BluLS1

iTrader: (5)

Hey guys I've got a 03 silverado ext cab z71 5.3 that leveled. It's in need of a trans rebuild soon so would be a perfect time for a stall converter (was looking at either a yank truck thruster 2600 or similar) which is making me want to do a cam swap and headers so what is a good all around towing and performance cam for a 5.3?

And the truck runs like a champ and has about 35 psi oil pressure at idle but has 200k miles on it, would that be too many miles to be dong a cam swap or should I go through and freshen it up?

Also how much is fuel mileage going to be effected by a stall this size?

Just looking for some opinions on a good towing set up!

BluLS1

iTrader: (5)

Anyone??

Whitecrewcab

iTrader: (2)

I'd do a 212/218 high lift cam, headers, 2600 stall and gears. It'll make a huge difference and highway mileage won't change too much as long as you keep the gears reasonable. In town mileage may suffer a little from the stall, but shouldn't be too bad with a small one like that. Only thing I'd add is an 09 CTS-V oil pump, I think it was $90 from GM. My truck has 190k miles on it and has been cammed the last 40k of that. With the new LS2 timing chain and oil pump, runs perfect and has 50lbs of oil pressure at idle and about 70 going down the road.

FiestyZ71

I've got a yank tt3000 and it tows 3k just fine. I'd do the 212/218 low lift cam, headers, converter, servo, and tune and you'll be pleased. Be careful with 200k tho

BluLS1

iTrader: (5)

I'm really tempted to pull the motor and go through it anyways while the trans is being built. But it just runs too good to make me wanna do it. And oil pressure is at 35 at idle and about 70 wot.

gamble686

iTrader: (3)

Even at 200k your bottom end is most likely in great shape. The areas of concern are almost 100% valve train. Lifters, pushrods, rocker arms, timing chains, and valve springs are responsible for the majority of problems and all of that can and should be easily replaced during a cam swap.

FiestyZ71

wouldn't even bother with a rebuild. can swap a 6.0 for close to same cost/effort. and more power. thats what I'm currently doing.

gamble686

iTrader: (3)

Also for towing you will want a bigger transcooler. Especially with a stall.

Whitecrewcab

iTrader: (2)

Why does everybody wanna go with low lift cams other than cheaping out on valve springs??!! It'll make more power with a high lift as long as the springs will handle it. I'd do a higher compression 5.3 if I was gonna build it, put 2.00/1.57 valves in the heads, cam, TBSS intake, 90mm throttle body, headers, exhaust, small stall and a tune.

GREENSIERRA

I towed with this cam and my tsp220 with a 3200 stall and it towed really well.
212 218 hi lift, 3200 stall, lts, tune and it will pull well.
white crew, I will let you know what compression and better heads feel like hopefully Thursday