Best Cam for stock 5.3
02-07-2019, 09:02 PM
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Best Cam for stock 5.3
I have a 2000 GMC Sierra 5.3 Z71 Regular Cab and I want to know what would be the best CAM for power gain? Keep in mind the truck is completely stock and I will be upgrading plenty of parts
02-07-2019, 09:44 PM
#2
Still going to need more details than that.
Upgrading a lot of parts is well a lot of things, so what are those parts?
Like I could tell you a cam that will make good power but leave something to be desired because the rest of the setup is lacking. Or I could suggest something that will only make power over 5,000rpm and be horrible down low and idle like crap but hey it makes POWER.
So spill the beans of what else you plan to do, what parts you will be using or wanting to run. Thing like converter, rear gearing, tire size. Is it a street truck or something for the track? Keeping the stock 4L60e or upgrading??
You can read up on camshaft swaps until you are blue in the face and often doing some homework will get you answers. This stuff has been around for 15+ years so it's nothing new.
Upgrading a lot of parts is well a lot of things, so what are those parts?
Like I could tell you a cam that will make good power but leave something to be desired because the rest of the setup is lacking. Or I could suggest something that will only make power over 5,000rpm and be horrible down low and idle like crap but hey it makes POWER.
So spill the beans of what else you plan to do, what parts you will be using or wanting to run. Thing like converter, rear gearing, tire size. Is it a street truck or something for the track? Keeping the stock 4L60e or upgrading??
You can read up on camshaft swaps until you are blue in the face and often doing some homework will get you answers. This stuff has been around for 15+ years so it's nothing new.
02-08-2019, 12:27 AM
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Most people will hate the idea of doing this to the truck but it’s how I envision the truck and for some reason I like it. I’ll will either be running 22s or 24s and definitely dropping the truck. I would like a sleeper type truck. Around the 375 - 425hp bench mark.
I read one article/ forum on to gain 100hp through a cam shaft, TBSS intake manifold, upgraded pulleys, short tube headers, cold air intake, a tune, and a few mentioned items
I read one article/ forum on to gain 100hp through a cam shaft, TBSS intake manifold, upgraded pulleys, short tube headers, cold air intake, a tune, and a few mentioned items
02-08-2019, 02:53 AM
#4
Someone gained 100hp with shorty headers? But yeah need more information. Plan on doing a converter while you’re in there? Without a higher stall, kinda limits what cams will work. A heavy truck though, for instance, I have a 208/212 comp (54-451-11) cam in my avalanche with long tubes and a TB I6 (GM55) converter. Pulls to 6000 no problem. No loss in lower end, tows easily. You have a 5700lb truck. What about the gear? Need to consider this stuff before moving forward.
02-10-2019, 10:07 AM
#7
For an otherwise bone-stock truck, I'd suggest something not too far different from what Drspencer posted. I was going to suggest a 212/218. Check TSP & ws6store.
Even with a stock cam, you will gain BIG TIME from a torque converter. IMO almost any cam swap will result in a loss of "leave" if this is not done.
Your first mod should be exhaust. All the way from heads to street. Headers, cats depending on the headers you choose, and cat-back. Before the cam.
Next mod should be a tune. Either learn & equip to tune yourself, or pay somebody GOOD who will then re-tune after a can swap. Black Bear for example.
Even with a stock cam, you will gain BIG TIME from a torque converter. IMO almost any cam swap will result in a loss of "leave" if this is not done.
Your first mod should be exhaust. All the way from heads to street. Headers, cats depending on the headers you choose, and cat-back. Before the cam.
Next mod should be a tune. Either learn & equip to tune yourself, or pay somebody GOOD who will then re-tune after a can swap. Black Bear for example.
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02-10-2019, 07:37 PM
#8
for a relatively stock-ish setup, i'd recommend nothing bigger than a 212/218.
i've got 33"s and 4.30s with a 5speed (lower-geared than the autos), and my 219/224 lost just enough low end to notice but not quite enough to be annoying. with your assumed automatic, higher gearing, and planned heavy donk wheels, you'll really appreciate keeping all the power you can under 2000rpm
i've got 33"s and 4.30s with a 5speed (lower-geared than the autos), and my 219/224 lost just enough low end to notice but not quite enough to be annoying. with your assumed automatic, higher gearing, and planned heavy donk wheels, you'll really appreciate keeping all the power you can under 2000rpm
03-02-2019, 04:49 AM
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In my opinion decide on the other parts of the build first including the stall and shift rpm. Then spec the cam to the build. I feel like to many people try to "complement" the cam. Dyno nubmbers look great on forums, but you actualy have to drive the truck every day.
