Notices
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance EFI | GEN I/GEN II/GEN III/GEN IV Engines |Small Block | Big Block |

Help me make the most of my DD 5.3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-06-2013, 02:37 PM
  #1  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
 
skaffy03's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ames, IA
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Help me make the most of my DD 5.3

Hey all,

New guy here from Iowa. I've got a 2004 Tahoe Z71, mostly stock besides BB tune and CAI and crappy flowmaster 10 series.

I was thinking either a smallish cam, like the 212/218 or the SDPC HT1 cam 214/218 I believe...or... Long tube headers. Will I have a flat spot in my rpm band with either of those cams WITHOUT a new stall? If so, how bad and will it still be decently driveable? Or will the headers be my best bet?

Just give me all your thoughts and suggestions!
Old 08-06-2013, 03:24 PM
  #2  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (5)
 
kelsey_canard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 959
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Are you against a stall converter?
Old 08-06-2013, 03:28 PM
  #3  
TECH Regular
 
marineusmc4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

welcome! everything depends on what ur trying to do with it. are you trying to go fast or have torque for towing, or just want some extra *****? you dont need a stall with those cams you mentioned. they are small cams. what is the lift on them? LSA? LTs added to what u have will def improve it with the CAI already in place, just get it retuned. All depends how much u wanna spend...
Old 08-06-2013, 04:24 PM
  #4  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
 
skaffy03's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ames, IA
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I'm not against a stall by any means. I'd love one! But I don't feel like putting a stall in a tranny with 152k original miles. I know it'll go out soon enough and when it does is when I buy the stall.

I want faster and also some more torque. Not looking to be a weekend warrior at the track, just a little more kick.

I also forgot to mention that I already have comp magnum 7.4 pushrods and the new BLUE LS6 springs good to .560 or .570

The lift of the 212/218 is pretty low and the lift of the 214/218 goes up to .559 on a 111LSA I believe.
Old 08-06-2013, 05:56 PM
  #5  
TECH Regular
 
marineusmc4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by skaffy03
I'm not against a stall by any means. I'd love one! But I don't feel like putting a stall in a tranny with 152k original miles. I know it'll go out soon enough and when it does is when I buy the stall.

I want faster and also some more torque. Not looking to be a weekend warrior at the track, just a little more kick.

I also forgot to mention that I already have comp magnum 7.4 pushrods and the new BLUE LS6 springs good to .560 or .570

The lift of the 212/218 is pretty low and the lift of the 214/218 goes up to .559 on a 111LSA I believe.
well with the springs u have u will be good getting the smaller of those 2 cams. have to get different springs for the 214/218. if u want some more torque and ***** get efans, LTs, good exhaust, cam, and tune. def feel the difference.
Old 08-06-2013, 06:43 PM
  #6  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
 
skaffy03's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ames, IA
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...9224/overview/

Those are the springs I have. I'd have to get new springs for the 214/218 cam even though the springs are good to .570? Still learning so bare with me
Old 08-07-2013, 07:51 AM
  #7  
TECH Regular
 
marineusmc4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by skaffy03
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...9224/overview/

Those are the springs I have. I'd have to get new springs for the 214/218 cam even though the springs are good to .570? Still learning so bare with me
ya you said the lift was either .560 or .570 so thats why i was saying u would need to get new springs (if the lift was .560) if you know for a fact that cam's lift is .559 then yes with the valve springs u currently have you will be good. Someone please correct me if i am wrong.
Old 08-07-2013, 07:54 AM
  #8  
TECH Regular
 
marineusmc4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by skaffy03
no worries, i just did my cam swap not too long ago. i spent like a month or so picking peoples brains on here before i bought my components. better to have all the knowledge and know how before spending a chunk of money that way you only do it once and right the first time
Old 08-07-2013, 08:24 AM
  #9  
Moderator
iTrader: (20)
 
Vortec350ss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: South Shore, MA
Posts: 7,271
Received 61 Likes on 60 Posts
Default

Spring choice has a lot to do with the cam's ramp rate and the spring's force at certain lift levels. The spring may not be strong enough to hold the lifter to the cam resulting in valve float. The faster you spin it the more chance of this happening.
Old 08-08-2013, 02:02 PM
  #10  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
 
skaffy03's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ames, IA
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Well guys, I think I'm gonna go ahead and do the headers first. Need this big *** hoe to breathe! And then I will cam her and hopefully stall by that time as well.

Any recommendations on new budget friendly mufflers that flow decently? Anything has to be better than my flowmaster.


Quick Reply: Help me make the most of my DD 5.3



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:34 AM.