Thoughts on LS9 Cam in a 5.3? Pros and Cons!

Performance & Modifications
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Introduction

I’ve been toying with the idea of swapping in an LS9 cam into my 5.3L engine and would love to hear from anyone who has done it or is considering it. I’m looking for advice on a few aspects: the performance gains, any potential compatibility issues, and tuning considerations after the installation.

Performance Gains

First off, has anyone experienced a significant boost in performance after installing the LS9 cam? I’ve read that it can provide a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque, but I’m curious about actual user experiences. Is it worth the investment?

Installation and Compatibility

What about the installation process? Were there any specific challenges you faced? I know that cam swaps can sometimes lead to unexpected headaches, especially with lifter compatibility and timing gear adjustments. Any tips to make this smoother would be greatly appreciated!

Tuning After Installation

Finally, I understand that tuning is crucial after a cam swap. What are the best practices on this? Did you go with a custom tune, or did you find off-the-shelf options that worked well?

Conclusion

I really want to maximize the performance of my 5.3L, and I’m hoping the LS9 cam could help me achieve that. Looking forward to hearing your experiences and advice - thanks in advance!

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I’ve installed an LS9 cam in my 5.3 and saw power gains of about 50 hp at the wheels! The torque curve also felt much more aggressive. Definitely worth considering if you’re looking to increase performance.

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That’s impressive! Did you have to change anything else in your setup to accommodate the cam?

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Yes, you should consider a better intake and headers. The LS9 cam can make your engine run pretty rough if the air flow isn’t optimized. Flexibility in tuning is also a must.

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Good point. I’m worried about everyday drivability. How much does it affect daily driving?

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It definitely has a lopey idle, which can be annoying in traffic. But overall, performance-wise, it’s fabulous. Just be prepared for the occasional rough start.

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For me, the increase in sound quality made it worth it! I love the growl when I accelerate. Just be cautious with emissions in your area.

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Sounds like a fun project! Any insights on how it affects fuel economy though?

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Honestly, fuel economy does take a hit. You’ll be burning more gas when you’re having fun. But if you wanted fuel efficiency, you’d be driving a Prius, right?

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Haha, exactly! I’m just trying to gauge if the performance upgrades justify the trade-offs.

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In my experience, the fun factor is definitely worth the drop in MPG! Just be honest with yourself about your goals—are you chasing numbers or just a fun ride?

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Exactly! It’s all about that thrill of driving with power. Just keep in mind that every ‘upgrade’ comes with its own set of challenges. Have a plan before diving in.

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True, and I appreciate all the insights. What about long-term reliability with the LS9 cam?

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Installing an LS9 cam in a 5.3 can yield significant gains, but you’ll face compatibility issues. The stock valvespring may not handle the increased lift, so upgrading is crucial.

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That’s a great point! You’ll definitely need to look into the right valvesprings and retainers to match the cam profile. Anyone have specific brands they recommend?

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Definitely true! A good tune can make or break the install. Also, has anyone run into issues with the stock oil pump when swapping cams?

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When doing this swap, it’s also a good idea to check your timing chain and tensioner. The increased load from the cam could wear them out faster than expected!

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Great question! The stock oil pump should be fine, but if you’re over-revving, consider upgrading to an LS2 pump or a high-volume alternative for extra safety.