Howdy ya'll, new as a member, but have gotten a lot of much helpful information in the past from here. I have done some searching around and still can't find a definite answer for my particular desired result.

I know this is a question that has been beaten to death worse than a lame horse, but I just need quick opinions from those of you who have actually done just a simple cam swap in your L31's. Basically I am rebuilding mine, 230XXX on the clock and the previous owner did not take very good care of her, knocking like a midget with a sledgehammer. I'm keeping it simple, .060 over, cam swap, and a tune. Nothing extreme, this is my daily and I'm not looking to spend a fortune. I have seen A LOT of people talking about the stock LT4 and LT4 Hotcam and some swear by it in an otherwise stock engine (springs, etc are a given). But what about some sort of Marine pattern? I was thinking since boats pretty much have to have a steady power band, wouldn't that be ideal for a daily that is mostly city driven? I apologize for the age-old question but would greatly appreciate some experienced input.

 

For the cost involved in building the L31 vs results....why not swap to a LS series 5.3? Even a stock 5.3 would do better that a L31 when it comes to MPH and seat of the pants improvement.

 

What all is involved in that? I can't find an LS of any size for less than $1500 around here. I can build my 350 for around $800. Not looking to make stupid power, just bump it up from stock a little while I've got it out.

 

Stock 5.3 does not make stupid power lol but it does make much more than a rebuilt L31 in North Texas 5.3's are cheap! You must be looking in all the wrong places.

 

Yeah I know they're not "stupid" powerful haha, I was exaggerating. What do you consider cheap? I would have to get a complete engine, harness, computer. How long would my truck be down? I need it to be a weekend job, as this is my driver and I use it at work M-F. And I would have to rebuild the 5.3 anyways, as I'm not going to put something in that I don't know the true condition of.

I'm not opposed to it. It's just not feasable for me as far as cost and time. I already have another 350 to rebuild, so I won't have any down time except to swap them out, which will take me a few hours on a Saturday. I won't be spending more than $800 for machine work, parts, fluids, paint, etc. And that's with $350 budgeted for a cam and lifters. Not to mention I'll get some of that back by selling the old engine, so when it's all said and done I'm only spending a few hundred. I was perfectly happy with the stock engine, I don't need a lot of power from it, I've got two TA's and a Camaro if I want to go fast. But I figured if I'm building it, why not?

 

Cool, rock the L31 then. Looks like u had it all worked out before posting.

 

My question was about the cam. Whether to go with what everyone else says (LT4), or if a Marine grind would be a broader power band

 

I'm not shooting you down, buddy. You're right, that would be a better swap, just not doable right now

 

i had a built 355 in my 97. ported heads, comp cam 218/224 (dont remember the lift) other than that pretty basic. stock intake and full exhaust. i ran a LS swapped single cab (tuned 5.3) and put 3 trucks on him. keep in mind my 97 is a ECSB 4x4. Its a trade off, if i were you, i would find a 6.0 to swap in, leave it stock for now, but gives you alor of room to grow. good luck with whatever you do

 

Thanks James, I'll see what I can find close to those specs. Plans changed, my engine is going to be built for my friends truck, I found a low-mile 454 (in a running '99) to swap out with mine. Keeping it stock for now, if not just a cam swap until I can find some builder heads (I like to have things ready to straight swap, minimize downtime). Again, thanks