LS2 Cam in a Gen3. School Me.

[Paul Y]

Gentlemen, Good Morning.

I have visited so many sites and had a huge amount of what I feel is conflicting interest with regards to fitting an LS2 cam in a Gen3 5.3.

So.... Please humour me and set me straight.

1. Is there any year LS2 cam that DOES NOT require moving the cam sensor to the front of the engine and the corresponding front cover?

2. If the answer to 1 is no, do I need the corresponding sensor from a GEN4 or can I reuse the existing one?

3. 3 bolt or 1 bolt. Do I need a 3 bolt cam or just what ever one comes along?

Please be gentle with me, having spent a life time with Big Blocks and Small Blocks all of this incompatibility is a bit confusing!

Naturally, once I have my answers the search will commence for suitable parts so any pointers on who to use and who to avoid would be welcome.

Many thanks,

P.

[boostedc10]

1. No.

2. You will need the front cover from an LS2 also so it is best to buy the cover with the sensor and pigtail. You cannot use the GENIII because of its length. You can make or buy a jumper harness to go to the front cover. If you make one you have to swap the outside 2 wires at the connection to the new sensor if I remember correctly.

3. You are stuck with a 3 bolt cam and sprocket. You need to use the sprocket for the E40 PCM (1x) not the E38 (4x). The 1x sprocket is p/n 12576407

Hope that helps you.

[Paul Y]

Many thanks Mr. Boosted.

So, to recap, I will require the following to instal an LS2 cam in my 2005 LM7.

1. LS2 front cover, sensor and extended pigtail

2. 3 Bolt Cam and sprocket.

Question. Can I use the 3 bolt sprocket from my existing cam or do I need a matching one for the LS2 cam?

Appreciate you time in responding.

P.

[boostedc10]

You don't need the extended pigtail on the cover but it makes it cleaner to hook up and not have to worry about the wiring hitting the balancer. You also need a jumper that will go from the stock sensor plug to the new plug on the cover.

As for the sprocket i am assuming you are talking about the stock cam sprocket and yes you need to change it.

The ls2 cam sprocket has the timing lug on it for the cam sensor to read its position. A stock gen 3 will not.

[Paul Y]

Huzzah!

Finally understand what I need and why. Appreciate your help, now just need to find the parts!

P.

[boostedc10]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

Huzzah!

Finally understand what I need and why. Appreciate your help, now just need to find the parts!

P.

Tick performance has kits, Texas speed and I know lingenfelter does too.

[clinebarger]

BoostedC10 has given great & Accurate advice!

In my opinion....It is not worth installing a Gen IV cam in a Gen III.

The 2001 LS6 cam has the SAME specs as a LS2 cam & has the Cam Sensor Reluctor.
204/211 .525 .525 116.5 LSA.

[boostedc10]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

BoostedC10 has given great & Accurate advice!

In my opinion....It is not worth installing a Gen IV cam in a Gen III.

The 2001 LS6 cam has the SAME specs as a LS2 cam & has the Cam Sensor Reluctor.
204/211 .525 .525 116.5 LSA.

Cline I agree. I myself wouldn't waste the time with all the alternatives now but don't know the op's situation or reason for it.

[Paul Y]

Gentlemen thank you again.

As mentioned, I am new to the LS family and must admit to becoming a bit lost with all the information that is available.

Reason for the LS2 swap? I am ona budget and was looking for a low cost way to increase power ( I am still a Hot Rodder!) Read the Hot Rod Magazine test on gm can swaps and here we are.

For others keen to learn here is the link to the test.

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/...st-comparison/

So far I have found a new gen4 cover at around $40 including the sensor and wiring, next step is the cam and sprocket but, after the tip off regarding the LS6 I will see what is available.

The great thing about this site is the wealth of knowledge and the willingness to share rather than that experienced on other sites where the standard answer to questions is 'use the search function'. Well I did use the search function and couldnt find the answer hence the question!

Many thanks again.

P.

[boostedc10]

Paul Y my advice is if you don't already have the LS2 cam are trying to make some more power for the least amount of money then go with the LS6 cam as Cline stated.

This is the most cost effective route. You can literally pull your old cam put the LS6 cam in and go.

