In this article, we will be discussing the best cam for 5.3 Vortec. There are many camshafts on the market, the secret lies in picking the perfect one from the available options.
It is very important that you make the right selection. Before making a purchase, it is very important to have a good understanding of the type of engine you have installed in your vehicle.
If you drive the 5.3 Silverado, the 5.3 Vortec engine is what you have installed in it. Asides Silverado, this engine can as well be found in other vehicles.
When you get the best cam for 5.3 Vortec, you are as well getting the best cam for 5.3 Silverado if you drive one.
As we move ahead, remember the reviews in this article are products of extensive research. It will interest you that we have made it a point of duty to only provide you with sincere and verified information.
In this article, we have been able to come up with the top 10 cams you can purchase from the available options that are available on the market.
Contents
5.3 Silverado Cam Comparison Table
| Preview | Brand | Details |
|---|---|---|
  | COMP Cams 17001 | |
  | Edelbrock 2102 | |
  | COMP Cams 54-424-11 | |
  | Hydraulic Roller Cam | |
  | General Motors 12638427 | |
  | Lunati 10120702LK | |
  | Michigan Motorsports Stage 3 Cam | |
  | COMP Cams 54-459-11 | |
  | GM 5.3 AFM Cam | |
  | Texas Speed TSP |
We believe this will eradicate unnecessary stress that is associated with searching for the best cam to fix or install in your 5.3 Silverado.
These brands are Comp Cams, Edelbrock, General Motors, Lunati, Michigan Motorsports, and Northern Auto Parts.
Top 10 Best Cam For 5.3 Silverado Review & Buying Guide
01. COMP Cams 17001-16 1.5 Ratio – Amazing quality
This is an exciting design from one of the top cams manufacturers in the world. Comp Cams is a brand known as a symbol of amazing performance and awesome quality.
The brand is international, and the country of origin is the United States of America. This product is carefully and excellently packaged, and it is not heavy in weight.
If you are looking at replacing your cams, this product guarantees you a more exciting quality to ensure you have a better replacement. The installation process is very easy.
To ensure you get the installation right, make sure you consult the installation guide. This guide comes with the product pack.
The installation guide informs you of the best way to make the necessary adjustment to ensure you do not encounter any problem.
When successfully installed, the COMP Cams 17001-16 1.5 Ratio enhances the RPM of your engine, improves the response of the throttle to the desired command, and it as well redefine the engine as a whole.
In summary, this is an excellent product you can depend on when it comes to performance.
Lastly, the price is fairly expensive and it has an excellent lifespan. We were able to check through numerous reviews and comments from buyers and users of this product and the reports we gathered are really impressive.
The price is right for a product of its quality, but a few users or buyers consider it to be fairly expensive.
Asides the price which some buyers assume is a bit high, there are no other downsides to this product.
Highlighted Features
- Amazing appearance
- Great packaging
- User’s manual
- Improves the engine of the vehicle
- Enhances the performance of the throttle
- Improves the RPM of the engine
Pros
- Very reliable
- Doesn’t make unnecessary sound
- Great quality and an amazing upgrade
Cons
- Fairly expensive
02. Edelbrock 2102 CAMSHAFT KIT- Great fit and awesome quality for your 5.3 Silverado
This is another Impressive product you can choose from. This model is heavier than the first product on this list (almost 2 times its weight).
In terms of quality and performance, this product is also one of the leaders in the market. Works well on a Silverado and delivers excellently well on performance and as well as responsiveness.
The installation of this product on your Silverado is easy and straightforward. The installation may be a bit challenging for an individual who is carrying out a replacement for the first time.
Once the process of installation has been completed, you are assured of getting an excellent product that matches the price you paid for.
This product is awesome and reliable, and it improves the sound of your vehicle. If you desire that aggressive sound in your vehicle, this is a perfect pick for you.
In summary, this product comes with everything you need to achieve a huge improvement in the performance of your vehicle.
Once you have it installed on your vehicle, you will experience a huge difference in the way your vehicle starts and operates when compared to how it was before the replacement.
