At the moment, my truck ('05 ECSB 5.3) has the typical bolt ons, ie: long tubes, Magnaflow, CAI, tune, and a Circle circle D 2800 stall. I just bought a TSP 220 cam which I plan on installing in January. Now here's my question: Which do you think is the smartest choice in building power? I'm on a budget, want to keep daily driveability and have to deal with California smog BS.

A: TSP 220 cam, PRC stage 2.5 heads, TBSS intake, 90mm TB, fuel pump, injectors and 4.10 gears. Build it this way and save later for some means of forced induction or nitrous. Nitrous is less appealing than FI, but is relatively inexpensive and effective.

B: TSP cam, stock 706 heads, stock truck intake and TB, valve spring upgrade, injectors, fuel pumps, used blower.

c: Same as above but a rear mount turbo which could be removed at smog time and replaced with CAI.

I currently have 3.23 gears which suck for acceleration but are great when cruising. It seems as though Turbos are more friendly with this type of gearing and I feel like leaning towards turbos as a means for FI.

Thanks for the advice

 

Of the three, rear mount would be the highest HP for your money. but sell your cam, and buy another better suited for a turbo. what is your budget though?

 

I agree with the turboing idea being the best power for your money but you might as well go ahead and do a front mount. It would be a lot more efficient, and it still wouldnt be hard to remove it for smog. Thats just personally what i would do

 

Why remove the rear-mount? I thought that the Sts kit was 50-state legal. I would think you would have a harder time sliding the long tubes thru a California smog test?

 

Thanks guys. I currently remove the headers and ORY for smog tests and swap PCMs. With regards to the TSP 220, why is that cam less suitable with forced induction? what types of cams do blowers live vs. turbos?

 

I'd just roll with the cam you have now just to make it cheaper and easier. It'll do just fine

 

Are you talking about the stock cam or the tsp220?

Does advancing or retarding the cam timing have any effect on boost applications.

BTW, the tsp220 is on 114 lsa

 

Yea, as will any cam with a turbo. That cam is hard to beat for a n/a 5.3 with a stall, but there are much better choices for FI

 

FI does not play well with the term "budget". Other than that, I like the rear mount and removal for smog plan. turbos are great!!!