Remanufactured GM 5.3L Vortec V8 with a Stage 1-3 cam installed (Cam Motion on Non-VVT engines, COMP Cams on VVT engines, any make on request), built without AFM, for 1999-2014 Gen III / Gen IV iron- and aluminum-block engines (non-VVT 1999-2009 and VVT 2010-2014). Also fits 2007-2014 trucks and SUVs that came with AFM, because the build deletes AFM. Choose your engine and cam above. Zero miles, built to order, free shipping, no core charge.

Build time: usually 5-7 days, plus shipping (varies by engine; contact us for current availability).

Fitment

Non-VVT (1999-2009)

VVT (2010-2014)

2007 Silverado / Sierra 1500: 2007 was sold in two body styles. "Classic" trucks use the LM7, L59 or L33; new-body trucks use the AFM engines (VIN J, 0, M or 3). Both are covered under Non-VVT.

2014: the 2014 Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban and Yukon XL use the LMG / LC9 (covered under VVT). The new 2014 Silverado / Sierra 1500 uses the direct-injection L83 (not covered).

VIN P: on 2003-2005 mid-size SUVs and the SSR, VIN P means LM4 (Non-VVT). On 2010-2012 Colorado / Canyon, VIN P means LH9 (VVT).

Cadillac Escalade: only the 2002-2005 rear-wheel-drive, standard-length Escalade used the 5.3L (LM7, VIN T). AWD Escalades, Escalade EXT and ESV use the 6.0L and are not covered.

Casting numbers

Use these to compare engines and find yours. Casting numbers are cast into the metal, not stamped.

Non-VVT (1999-2009)

VVT (2010-2014)

Several engines share the same block and head castings, so casting numbers confirm the engine family and block type but can't pick out one RPO by themselves. Always confirm with your VIN 8th digit or the RPO code on your SPID label.

Where to find casting numbers: the block casting number is on the driver side rear of the block, just above the bellhousing flange and below the driver-side cylinder head (hard to read in the vehicle; a mirror and flashlight help). On the cylinder heads, the last three digits of the casting number are cast into the head near the corner/end, just below the valve cover.

Confirm your engine

• Engine: choose Non-VVT (1999-2009) or VVT (2010-2014) above.
• VIN 8th digit and RPO code: see the tables above. The RPO code is on the Service Parts Identification (SPID) label, usually in the glove box.
• Gen III vs Gen IV: 1999-2007 Gen III 5.3L engines use a 24x crank reluctor with the cam sensor at the rear of the block; 2007-2014 Gen IV truck engines use a 58x crank reluctor with the cam sensor in the front cover. We build to match your VIN.
• VVT: 2010-2014 VVT engines have a cam phaser on the front of the camshaft (behind the timing cover) and a phaser control solenoid on the front cover.
• AFM: AFM engines have the lifter oil manifold (solenoid assembly) under the intake manifold in place of a plain valley cover.
• Not sure? Choose "Not sure" in the dropdown and call 623-204-6365 or put notes on the order.

Send us your VIN with your order to confirm fitment.

Notes

• Every engine is built non-AFM. If your vehicle came with AFM (2007-2014 LY5, LMG, LH6, LC9), we delete it as part of the cam install.
• AFM-equipped vehicles require a tune: the ECM must be tuned to disable AFM, along with the cam tune.
• Built on your factory 5.3L block type: cast iron (LM7, L59, LMF, LY5, LMG) or aluminum (L33, LM4, LH8, LH6, LC9, LH9).
• Oil pan relief valve (2007 to early 2011 AFM trucks): these oil pans have a pressure-relief valve. With AFM deleted, it must be plugged or fitted with a deflector (GM 12639759), or it can spray oil.

Not covered

• 2014 and newer direct-injection 5.3L (L83 / L82 / L84): see our GM 5.3L EcoTec3 direct-injection listing
• 2005-2006 LH6 (VIN M), early engine with 24x crank sensor
• LS4 (VIN C) 5.3L front-wheel-drive car engine
• Tahoe / Yukon / Silverado / Sierra Hybrid (6.0L hybrid engines)

Cam stages

Same price for every stage. Choose your engine (Non-VVT or VVT) and stage above.

