Cams and converters

[Silvermado]

I got a 2010 5.3, getting rid of afm soon and right now I’m looking at a 212/218 cam, but I was wondering with everyone else’s experience with 07-13 Silverado’s at what size did you have to get a new converter or what would you suggest from the research you’ve done, I’m also looking at 2 more cams smaller that 212/218, just still learning how to read and understand cam numbers, thanks in advance( also I’m looking for more low end torque over hp if anyone has suggestions pertaining to this subject)

[Jim Cole]

I am looking at the same questions for my 2011 5.3. I found some youtube videos which indicated 219/223 durations and 600/600 lift at LSA 114 for LS trucks was the "ultimate" 5.3 LS upgrade. In fact two different youtubers said about the same thing.  The problem I have with researching all this, there are always issues left out by different youtubers. My build will be strictly street.  I want to keep my low end torque and not get too much past 6000 rpm.  I will need to delete DOD/AFM like you.  Also the relatively small rear end gears ( I am not sure what I have now but I want to go to at least 3.90) will require differential work. Besides all the replacement parts in replacing the cam - lifters, push rods, rockers, etc, I feel I need to upgrade the 6L80 transmission.  

 

With all that said, I found the attached Summit PRO LS Cams document that has a Stage I cam at 205/217 500/500 112 and Stage 2 cam of 218/227 600/600 112.  The second one seems to fit the youtubers I saw.  I don't think I want to get into Stage 3 or 4 and replace the torque converter.

 

Good luck with your research.

 

Jim

 

img001.pdf

[CamGTP]

Stick with the 212/218 size if you don't want an aftermarket higher stall converter.

 

The stock 6L80e will handle 500hp all day long no questions asked, it needs no upgrades. All it needs is the right tuning to make it happy and last. Finding a tuner that knows what to do with a 6L80e is hard though. I seen several "tuners" make bad 6 speed tunes that end up hurting the life of the transmission.

[Jim Cole]

Your advice is well taken as I don't want to get radical as it is my daily driver.  I am putting longtube headers and different muffler on it.  I want to hear it purrrrrrrr......r.  No drone noise if I can help it.

 

Thanks, Jim