Best Camshaft Options for 6.0 LS Engines

I’ve spent countless hours wrenching on 6.0 LS engines, and one upgrade that consistently delivers noticeable performance gains is a camshaft swap. This article is your guide to navigating the world of 6.0 LS camshafts, offering detailed reviews of popular options to help you choose the best one for your project. We’ll cover everything from aggressive street/strip grinds to more moderate options suitable for daily drivers, focusing on real-world performance and your budget. Get ready to find the perfect cam for your needs!

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Texas Speed TSP Chopacabra Cam Kit with Springs Seals…	View on Amazon
	Texas Speed & Performance Chopacabra Truck Camshaft Install…	View on Amazon
	Chopacalypse LS Truck Cam Kit – Aggressive Performance…	View on Amazon
	Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Compatible…	View on Amazon
	Michigan Motorsports Stage 2 LS Truck Camshaft Kit – Fits…	View on Amazon
	E1840P Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit for GM/Chevy 4.8L 5.3L…	View on Amazon
	Texas Speed NSR Chopacabra No Springs Required LS Camshaft…	View on Amazon
	Brian Tooley BTR Truck Norris Camshaft for Gen 3/4 LS…	View on Amazon
	Michigan Motorsports 1-Bolt to 3-Bolt Cam Gear Conversion…	View on Amazon
	Stage 3 LS Cam Kit, Compatible with 1999-2013 GM Equipped…	View on Amazon

1. Texas Speed TSP Chopacabra Cam Kit with Springs Seals…

This kit offers a great balance of power and drivability. The Chopacabra’s reputation precedes it – it’s known for its aggressive sound and noticeable power gains. It’s designed to work with factory converters, making it a convenient upgrade for those not looking for a complete drivetrain overhaul.

• Key Features: 214/222 duration, .550/.550 lift, 108 LSA, includes springs, seals, and pushrods.
• Pros: Significant horsepower and torque gains, good street manners, factory converter compatible.
• Cons: May not be ideal for high-RPM applications, aggressive idle may not be suitable for everyone.
• User Feedback Summary: Generally positive reviews praising the power gains and manageable daily driving experience.
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2. Texas Speed & Performance Chopacabra Truck Camshaft Install…

This isn’t just a camshaft; it’s a complete kit. It bundles the Chopacabra cam with Delphi LS7 lifters and a head gasket, offering significant convenience for a complete camshaft swap. This is perfect for those wanting a thorough upgrade in one go.

• Key Features: Includes Chopacabra camshaft (214/222 duration, .550/.550 lift, 108 LSA), Delphi LS7 lifters, and Michigan Motorsports head gasket.
• Pros: Complete kit for a streamlined install, known performance gains of the Chopacabra cam, high-quality components.
• Cons: Pricey compared to just buying the camshaft alone, potential for component variation due to supply chain issues mentioned in the description.
• User Feedback Summary: Users appreciate the convenience of the complete kit, but some note the price.
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3. Chopacalypse LS Truck Cam Kit – Aggressive Performance…

The Chopacalypse lives up to its name. This cam delivers brutal performance with a noticeable lopey idle, but it’s still surprisingly streetable. It’s an excellent choice for those who want aggressive performance without sacrificing too much daily drivability.

• Key Features: 213/222 duration, .552”/.552” lift, 108 LSA, includes springs, seals, and pushrods.
• Pros: Significant power gains across the RPM range, aggressive sound, relatively good street manners.
• Cons: More aggressive idle than some other options, may require tuning for optimal performance.
• User Feedback Summary: Highly rated for its power and sound, with some users mentioning the need for tuning.
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4. Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Compatible…

Sloppy Mechanics is known for its quality, and this kit is no exception. It offers a good balance of power and drivability, with a less aggressive idle than some of the other options listed. It’s a great option for those who want a solid upgrade without making their truck too unruly.

• Key Features: Includes camshaft, springs, gaskets, pushrods, and lifters. .585″/.585″ lift, 283°/286° advertised duration.
• Pros: Complete kit, good power gains, relatively smooth idle compared to some other options.
• Cons: Higher lift than some other options might require additional valvetrain components, limited user reviews available.
• User Feedback Summary: Limited feedback available; more data is needed for thorough assessment.
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5. Michigan Motorsports Stage 2 LS Truck Camshaft Kit – Fits…

This kit is specifically designed for rectangle-port LS truck engines, offering a noticeable performance boost without being overly aggressive. If you’re looking for a reliable and well-engineered option, this is a solid contender.

• Key Features: Optimized for rectangle port heads, dyno-proven performance gains, signature choppy idle.
• Pros: Good power and torque gains, relatively streetable, designed for durability.
• Cons: Specific to rectangle-port heads, potentially more expensive than other options.
• User Feedback Summary: Positive reviews emphasizing the power gains and street-friendliness.
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6. E1840P Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit for GM/Chevy 4.8L 5.3L…

This Sloppy Stage 2 kit provides a comprehensive upgrade package. It includes everything needed for installation, saving you time and potentially money on sourcing individual parts. It’s geared towards those who want a significant jump in performance without the complexities of sourcing everything separately.

