

Yeah, you're right about that cam, I won't be cruising around at 3K RPM or redlining repeatedly so that cam isn't really ideal. Sure it would make good power up top but that's not where I need it. I'm just wondering if more than 0.600" lift and 219/227 duration of the 269LR is really necessary on a 5.3. Am I really gaining much more than say the 220R?

Looking way way into the future for this build, would the 269LR be a good cam for a TVS1900?

gamble686

iTrader: (3)

So the super charger factor throws a very different wrench into the equation. Immediately the cam changes. The LSA goes from maybe a 112 to more like a 116 or 113+3. A split induration with an exhaust bias becomes that more ideal especially on a cathedral head. Something like a 219/227 LSA113+3. The 220r is not the cam I would pick either.
Now we are needing something a little different. Honestly a custom cam would be my pick. Although a ton of guys really like the trucker cams for a TVS build.

The more I think about it. The more I think the Vinci tripleX is perfect for you. It's 222/228 .551/.551 LSA115. Got room for the supercharger or a little spray. Plenty of duration. Could even run LS6 springs since its lower lift.