If you dont mind me asking what is your budget?

[Paul Y]

Boosted,

I have about $160 to spend (approx £100) which is why the LS2 swap seemed favourable. Have looked for LS6 cams, only one I have found so far is $199 so out of budget, but will continue to look.

Understand what you mean about 'plug and play' but with a front cover at $49 (made a mistake earlier on the price) an LS2 cam and yellow springs for $100 and the correct sprocket at $20 I am about where i want to be.

Really appreciate the advice, feel like I have learned something today.

P.

[TooTall]

you can always find a 212/218 .522 .529 -114 cam

It's a great off idle power, with no bottom end loss

[Cobalt964ruf]

don't forget, gmpp springs to match to the ls2 or ls6 cams. I have four 5.3's with ls2 cams and springs. make good power and low buck. other than that have fun and happy motoring. also check out www.carcraft.com 5.3 cam swap dyno results. ls2 cam and springs made the most power for low buck. it outperformed the ls6 cam. and no the ls6 cam is not the same as the ls2 cam guys.

[boostedc10]

In 2001 the ls6 cam has the same exact specs as the ls2.

2002-2004 the ls6 changed to 204/218@.50 .550/.550 lift on a 117.5 lsa.

So yes in 2001 they are the same.

People get too caught up in the numbers from these articles. Remember there is more to the powertrain than just the engine.

Either way the op has the information he asked for.

[Cobalt964ruf]

you are correct boosted on the ls6 2001 camshaft. but finding a 2001 ls6 camshaft is not a likely feat. 3 bolt ls2 cams tho are fairly plentiful. I agree with you on not getting hung up on the hp numbers. the reason I like the ls2 cams is the tq and power range in the small bore 5.3 is really nice for a low buck option. you start going with aftermarket cams and springs in you get into 800-1200. territory very quickly, and usually need a tq convertor too boot. with the ls2 cam power is strong, springs are gmpp, and cams are designed with oe tq convertors in mind. low buck.

[Paul Y]

I think LS2 is the way to go.

Figures from the Hot Rod test

LS2 Cam

Peak Power 403 at 6,100 rpm
Peak Torque 399 at 4,900 rpm
Average HP 305
Average TQ 370
HP/TQ Gains (Over LM7 cam) at 2,500 -18 lb-ft
3,500 0
4,500 0
5,500 +46 lb-ft (48 hp)
6,200 +67 lb-ft (78 hp)

LS6 Cam
Peak power 376 at 5,900 rpm
Peak torque 389 at 4,500 rpm
Average HP 296
Average TQ 362
HP/TQ Gains (Over LM7 cam) at 2,500 -8 lb-ft
3,500 0
4,500 0
5,500 +23 lb-ft (24 hp)
6,500 +32 lb-ft (40 hp

P.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by boostedc10

People get too caught up in the numbers from these articles.

x1000, and most have never actually run an engine dyno, viewed a log and known wtf it meant, or actually measure their cams to prove they were running the cam they thought.


Remember there is more to the powertrain than just the engine.

The engine is the power, I just need to figure out what the train does...

[boostedc10]

Originally Posted by Cobalt964ruf

you are correct boosted on the ls6 2001 camshaft. but finding a 2001 ls6 camshaft is not a likely feat. 3 bolt ls2 cams tho are fairly plentiful. I agree with you on not getting hung up on the hp numbers. the reason I like the ls2 cams is the tq and power range in the small bore 5.3 is really nice for a low buck option. you start going with aftermarket cams and springs in you get into 800-1200. territory very quickly, and usually need a tq convertor too boot. with the ls2 cam power is strong, springs are gmpp, and cams are designed with oe tq convertors in mind. low buck.

Cobalt not sure where you are seeing mild aftermarket cams running 800-1200 and think you can't use the gmpp springs with them but OK.

Also not sure what data you have seen in person on a chassis dyno with this swap done in a truck but I can tell you from experience its great if you are looking to brag about peak numbers.

The reality of it all is you will only net a nominal gain at the top end and lose the torque on the low end which the trucks need to move their heavys asses!

I have spent a ton of time on chassis dynos and see this all the time.

As I stated, if it was my money I would put an aftermarket cam in that is designed to work with my combination and not the combination of another car, truck or engine.