Highlighted Features
- Aggressive sound
- A bit heavy
- Easy to install
- Pocket friendly
- Improves how your vehicle starts and runs
Pros
- Huge improvement in performance
- Amazing responsiveness
- Top-quality and reliable product
Cons
- Installation may be difficult for individuals that are installing cams for the first time
03. COMP Cams 54-424-11 Hydraulic Roller Cam- An amazing upgrade for your 5.3 Silverado
There are a lot of amazing features to talk about when it comes to this cam design.
To start with, this amazing model of the cam from Comp Cams is known for its stability, amazing response, and its improvement in performance and drivability of your vehicle when installed.
The power in the engine of your vehicle increases, a feature that is noticeable even while you sit down in the vehicle.
This is an awesome cam for your 5.3 Silverado, and it is one of the top upgrades you will find on the market.
To ensure you get the best performance from this design, you may have to get this product tuned.
Although a lot of self-proclaimed experienced cam users may disagree, you do not have to listen to them. Optimal performance can’t be achieved when you fail to tune it.
The price is a bit expensive, but you will get the best out of every drive when installed. The performance of this product makes the price unquestionable.
In case you decide to go for this product, make sure you make a purchase from the right source.
Highlighted Features
- You need to tune it for great performance
- Known for stability
- Installation is not difficult
- Amazing response
Pros
- Known for enhancing performance
- Enhances drivability
- Expensive
Cons
- Optimal performance can’t be achieved when you fail to tune it
04. 54-444-11 XFI XE-R 224/230 Hydraulic Roller Cam COMP Cams – Great choice for every 5.3 Silverado owner
When it comes to top-quality cams for your Silverado and other vehicles that run on 5.3 Vortec engine, Comp Cams is known as an identity for top performance, reliability, and excellence.
Just as the other two designs discussed in this article, this design is also known for the improvement it brings once installed on your 5.3 Silverado.
This design is known for its great power, strength, and smoothness on every ride.
Once installed, to make sure you achieve the best result in terms of performance and other amazing benefits this product offers, it is important you consider tuning it.
Although this product is aggressive, it is stable. To achieve stability, you may have to consider the use of a rigid valvetrain and as well as performance valve springs.
This product is easy to install, known for its amazing life span, and the price is not too expensive.
One thing is assured, you won’t be disappointed in your purchase decision if you eventually choose this design as your preferred design.
Highlighted Features
- Top-quality product
- Aggressive and stable
- Reliable and excellent
- Ensures smoothness with every ride
- Great power and strength
Pros
- Easy to install
- Fairly priced
- Amazing performance
- Improves your engine
Cons
- You need to tune it to achieve optimum performance
05. General Motors 12638427, Engine Camshaft- A perfect replacement for your damaged cam
This is another remarkable product on our list of top 5.3 Silverado cams. If you need a perfect replacement for your damaged cam, this is a simple yet reliable design you can go for.
This design is considered by many Silverado owners as the closest replacement for the original cam.
This cam is not expensive and it is known as one of the most affordable designs on the market.
The noise from this cam is low, and the maintenance is very easy to carry out. Also, this design is known as 3 bolt cam.
So, if you are looking for a cam that offers amazing performance, that is not noisy, and that is not difficult to maintain, you can consider this design. Installation is very easy, and they fit perfectly.
With General Motors 12638427 Engine Camshaft, optimum engine performance is guaranteed for a very long time. The package is excellent, and the appearance looks great.
If you are installing this product on the 2015 model of the 5.3 Silverado, you may need to carry out a little upgrade.
Your valve springs may have to be upgraded. Not only that, but you may also need to go for a bolt cam gear of 4×3.
Highlighted Features
- Closest replacement for original cam
- Affordable design
- Also known as 3 bolt cam
- Amazing performance
- Easy to install
Pros
- Maintenance is easy
- Affordable
- Not noisy
Cons
- A few upgrades may be needed for optimal performance
06. Lunati 10120702LK Voodoo 219/227 Hydraulic Flat Cam- A design you will love
This product comes with a lot of unique attributes every Silverado owner will want to see and feel.