Non-VVT (1999-2009): Cam Motion

• Stage 1: mild performance idle. Typical gain: about +40 hp with a proper tune; results vary by vehicle, tune, and supporting mods.
• Stage 2: mild performance idle. Typical gain: about +50 hp with a proper tune; results vary by vehicle, tune, and supporting mods.
• Stage 3: noticeable lope at idle. Typical gain: about +65 hp with a proper tune; results vary by vehicle, tune, and supporting mods.
• Gain figures are based on dyno tests of similar cams.
• Cam core: 5150 steel core standard. 8620 core upgrade available on request (price quoted).

VVT (2010-2014): COMP Cams

COMP's single-bolt Gen IV VVT cams, built for the GM 12606358 cam phaser, with a COMP 5460 phaser limiter. COMP rates Stage 1 for off-idle torque in trucks and heavy vehicles, and Stage 2 for heavy vehicles with stock gearing. Call us about converter and gearing for Stage 3.

Keep or delete VVT, no extra charge. Choose what fits your truck and tell us in the order notes (or call 623-204-6365):

• Keep VVT (recommended for most trucks): best low-end torque, towing, and drivability; uses the COMP VVT cam with a phaser limiter.
• Delete VVT: removes the cam phaser for simpler, fixed cam timing and more cam choices; best for bigger cams or boosted builds; can give up some low-end torque.

A VVT delete requires a tune to turn off VVT. If you don't tell us, we keep VVT.

Custom / other brand cam (+$300): we can use any make of camshaft you request (Brian Tooley, Texas Speed, Comp, Cam Motion and more). Custom grinds are non-refundable.

Results vary with tune, converter, gearing and supporting mods.

Every stage includes

• Cam installed in your engine
• Matching valve springs
• Pushrods
• Built non-AFM: AFM delete valley plate and non-AFM lifters on AFM engines
• VVT phaser limiter on VVT engines (COMP 5460)
• Non-AFM oil pump
• Non-AFM lifter trays (AFM engines get standard lifters and trays)

Tune required. A tune is required to run the cam, and AFM-equipped vehicles need the ECM tuned to disable AFM. We do not tune.

Stock 5.3L versions

Prefer a stock cam? Check the 8th digit of your VIN and see:

• 1999-2002 LM7 (VIN T) / L59 (VIN Z): see our GM 5.3L 1999-2002 (LM7 / L59) listing
• 2003-2009 without AFM or VVT (LM7 / L59 / L33 / LM4 / LMF / LH8): see our GM 5.3L non-AFM, non-VVT (2003-2009) listing
• 2007-2009 with AFM, no VVT (LY5 / LMG / LH6 / LC9): see our GM 5.3L AFM, non-VVT (2007-2009) listing
• 2010-2014 with VVT, no AFM (LMF / LH9: Express / Savana, Colorado / Canyon): see our GM 5.3L VVT, non-AFM (2010-2014) listing
• 2010-2014 with VVT and AFM (LMG / LC9), including the 2014 Tahoe / Yukon / Suburban / Yukon XL: see our GM 5.3L VVT + AFM (2010-2014) listing

What's included

• Machined, milled and polished internals (crankshaft, block, cylinder bores)
• All new bearings and parts: main and rod bearings, pistons, piston rings, head gaskets, timing set and guides, lifters
• Cylinder heads fully machined: 3-angle performance valve job including seats, diamond mill finish, new valve seals

Recommended add-ons

• GM 5.3L Vortec Engine Gasket Kit - $200

Delivery type

• Business with dock/forklift or terminal pickup: free
• Business without dock (lift gate): +$100
• Residential (includes lift gate): +$300

Shipping is free within the Continental United States to commercial addresses with a forklift/dock or terminal pickup. If the delivery address doesn't match the delivery type selected, the difference will be charged before shipping. Alaska & Hawaii: online checkout isn't available for engines shipping to AK or HI. Call 623-204-6365 for a freight quote before ordering. Approx. weight 400 lbs (aluminum block) / 550 lbs (cast iron block).

Break-in

The first 1,000 miles are the break-in period. Use conventional oil only, change the oil and filter at 500 miles, vary your RPM, and avoid towing, heavy loads and long idling. Check your oil level regularly, since some oil burn-off is normal until the rings seat. Follow our break-in procedure.

Warranty and core

Warranty: high-performance build, sold without warranty. If something's wrong, we'll work with you case by case to make it right. See our Warranty & Refund Policy.

Core charge: none. All engines are built to order.

Returns and cancellations: this is a high-performance upgrade, so there are no refunds or returns. You can cancel within 24 hours of ordering for a full refund. Custom grind cams are non-refundable.

Questions about fitment? Contact us before ordering.