Vortex 6.0 mods

APT wrote:
ls1mike, peak power at 4500-6000rpm is not usually helpful for towing. While the 6.0L L96 may be not be living to its full potential, the factory setup is quite good for doing work.

Right, but this cam helps lower end just as much as top end. It is a different grind than I used in my Trans Am.

The LS motors make there peak that high but the cam will add through the complete power band, plus not everyone wants a Diesel. I am not saying a gasser is better, but as I recall my BILs 98 Cummins had to live high in it's RPM range towing his old fifth wheel when he pulling grades. I just have no use for a Diesel. Different strokes for different folks.

Not sure how the OP uses his truck but, I only use my truck to tow, so putting a cam in over a weekend is no big deal.
I have the Trans Am or a Supercharged Buick regal that I drive daily.

ls1mike, peak power at 4500-6000rpm is not usually helpful for towing. While the 6.0L L96 may be not be living to its full potential, the factory setup is quite good for doing work.

OP, if you have the money for a supercharger, cams, headers, etc, just sell the truck and start with a turbocharged diesel. A $500 tune will outperform anything you do to the 6.0L and provide usable power for towing.

Ls1mike I'd like an update on that cam swap. I'm planning on doing the same this winter.

The Cam is always a safe, reliable option. Putting a blower on it for towing may result in...


The LS serious of engines are just so under cammed from the factory. I put a 228/232 .582 .591 at 112 LSA in the Trans Am and with a Dyno tune you can barely tell it is there at idle. I am going a bit smaller in the truck as it is and auto and I just wanted the extra torque.

I've been thinking about a super charger, cam , injectors and Efi live tune for a while, I don't give a damn about mileage I just want to do it because its cool...then I sober up and get on with the day ;)

Your Vortec is really a LS based engine. There are heads, Cams, headers, intakes depends on what you want to do. I know you said bolt ons but...
http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/
http://www.speedengineeringlsx.com/1999-2012-chevrolet-truck-suv
Your truck motor responds to the same mods as my 2000 Trans Am.
Like I said depends on what you want to do, how much you want to spend and if you want to do it yourself.
My Trans Am has had heads and Cam for 60,000 miles. It makes 420 HP and 460 FT/LBs of torque to wheels. I am getting ready to install a cam in the truck this weekend. Should take Saturday, 600 bucks and after a Dyno tune should be good for about 40 to 50 HP and about 60 ft/lbs at the wheels. These motors are way under cammed from the factory.

I have an air intake and exhaust system on mine. The combination improved throttle response but no change in fuel economy or towing performance.

FYI, I had a dual exhaust and found it was too loud when towing. Changed it out for a larger single exhaust system for a more enjoyable ride. I would not recommend changing from the stock exhaust.

Not a lot that will help with towing. I had a custom PCM tune and exhaust done on mine which made for a quicker truck around town but really did nothing for towing. It really firmed up the shifts and took out a lot of the torque management but like said above really did nothing to improve low end torque which is what the 6.0 really lacks.

IMO save your money and upgrade to a diesel. Thats what I did and couldn't be happier to no longer have to tow with the 6.0

You can do lots of them, but few will provide useful increase in torque in the 2000-3000rpm range most people want for RVing. Gearing provides the most cost effective increase in wheel torque.