This design is known for its amazing performance, enhanced drivability, and it is considered as a great replacement for every faulty or damaged Silverado cam, and even for other vehicle designs.
The RPM is impressive, and it ranges from 1400 to 5800. This product is beautifully packaged, and it comes with all the various components that you need.
In the packaging box are the instruction guide, the cam, lubricants, and as well as the lifters.
This product is a bit heavy when compared to some other products on this list, but the weight is not unbearable.
Lunati 10120702LK Voodoo 219/227 Hydraulic Flat Cam ensures that there is a sustainable distribution of power to more zones, especially where the power is more needed.
This amazing design is believed to deliver power to where it is really needed and at an exceptional rate than any other cam designs on the market.
When you have this cam installed in your Silverado, you will achieve improvement in the way the throttle responds, improvement in acceleration, sufficient vacuum, and also, the efficiency of the vehicle gets better.
When you put all the highlighted features above together, these are what give this amazing cam design the excellent performance it delivers upon installation. This product is very easy to install and it is fairly expensive.
Highlighted Features
- Enhanced drivability
- Improved performance
- Perfect replacement for faulty Silverado cam
- Impressive RPM (1400 to 5800)
- Amazing package
- Comes with all the components needed for installation
Pros
- Efficient distribution of power to where it is needed
- Improves throttle responsiveness
- Enhanced acceleration
- Your vehicle gets better in terms of overall efficiency
Cons
- Fairly expensive
07. Michigan Motorsports Stage 3 Cam – A product that meets all expectations
This cam is specially designed for heavy vehicles. If you use a Silverado, this is an amazing pick for you.
The kit comes with all the needed components and parts, and every component is built to support the overall performance of your vehicle.
This product is specially designed to bring about an increase in power without affecting the low-end torque.
The sound that is generated from the cam is noticeable, the sound a lot of vehicle owners will like.
This cam is not difficult to install, and the performance is incredible.
Although this product can comfortably be used with the stock converter that is present in several vehicles or trucks, if you want to achieve optimum performance, you may need to carry out an upgrade on the converter.
This process of upgrade is simple. All you need is to get a converter with RPM within the range of 2800 to 3000 installed.
In the end, this product provides exactly what a lot of Silverado owners are looking out for in terms of performance expectations.
There is no serious downside to point at when it comes to this product. The only noticeable complaint we found is related to the price. A lot of truck owners believe the price is very high.
No wonder this product remains one of the most expensive 5.3 Vortec cams you will find on the market.
Highlighted Features
- Converter upgrade is essential
- Perfect fit for 5.3 Silverado and other heavy trucks
- Amazing sound
Pros
- Easy to install
- Incredible performance
- Reliable design
Cons
- An upgrade is essential before optimum performance can be achieved
- The price is high
08. COMP Cams 54-459-11 LSR Cathedral Port 231/239 Hydraulic Roller Cam – A product that doesn’t disappoint
This is the fourth cam design from Comp Cams that we have on this list. Remember when we gave Comp Cam the “King” title in their previous appearance on this list? Well, we can now agree that the title is well deserved.
Comps Cams is a brand that is known for its superiority in terms of technological advancement and innovation in the world of automotive.
For instance, this brand was the first to launch the camshaft finish technology, a technology that enhances performance and strength.
These attributes are remarkable and totally different from what old-fashioned polishing offers.
This design is known for its incredible power range. Also, the RPM operating range is remarkable and it is said to be between 2000 and 7000.
Asides its incredible power range, the mid-range torque is also believed to be great, especially for LS engines which are known for their cathedral port cylinder heads.
This product is designed to support an easy movement of enough air to ensure adequate power is produced or generated.
The exhaust time is remarkably higher, to ensure a wider power band is achieved.
This design ensures that power is delivered to where it is needed, and ensure you do not encounter any form of disappointment at any point in time.
This product is not packaged with lifters, it is simply a camshaft.
