Hey im installing a ls6 cam into my 2000 5.3 silverado. I heard i need to replace the pushrods with longer ones and add new springs. Is this true and do you have any recommendations?

 

Yes and Yes

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The LS6 cam has a .050 smaller base circle than stock, so optimally a longer pr would be in order, but members here have proven time and time again that your stock pr's will suffice. If upgrading to a hardened pushrod anyway, then I'd go for some 7.425's, but if trying to maintain a budget, you can get by with the stockers. As for springs, LS6 springs work perfectly with the LS6 cam and can be had on the cheap from one of our sponsors such as Texas Speed or SDPC (Scoggin Dickey)

 

I wouldn't be scared of ls6 springs, a lot of guys use them even when using cams with faster ramp rates. But I would spend the money on push rods, people have used the stockers, but you have to keep in mind that you are changing lifter preload and valve train geometry. The correct valve train geometry can make a difference is life expectancy of lifters and in the ability of valve train to work properly in the higher RPM's that you are trying to achieve with the ZO6 cam. You also will not achieve full lift potential of the cam without the proper push rod. I'm sure if GM thought it was OK to use the stock length push rods they would not have gone to the expense to make different ones.

 

Actually the GM pushrods are the same length, but the LS6 has longer valves If it were me, I'd run the longer pushrods, but sometimes times are tight and it's good to know that there's more than one option. Not too mention, it's not too often that you hear of a lifter failing from too little preload...

 

Good point I thought about that after I posted.

 

Great info guys thanks!

 

i just got the ls6 cam yellow springs and the stock pushrods from the ls6 motor the cam was out of...

after reading this am i right in saying those pushrods are the same as my lq4 6.0l motor and i should get differnt ones?

 

Check lifter preload . All engines are different, you may find yourself out pf range. If money is tight, wait.