Hey guys,

I've got a 2008 gmc 3500hd LY6 with VVT non-AFM,

I'm about to do an oil pump swap due to low pressure and am considering swapping cams at the same time...

Other supporting mods would be coated JBA shorty headers, currently a diablo i1000, Airaid jr and Magnaflow muffler.

Truck is a drw 4x4 4" lift. I use it for towing primarily, and running around the farm offroad and if I cam swapped, more torque would be my primary goal.

Spoke to a summit tech line about their new 8718 and 8719 cams and he said vvt is best of both worlds and to leave it,
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...make/chevrolet
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-8719/overview/

BTR tech line said just do the stage 1 truck cam
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/btc-btr30612120/

Seems to me if I considered the BTR I may as well consider the 8719 summit cam

Hoping to get experienced insight here.

Thanks

 

Shorties will not gain any horsepower over the factory manifolds. If you are adding a camshaft long tubes are the way to go unless you need ground clearance... then keep the manifolds.
EDIT: unless you already have the shorties.

 

There is an oil pressure relief valve on the oil pan that could be causing low pressure too, like if it was stuck partly open. If you remove the VVT, I would remove that valve and plug the hole.

I'd say any of those 3 camshaft will be a good power bump. Get a proper tune and it should be pretty nice.

Just know that you need a different cam gear and timing cover to run a 3 bolt camshaft.

 

Yes sir... I do own them, and I generally would agree. My truck is a 4x4 and from what id read about the 3500hd 4x4 clearance could be an issue with the front differential. I came across the headers for $90 used and coated them with Cerakote so all in im at $120 for them. Figured they couldn't hurt performance for a quality brand. they're the 1850S-2 JBA headers and seemed to have decent reviews and I couldn't pass up the price.

That said, at retail of $550 I completely agree with you.

Thanks for the response

 

Thanks for the info, and the input... thats the way im leaning is to cam it and do the vvt delete. My only hesitation was the Summit tech saying it may be a mistake.

I hope to get some more insight between the 8718 vs 8719 summit cams if I do cam it.

I have a front cover off of a buddy for the old style but would need the delete kit. looks to be around $50

 

Pretty much the 4.8/5.3 front timing cover from a 2007-2009 truck will work as it still has the cam sensor hole in it. Then a 4X 3 bolt cam gear for the 3 bolt camshaft.

 

I’d replace the oil pump and continue to use the truck for its intended purpose.

 

OP, if you're solely worried about mileage, leaving the stock cam and VVT would be the way to go. From what you said, this is used for towing and torque is your primary goal.

With that being said one of our stage 1 Pro LS Truck cams would be a good way to go for you. You have your eyes on the two we would look at for your truck and goals. First is the stage 1 towing cam SUM-8718. Specs are .500/.500, 205/217, 112+2. This cam is great for torque right off idle while maintaining good efficiency. It makes good torque and power across the entire range. Keep idle speed high for a smooth idle or turn it down for a slight lope. The nice thing about this cam is that no springs are required. A torque converter is not required either.

Next up is the stage 1 high-lift SUM-8719. Specs are .550/.550, 209/17, 112+1. This is the cam we would lean towards for your 1-ton truck and LY6. This cam produces good torque off idle. The increased lift will help increase torque and power across higher in the rpm range . Keep idle speed high for a smooth idle or turn down for a noticeable lope. This cam will require a spring upgrade. Such as budget-friendly LS6 NAL-12499224 springs. We have this available as a cam and spring package SUM-8719-1. It will come with the cam, LS6 springs, valve locks, and hat style valve seals with single spring locater. To help with the spring change we offer TFS-90307. This can be used with the heads on. This cam will also work with your stock torque converter.

As you're already aware VVT will need to be deleted with any of the mentioned cams. It sounds like you already have a non-VVT cover. We do have a complete VVT delete combo CMB-09-0027. This will have a non-VVT timing cover, 3 bolt 4 pole cam gear, ARP cam gear bolts, and a harmonic balancer bolt. You can buy these items individually. See the "kit/combo contents" tab in the overview of the combo to do so.

 

I would do a small VVT cam, with high lift to get the most out of it.

 

Like maybe the TSP 5.3L VVT https://www.texas-speed.com/p-5332-t...t-package.aspx

Properly tuned, this would be a torque producing monster that can carry it up into the upper range range as well.