I have the engine out of my full size '99, and was thinking of putting a new cam in it, but havent been able to find anyone that makes one. Anyone have any ideas on this?
Just found this forum last night, and it looks like a great place to be, ill try to get some pics of my beater up soon.

 

If you have it out, by all means put a cam in it.

Any cam that fits in the newer LS1 based engines will work on your truck. Don't get too radical with your choice unless you want to have to get programming.

I have the cam from an LS6 corvette in my truck. It really helped wake it up above 3000 RPMs. It was pretty cheap at $150 but you will need the springs and some gaskets. Total parts for this was about $300. Comp cams makes some that will fit. Look at their site. They have 3 listed for LS1 engines. The smallest one would be fine for your truck.

Why do you have the engine out?

 

Welcome to the site Shyster. BigTex is correct, ANY camshaft that fits in the F-body or Corvette LS1 will fit in your 5.3L motor. Your motor is based on the LS1 platform and most of the parts are interchangable. The main difference is that the truck motors (4.8, 5.3, and 6.0) are iron blocks while the corvette and F-body blocks are aluminum. That is about the extent of the difference between the motors internally. Even the heads are about the same and are swap-able.

Are you looking for all-out performance, or will you still want some towing capabilities?

Tony

 

I am trying to decide on a cam also. I am kina leaning towards the LS6 cam and springs. I still want to be able to tow a little bit of stuff, like a couple of jet skis, but nothing too heavy. I want more performance mostly. I want my truck to run mid 13's NA.

What cam do ya'll think I should go with? And Nine Ball what does MTI charge to do a cam and spring install?

 

Does anyone know what the stock 5.3L cam specs are? I need a baseline to compare with.

MTI usually charges $350-400 for a cam and spring install usually, if you purchase the cam from them. They can get any cam specs you want, custom ones are the same price. That install includes all fluids and an A/C recharge if required. Takes a day.

Tony

 

No A/C recharge is necessary. Minimal fluid loss.

Cam specs are different for the different year models. The '99 were the weakest (thats why they were rated at 270 HP). In '00 they got the 6.0L cam. Not sure if it has changed since then.


1999 Cam
Part #12560967
lift (exh/inl) .466/.457"
centerlines(exh/inl) -118/113
separation 115.5 deg
duration @ .050"(exh/inl) 193/194
duration @ lash (exh/inl) 328/328

2000 Cam
Part # 12560967
lift (exh/inl) .466/.457"
centerlines(exh/inl) -112/116
separation 114 deg
duration @ .050"(exh/inl) 193/194
duration @ lash (exh/inl) 328/328

2001 LS6 Camshaft
Part # 12560950
separation 116 deg
lift (exh/inl) .525/.525"
duration @ .050"(exh/inl) 207/217
Not sure about the centerlines and lash.


Other parts needed:
12565117 LS6 Valvesprings (16)
12559271 Water Pump Gaskets (2)
12558013 Timing Cover Gasket
12561244 Front Crank Seal
12557840 Crank Pulley Bolt

 

Thanks for all the feed back guys, this is a great forum. I dont plan on doing any towing, but of course it is a daily driven truck. You know the dilema, i want everything, without giving up anything. Im going to give comp cam a call tomorrow, but most likely i will get the ls6 cam. Why do i need to get a new crank pully bolt?

 

what do yall think about MTI A1 cam vs. LS6 cam? i don't know a lot about cam stuff but i want good performance but a good street car. also those of you that have done a cam, did you get computer work done? when i talked to MTI they "suggested" computer work. they said that they would need to send off the computer to get it corrected. however that was 1-2 years ago. anyone have some info about any of this?

MTI A1
lift (int/exh)=.532/.558
duration (int/exh)=209/216
lobe separation= 114

 

stock is basically 193/194 duration on a 114 huh?

For maintaining towing, I'd go with something like 208/208 .560 lift, 114 LSA. Should be a good improvement over stock, and will still pass emissions. Shift points around 6200 rpm I estimate.

For just daily-driver, non-towing performance, maybe a 216/216 .560 lift 112 LSA cam <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> . Slap some Comp 918 springs in there, and shift the motor at about 6400 rpm.

Tony

 

[quote]Originally posted by shyster7:
<strong>I have the engine out of my full size '99, and was thinking of putting a new cam in it, but havent been able to find anyone that makes one. Anyone have any ideas on this?
Just found this forum last night, and it looks like a great place to be, ill try to get some pics of my beater up soon.</strong><hr></blockquote>

CraneCams has two: #1449511 it's 206 int.214 exh. with.500 lift on both and 114. You with loose a little under 2200 rpm from stock but good again over 2800 rpm. computer with need reprograming. Next #144hr00016 not listed, but the specs. 200 dur.on int. & exh. .496 on both also with 112 sep. This pulls better down low under 2800 rpm. And you can still use your stock springs. These are the only cams they recommend.