Car Craft – October 2019

To prep for the $100 cam swap, we
first removed the stock rockers to
allow access to the wimpy stock truck
springs. Using this spring compressor
tool from Comp Cams, we began our
spring swap by compressing the stock
truck springs.

With the springs sufficiently
compressed, we removed the keepers
using a magnet. After removing the
stock springs, we replaced them with
a set of used LS3 springs purchased
for the paltry sum of $30.

Our takeoff LS3 springs came with the
stock retainers, but the truck retainers
can also be used here. We installed
the LS3 springs into place under the
spring compressor. Then, we adjusted
the compressor to allow installation of
the keepers.

$150 brand new, but since so many

LS9 owners have upgraded their cams,

there are plenty of used versions avail-

able through forums, groups, and eBay.

In the interest of full disclosure, it

should be pointed out that the factory

LS9 cam did not feature a rear cam

sensor and would therefore require a

change in not only the cam gear (to a

1x if Gen 3) but also the front cover

and associated cam sensor. Our 5.3L

was run with an aftermarket Holley HP

ECU and required no such change, but

that would certainly bring the price up.

It might also have us thinking about

the more expensive LS6 cams.

The factory LS3 cam is a good

choice, as it offers better low-speed

power compared to the LS9, but

slightly less power on the big end. It

does, however, require the same kind

of upgrades as the LS9, meaning the

front cover, cam sprocket, and sensor.

In terms of valvesprings, all of the

cams mentioned (including the LS9)

can be run with cheap, used factory

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$699.

AND UP