2003 GMC Sierra 5.3 I want a small cam what size should I get

Slow05CC

Avery@texas-speed.com
Apr 25, 2014
168
0
16
Round Rock, Tx.
2003 GMC Sierra 5.3 I want a small cam what size should I get and brand

Depends on what you want really.

The low lift 212/218 comp cam is a decent small cam, won't require a stall but would really benefit from one

The 216/220 comp cam is another decent small cam, again won't require a stall but you will want one

The 220/220 is what I run in mine and I like it a lot. Some people run this with a stock converter but I don't know how. I'd highly recommend a stall and gears

The Vinci trucker cam is a nice smaller cam too. I think they are 216/224 and people seem to really like them. Most guys are running it with a stall from what I can tell

Good luck! Don't forget with a cam swap you needs valve springs and push rods. Stock springs and rods will not work with a cam. Some speed shops sell a cam swap package which comes with your choice of rod length and springs. You can check out TSP, vinci, Brian tooley, and other places for a swap package
 
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j.mo

Well-Known Member
Apr 24, 2012
7,497
735
113
Nor Cal
I ran basically the 216/224 trucker listed above with 4.88s and a trailblazer converter with 35s. While it was a fun get up, if I could go back and do the work and spend the money over again I'd go a bit bigger on both the cam and stall. Wouldn't waste my time in a 212/218. Just my 2 cents.
 
Oct 16, 2011
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SoCal
I run the XR269HR 216/220 .52X/.53X 114LSA with a traiblazer converter and im happy. Shouldve gone bigger bu whatever, its a nice cam and its got good street manners.
 
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Adjusted

Super Moderator
Feb 8, 2012
3,639
29
48
Tacoma, Washington
Really depends on what performance and sound you are going for, but if you are just looking for any recommendation: I run a 212/218 low lift from Comp Cams with LS6 springs and a 2400 stall torque converter. With that cam/stall, headers, K&N drop-in, 3.73s, and full exhaust it puts 293hp to the dyno on 33s (tune is pretty toned down since I am selling and use it for a work truck). The cam/stall combo is perfect for a DD - its always in the power band, and still average 14mpg. Really fun setup, spins tarz, would highly recommend. I used to have 243 heads and a high octane tune...it was alot more fun.
 
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