Lifter Failure, Time for Cam Upgrade?

[AJC]

I'm looking for some advice. I got a 2000 or 2001 5.3 LM7 for free with a cam problem. Long story short a lifter guide failed allowing the lifter to turn sideways. So I going to need lifters, a cam and new guides. Since I need all that I'm wondering if I should upgrade the cam. If so what to? I'm not looking for anything crazy. Just cost wise is it worth putting back the stock cam. Any ideas?

[Notch1988]

Up to you and what your goals are. If you don't want to change anything else I'd look at a BTR stage 2 truck cam.

[jessemthompson]

If you’re going into it, you may as well put a different cam in it. Brian Tooley and Texas speed both offer truck cams. I am probably going to go with a Texas Speed stage 3 truck cam and put a factory trailblazer torque converter in.

[sprint_9]

I'd consider a nice mild cam. I think I have the Texas speed stage 2 truck high lift cam, I dont remember for sure though. When doing a cam it's also a good time to upgrade springs too as they do get weak and might not handle the lift of the new cam.

[7 Devils]

You've been given good info on the cam, but I have another question. If the lifter turned sideways and wiped out a lifter and line, that metal went somewhere. If you aren't already planning to do so, I would pull the pan and inspect the rod and main bearings while you have it out of the truck. Secondly, I would replace the oil pump pickup O ring seal. They are notorious for cracking and causing aerated oil which is a really bad thing. That problem often is misdiagnosed as "Chevy lifter tick" with the associated erratic oil pressure readings.

Dan

[AJC]

Thanks for the suggestions those are just what I'm looking for. From what I'm reading, these cams need ls6 springs and push rods. The engine will be coming apart for inspection.

[7 Devils]

Originally Posted by AJC

Thanks for the suggestions those are just what I'm looking for. From what I'm reading, these cams need ls6 springs and push rods. The engine will be coming apart for inspection.

Good idea on the inspection. LS6 springs and push rods if you can find them cheap are fine. Another option on the springs are the PAC 1218 or 1219 springs. Not expensive and work great. I've run them in basically stock internal turbo LM7's (5.3) cool up to 6500 RPM with no issues sometimes as high as 14lbs of boost.
You can search them on eBay and find them.

Dan

[Super73]

I have speced several truck cams not intended for higher rpm racing requiring big converted etc.

The right valve events are key. if you wanted, I could give you some input that you could have TSP grind or even have comp do it.