• Key Features: Complete kit with camshaft, springs, pushrods, seals, and gaskets. .585″ lift, 283°/286° duration.
• Pros: Complete kit for ease of installation, good power and torque increase.
• Cons: Higher lift cam, potentially requiring other modifications, aggressive idle.
• User Feedback Summary: Requires further assessment based on user reviews.
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7. Texas Speed NSR Chopacabra No Springs Required LS Camshaft…

This “No Springs Required” version of the Chopacabra offers a budget-friendly approach to camshaft upgrades. It sacrifices some horsepower for convenience, making it ideal for those wanting a quick upgrade without significant valvetrain work.

• Key Features: 214/222 duration, .495/.495 lift, 108 LSA, designed to work with stock springs.
• Pros: Lower cost and simpler installation than kits requiring new springs, retains much of the Chopacabra’s character.
• Cons: Lower horsepower output compared to the full Chopacabra kit, not suitable for high-mileage engines with worn springs.
• User Feedback Summary: Mixed reviews; some are pleased with the simplicity, others point to the power loss.
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8. Brian Tooley BTR Truck Norris Camshaft for Gen 3/4 LS…

Brian Tooley Racing (BTR) has a strong reputation for high-quality components. The Truck Norris cam is known for its strong performance gains and respectable street manners, delivering impressive results while remaining relatively manageable for daily driving. Available in various kits for different needs.

• Key Features: 212/22X duration, .552”/.552” lift, 107 LSA, offered in various kits (camshaft only, with springs, with springs and pushrods).
• Pros: Excellent power and torque gains, well-regarded brand, available in various configurations.
• Cons: Can be expensive depending on the kit chosen.
• User Feedback Summary: Generally positive reviews praising the performance and quality.
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9. Michigan Motorsports 1-Bolt to 3-Bolt Cam Gear Conversion…

This isn’t a camshaft itself, but rather a crucial component for those upgrading their camshaft. Many LS engines use a 1-bolt cam gear, limiting camshaft choices. This conversion kit allows you to use more widely available 3-bolt camshafts, opening up many more options.

• Key Features: Converts 1-bolt to 3-bolt cam gear, includes timing chain and cam gear.
• Pros: Opens up a wider selection of camshafts, improved valvetrain stability.
• Cons: Not a camshaft itself, additional cost to be factored in when building.
• User Feedback Summary: Positive reviews from users who appreciated the expanded options.
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10. Stage 3 LS Cam Kit, Compatible with 1999-2013 GM Equipped…

This Stage 3 kit offers an aggressive performance option, delivering substantial power gains but with a more noticeable lopey idle. It’s ideal for those focused on maximal power output and are prepared for a more pronounced cam sound.

• Key Features: 218/224 duration, .553/.553 lift, 110+0 LSA, complete kit with springs, pushrods, and seals.
• Pros: Significant power gains, complete kit for convenience, long warranty.
• Cons: Very aggressive idle, may require tuning and other supporting modifications for optimal performance.
• User Feedback Summary: Reviews are positive, but users should expect a noticeable cam lope and potential need for additional modifications.
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Practical Buying Advice:

Choosing the right camshaft depends heavily on your goals and budget. Consider:

• Your driving style: Daily driver? Weekend warrior? Dedicated race car? This dictates how aggressive you can be with your cam selection.
• Your budget: Kits vary wildly in price, so determine how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
• Your existing modifications: Do you have other performance upgrades? A more aggressive cam might require supporting modifications to the fuel system, exhaust, and other components.
• Your technical skills: Are you comfortable with the installation process, or will you need professional help?

FAQ:

Q: What is LSA and why does it matter?
A: LSA stands for Lobe Separation Angle. It affects the overlap between the intake and exhaust valves and significantly influences the engine’s power characteristics and idle quality. A smaller LSA generally produces more power at higher RPM but can lead to a rougher idle. A larger LSA can lead to smoother idle but may sacrifice some high-RPM power.

Q: What are beehive springs and why are they used?

A: Beehive springs are shorter and lighter than traditional valve springs, allowing for higher RPMs without valve float, particularly important with higher lift cams.

Q: Do I need a professional tuner after installing a camshaft?

A: While some less aggressive cams might work acceptably without tuning, it’s generally highly recommended to have a professional tune your engine after a camshaft installation to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.

Q: What are the risks of installing a camshaft incorrectly?

A: Incorrect installation can lead to catastrophic engine damage, including bent valves, broken components, and even complete engine failure. Always consult a professional if you’re uncertain about the process.

Q: What other parts should I consider upgrading along with my camshaft?

A: Consider upgrading your valve springs, pushrods, lifters, head gaskets (depending on the kit you buy), and possibly your tuning to fully maximize the performance gains from your new camshaft.

Q: How much horsepower can I expect to gain?

A: The horsepower gains vary drastically depending on your camshaft choice and other modifications. Expect gains ranging from a modest increase to a substantial jump, depending on your choices. Always research individual camshaft specifications and user reviews for realistic expectations.

Remember, this guide provides information and recommendations based on readily available data. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified mechanic or engine builder before undertaking any performance modifications to your vehicle.