Highlighted Features
- One of the best cams on the market
- A product of improved technology
- Known for performance and strength
- Remarkable RPM (2000 to 7000)
- Produces adequate power
Pros
- Support the easy movement of air
- Easy to install
- Pocket-friendly
- Reliable product
Cons
- Doesn’t come with lifters
09. GM 5.3 AFM Cam and Lifter Replacement Kit- Get all you need in one package
This is another cam that can be categorized as one of the best 5.3 Silverado cams you will find on the market.
If you are not just looking for a cam but also want other components such as lifters, gaskets, head bolts, and guides, this is the perfect pick for you.
The kit comes with the above-listed parts and components, and all other things you need for a successful installation can be found in the kit.
When you install this cam and other components as instructed, you are guaranteed optimum performance without any regrets or issues over time.
This is one of the top cams you can rely on, and quality is remarkable. This product is known for its amazing quality, and the installation is easy.
Also, the price is remarkably affordable.
While going through various reviews about this product, the only downside we could point at is related to the gaskets.
You must ensure you handle them with care during installation, and as well ensure they are properly installed to avoid causing damage to them.
Damage to any of the gaskets will lead to additional investment. Well, a lot of buyers argue that the problem with damage linked to gaskets has nothing to do with the handling but the quality of the gaskets.
Highlighted Features
- Excellent design
- Comes in a kit and with numerous components
- Installation guide
- Amazing performance
- Great quality
Pros
- Easy to install
- Affordable design
Cons
- The quality of the gaskets is questionable
10. Texas Speed TSP Stage 2 Low Lift Truck Camshaft Vortec Truck Cam – An amazing cam for an amazing truck
This is the second design from Michigan Motorsports to appear on this list. This cam is known for its incredible performance and also for its smooth idle.
Also, this cam provides enough power and it remains one of the most common LS cams you can find for your Silverado on the market.
This design is very popular with vehicle owners who desire to have a camshaft that operates almost stock while ensuring it can be kept away easily with a few exhaust systems.
Do you drive a Silverado and you are looking for a camshaft that is small in size? This stealth cam is a product you can pick up.
This is seen as an incredible design to invest in if you desire to keep the factory torque converter of your truck without having to heavily invest in costly valves springs and pushrods.
If you are looking at enhancing the performance of your truck, this product gives you all the support you need.
If you are actively involved in towing or still wishes or intend to get involved in it someday, this is the product for you.
Once installed, this product ensures low-end power is not sacrificed, or just little is being sacrificed if there is a need for it.
The only identified downside with this product is that it is a bit expensive.
Highlighted Features
- Designed for heavy trucks
- Suitable for vehicles that support towing
- Incredible performance
- Smooth idle
- Small in size
Pros
- Easy to install
- Provides enough power
- One of the most popular designs for LS truck on the market
- Helps you save a few bucks
Cons
- Expensive
Buying Considerations of The Best Cam For 5.3 Vortec Silverado
Know what you want
Before you make a decision on the brand or design of camshaft to go for, you must have a clear understanding of your needs.
Make sure you go for a cam kit that is compatible with your truck. Also, know if you want a cam that can deliver on either rough idle or smooth idle
Have a budget
Make sure you have a certain amount you are willing and ready to spend on a replacement.
This will ensure you do not overspend or break the bank. Make sure the amount set aside for replacement is not too small to avoid the purchase of a low-quality brand.
Make necessary findings and research
Make sure you only gather the information you need from the right source. In this article, we have been able to offer you information that you can rely on.
Performance
You must understand the performance of the type of camshaft you are willing to invest in.
Your choice of cam must be able to deliver on improved performance, and the performance must be over a long period of time.
Installation
Go for a product that can be easily installed. If you are changing or installing your cam for the first time, it is important you go for a brand that supports you need and as well offer guidance on how to successfully install your cam.
Quality and Durability of the Product
Your choice of cam must be known as a symbol of great quality. All the listed designs in this article are from trusted brands. So, quality and durability are assured.
Conclusion
The listed brands and designs of the camshaft in this article are some of the top products you will find on the market.
If you are looking at improving the overall performance of your Silverado, the options on our list are considered as some of the unique camshafts you can go for.
The prices of products range from low to high, and all of these products are known for quality, durability, and improved performance.
