It looks like i've found the engine for my swap and I would like to know if anyone has found a cam to improve the low end torque. The engine will be completely stock other than the cam swap "if" I can find some solid recommendations. The truck is my DD 2003 xcsb w/3.42 gears and I'll be keeping the 4L60E for the low first gear. I have a local transmission shop that seems to be able to make a 4L60E survive moderate levels of abuse. The truck will see 99% highway use with weekend duty hauling about 6000lbs. And it must run on 87 octane. Any and all opinions welcome. Thanks
Mike

 

you'll see alot of suggestions for the 212/218 or lower

no bottom end loss, off idle power, stock stall is ok

 

you don't need a cam, you need to run 93 octane. That'll give you more low end grunt. It doesn't make much sense to put a cam in for power and tq yet still run 87, IMO.

 

The stock cam is the best for off idle power, but you probably wont some in the midrange too in which case I would get something like a 212/218. If you up the stall on the converter your low-end just became 3000rpm which really opens the door on your cam options.

 

Guys I appreciate the opinions.
Mike

 

If you're looking for more low end I'd suggest ditching the 3.42 gears and going with at least a 3.73. You also might consider going with a mild stall like a Yank TT2600.

 

Re-gear first; what tire size are you running? 3.73 or 3.90 is even better for stock tires.

I have installed gears, cam, LT's and tune in my truck and gears have made the most notable difference in low end. I went from 3.42 to 4.11 with stock 265/70/17 tires and it's perfect for mixed driving condtions.

Of course every mod helps.

 

Please tell me your kidding......

If so, You shouldnt be giving any advice


Comp has a 216/220 .525ish lift cam thats great for what your trying to do.

 

I think you will be very impressed with the 212/218 low lift cam.

 

While I agree the Comp 212/218 cam is great for the 5.3, the bigger cubes of the 6.0 can handle a little bigger cam and still have torque to spare. At a minimum, I put in the Comp 216/220.

As long as you don't raise the compression ratio (change heads/pistons or mill the heads), that shouldn't effect what octane fuel you need. When you get it tuned, make sure you tell your tuner that you plan to run 87 octane (so he'll use less timing).