Again if that is what the op can afford then go with it, that is the reason I posted how to do it from experience.

[boostedc10]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

The train goes "Choo, Choo!". I thought you would have known that! Lmao.

[Cobalt964ruf]

boosted. I was agreeing with you on not getting hung up on hp tq numbers. but whatever. and the ls2 cam only looses to the stock 5.3 cam in tq below 2500rpm. above 2500rpm it pulls harder than the stock cam. I don't care about peak hp, I care about drivability. and that's what I was talking about. yes I have quite a bit of experience with engine dyno's and chassis dyno's. and have installed this cam and springs into 17 5.3's for myself and others. have not had a complaint yet. I doubt you have even drove a 5.3 with the ls2 cam to even know what you are talking about. I have.

[Cobalt964ruf]

and brew, the small bore 5.3 responds very well to the ls2 cam. again, doubtful you have drove one to know tho. thanks for your .02 cents tho.

[Paul Y]

Ok.....

So, many thanks for the continued input gentlemen.

For clarity, I am not chasing dyno numbers. With my budget that is probably unwise! However, I was looking to improve numbers under the curve and, going on the like for like testing Hot Rod did, seems as if the LS2 gives me that. Sure it looses 10lbft under 2500 to the LS6 but after that it is all good.

Again, in a truck weighing 3400-3500lb (?) Vs. the Silverado the Engine came out of at 4200 (?) don't think I will miss the 18lbs. As with all things in life it is about the complete package - would Cindy Crawford have risen too the dizzy heights of supermodel fame if she had a face like Hilary Clinton (please insert your own mental image here)?

My aim is to run the LM7 with a TKO600 - 4.11 gears and 28" tall tyres- the addition of the manual will help in moving off the line and negate the need for any increase in stall speed ( if indeed it was ever required).

I would rather just fit a LS6 cam for ease but am baulking at the price for what is essentially a 14 year old component - Are they really worth the $300 price tag?

Again, I would like to thank you all for your input. Have actually learned a lot from Boosted and now understand what components are required if/when I change the cam.

Then again I could just add a turbo but that is a completely different conversation and price range!

Keep on smiling!

P.

[boostedc10]

Originally Posted by Cobalt964ruf

boosted. I was agreeing with you on not getting hung up on hp tq numbers. but whatever. and the ls2 cam only looses to the stock 5.3 cam in tq below 2500rpm. above 2500rpm it pulls harder than the stock cam. I don't care about peak hp, I care about drivability. and that's what I was talking about. yes I have quite a bit of experience with engine dyno's and chassis dyno's. and have installed this cam and springs into 17 5.3's for myself and others. have not had a complaint yet. I doubt you have even drove a 5.3 with the ls2 cam to even know what you are talking about. I have.

You're right I have no idea what I'm talking about, I just noticed this was an LS forum

Originally Posted by Paul Y

Ok.....

So, many thanks for the continued input gentlemen.

For clarity, I am not chasing dyno numbers. With my budget that is probably unwise! However, I was looking to improve numbers under the curve and, going on the like for like testing Hot Rod did, seems as if the LS2 gives me that. Sure it looses 10lbft under 2500 to the LS6 but after that it is all good.

Again, in a truck weighing 3400-3500lb (?) Vs. the Silverado the Engine came out of at 4200 (?) don't think I will miss the 18lbs. As with all things in life it is about the complete package - would Cindy Crawford have risen too the dizzy heights of supermodel fame if she had a face like Hilary Clinton (please insert your own mental image here)?

My aim is to run the LM7 with a TKO600 - 4.11 gears and 28" tall tyres- the addition of the manual will help in moving off the line and negate the need for any increase in stall speed ( if indeed it was ever required).

I would rather just fit a LS6 cam for ease but am baulking at the price for what is essentially a 14 year old component - Are they really worth the $300 price tag?

Again, I would like to thank you all for your input. Have actually learned a lot from Boosted and now understand what components are required if/when I change the cam.

Then again I could just add a turbo but that is a completely different conversation and price range!

Keep on smiling!

P.

Anytime Paul Y and enjoy your truck!

[Cobalt964ruf]

paul, enjoy your truck and have a good time with the build.