Aight guys I know you will be able to help me out and decide on what I need. I'm looking at getting a cam for my 2001 GMC Sierra with 5.3. I understand that there are a million and one post on here about cams, but there are a million different cam application out there. I plan to continue to run my stock heads for the time being, but here is my question.

What is the best type of lift with my stock 5.3 heads? A low lift like in the .520-.535 range, a mild lift in the .550-.570 range, or a high lift like higher than .570? I doubt the high lift is what I will want.

My plans are to get a good gain form the cam. I do not tow/haul much unless I pull the seadoo to the lake occasionally. I was looking at a 216/220 duration, but I am open for any suggestions.

I will be getting a full new exhaust system and a converter.

 

It is more complicated than that. A high lift on a short duration is harder on the valve train than a longer duration, as I was taught. (correct me please if I am off-base here) The lobes will be more dramatic. I would choose the highest lift available within certain parameters.
Read all the cam threads, look at trucks with mods similar to what you have planned. Remember to match your converter.

 

There's a book from SA Design by Will Handzel called Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s

He claims the 02-04 Z06 cam#12565308 will add 50hp to a 99 5.3 without changing anything else besides the springs and pushrods. Test example retains stock exhaust and intake manifolds, cats and y pipe

cam spec 204/218 .555/.551 117.5

 

the 216/220 is a great cam, I think you will be more than satified with it...

 

I am getting that cam installed next week (hopefully, paid for, just waiting on install).

Its the comp XR269HR, 216/220 .525 .532 114lsa.

 

I just installed that same cam a couple weeks ago. Still waiting on a tune but it picked up a nice gain even without. Definitely notice a 60+ pull.

 

you can get it custom grind, i would definately do a 112lsa instead of the 114lsa..

 

Im convinced that the 220/220 112 +4 is the truck equivelent of the 224 cam thats popular with ls1 fbodies.

I was playing with the DCR calcualor and the aggressive Comp Cams XER lobes keep the DCR higher. Also, the XER lobes have more duration at .200" lift while having less seat timing for improving the idle.

 

I was definitely looking into a custom grind cam with a 112lsa. So this goes back to the question of a lower lift cam will be best for my stock heads? But would it hurt if I was to ever do a head swap?

 

here's my 216/220 114
https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...97#post3930097

Look long term. If you eventually want a higher lift cam go ahead and get one, then upgrade your heads later. As far as a head swaping after installing a small cam, it shouldn't hurt any. The more flow the better.
Personally i'd go with a 216 to 224 range for now. These cams resale real good so you can always upgrade later. Just buy used and you'll most likely get your money back when you upgrade.