LS9 Cam for Turbo 5.3L
 

Going to be boosting my 5.3L soon, looking for 500+rwhp. I bought a new LS9 cam from a member on a whim. Right now the truck has an '00 LS1 cam which I put in while the engine was apart. I will be taking off the timing cover to install an oil drain, and could swap the LS9 cam at the same time since it's not too much extra work. Here are the cam specs:

LM7 5.3L: 190/191 0.466/0.457 114 LSA

00' LS1: 202/210 0.496 /0.496 116 LSA

LS9: 211/230 0.558/0.552 122.5 LSA

Right now I'm leaning towards not swapping it in. From what I've read, turbos seem to like even or reverse split cams. LS9 cam seems better for a blower or something, although the reviews and opinions on it are very mixed, not many people have tried it yet. I do not want to buy a new cam unless it's a used LS6 cam or something for cheap. Whatever cam I go with needs to pass CA smog. The turbo will come off but the cam will stay in.

Thanks!

keep in mine, since your truck is an 01 . . . you'll need the LS2 front cover, and LS2 cam gear, and cam sensor since there's no timing sensor on the LS9 cam

want to sell it?

Out of those 3 I would run the LS1 cam. I wouldn't run that ls9 cam if someone gave me 10 of them. Either of the Zo6 cams would be a much better choice if wanting to run a factory cam. IMO

^Whyzzat?

exactly, why? :eyes:

Because It would have awful low end response, and laggy for my taste. For a larger CI blower application it wouldn't be too bad.

thats completely wrong! Based on what are you saying this?

FYI, the C6 Z06 cam is almost identical to the ZR1 cam, minus the fact that valve lift figures as based on 1.7 rockers on ZR1 and 1.8 rockers on the Z06 if i recall.

Just because the cam is labeled "ZR1" and you owned one, doesn't make it the cam of kings--it has its downsides. The cam should match up with the air volume forced in by that turbo. The ZR1 is blown and has the cam, I know. Z06/ZR1 cam does have its differences, and the rockers affect lift. Stock48 builds engines for a living. You pay people to put lowering shackles on your truck. No need to be a smartass.

wohohoooow someone's pissed off, ok since I dont know anything and stock48 builds engines for a living I want him to tell me why is a C6 Z06 cam better than a ZR1 cam.

Plus where did I say the ZR1 cam is the king of cams? :hmmm: but out of those three it would make the most power.

I don't believe stock48 is refering to the C6 Zo6 cam but rather a 02 Z06 cam as being the most optimal stock grind for his setup.

Wrong ZO6 cam there guy. He is talking about an LS6 cam from a C5 ZO6, not a LS7 cam. Its pretty common knowledge that lots of people use the C5 Z06 cam in boosted stuff.

Actually, the LS7 cam would be an upgrade over the LS9 cam. LS7 cam has the same exact lobes, just with a narrower LSA. Narrower = better in this case. The LS7 cam still has a wider LSA than I'd want, but it's 2 degrees better than the LS9 cam. If you want a cam that is smooth and pretty gutless down low, either of these should work fine for you:nod:

x2... The ZR1 Corvettes are a lot lighter and have a bigger engine than our trucks which lets them get away with that big of a cam. I have a tsp 220/220 cam and I wish it had more low end torque so I wouldn't have to get into boost as much when pulling out on roads in traffic.