The LS truck cam market offers several camshaft kits designed to wake up 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L engines used in pickups and SUVs. The following five products are selected for their combination of performance, reliability, and kit contents, making them solid options for enthusiasts seeking more torque, a deeper idle, and improved overall driveability. Each listing includes a camshaft, associated hardware, and installation components optimized for Gen 3/4 LS trucks from 1999 to 2013.
Summary of chosen products
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Speed TSP Chopacabra Cam Kit with Springs Seals Pushrods LS Truck Camshaft | Dynosty | Aggressive cam with strong mid-range torque | Beveheive springs, seals, pushrods |
| BTR Truck Norris Camshaft Kit with Springs Seals and Pushrods | BTR Brian Tooley Racing | Well-rounded power across RPM range | Springs, seals, pushrods, lifters, trays |
| LS Stage 2 Truck Camshaft Kit for Silverado/Sierra | Cilipnsi | Balanced power with solid idle | Cam, beehive springs, seals, pushrods |
| 5.3 LS Gen 3/4 Norris Camshaft Install Kit | TorquelNova | Strong, reliable performance upgrade | Cam kit, gaskets, lifters, trays |
| Dynosty BTR Truck Norris Cam Kit (Pushrods, Lifters, Trays, Gaskets) | Dynosty | All-in-one kit for easier install | Cam, springs, lifters, trays, gaskets |
Texas Speed TSP Chopacabra Cam Kit With Springs, Seals And Pushrods
Designed for LS truck engines, the Chopacabra cam features 214/222 duration with .550/.550 lift and a 108 LSA and 106 ICL. The kit includes .560 lift beehive springs, seals, and OE replacement pushrods, offering a balance of performance and daily drivability. It’s crafted to work with LS6 valve springs and a factory torque converter, delivering a snarling idle and noticeable power gains across the RPM range. This option suits truck owners seeking a brutal-sounding, high-midrange cam without sacrificing reliability.
BTR Truck Norris Camshaft Kit With Springs Seals and Pushrods
The Truck Norris Camshaft Kit by BTR is built for 1999-2013 GM Gen3/4 LS trucks, covering engines such as 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2. Specs include 212/22X duration with .552″/.552″ lift and a 107 LSA. The kit includes springs, seals, pushrods, and Delphi lifters. BTR emphasizes a broad power curve with an idle that reminds of larger cam profiles, while retaining compatibility with stock torque converters. This option is suitable for owners seeking a wide torque band with a refined idle.
LS Stage 2 Truck Camshaft Kit For Silverado/Sierra (Gen3/4)
This Stage 2 Cam Kit from Cilipnsi fits 1993-2013 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Gen3/4 LS truck engines (4.8L/5.3L/6.0L/6.2L). It delivers a noticeable idle lope and enhanced power with a strong torque increase, while maintaining drivability with stock torque converters. Camshaft specs are 208/21X with .549″/.549″ lift and 108.5 LSA. The kit is a direct replacement, designed for a straightforward install and reliable operation in daily-driven trucks.
5.3 LS Gen 3/4 Norris Camshaft Install Kit
TorquelNova’s Norris Cam Install Kit targets 1999-2013 4.8L, 5.3L, and 5.7L LS engines. It includes the cam kit, gaskets, lifters, and trays, with a cam specification of 212/22X and .552″/.552″ lift, 107 LSA, and a 3-bolt pattern. The packaging emphasizes compatibility with LS1/LS6 families and classic GM V8 platforms, providing a robust upgrade path for owners looking to improve performance without extensive parts changes.
Dynosty BTR Truck Norris Cam Kit With Pushrods, Delphi Lifters, Trays
Dynosty’s Norris Cam Kit is designed for 1999-2013 4.8L, 5.3L LS engines and includes camshaft, BTR SP011 .560 springs, valve seals, pushrods, Delphi lifters, and GM trays. The kit also includes head gaskets and is tailored for LS1/LS6 families, offering strong performance and a simpler installation path for customers seeking a complete upgrade with essential components included. The Norris profile aims to deliver a practical blend of power and driveability.
Stage 2 Cam Kit With .560 Lift Beehive Springs For LS Truck Camshaft
This CHOPACAM Stage 2 Kit targets LS trucks with 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L engines, featuring 214/222 duration and .550/.550 lift with 108 LSA and 106 ICL. The package includes .560 lift beehive springs, seals, and OE replacement 7.400″ pushrods. It’s designed to combine aggressive performance with practical daily reliability, making it a strong choice for a balanced upgrade.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing an LS truck cam kit, several factors influence performance, drivability, and reliability. Consider these perspectives to make an informed decision:
- Cam duration and lift: Longer duration and higher lift typically yield more power, especially in the upper RPM range, but may affect idle quality and low-end torque. Choose durations around the 208–214 at 0.050″ range for a balanced upgrade.
- LS family compatibility: Confirm the kit supports Gen 3/4 LS engines (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L) and matches your truck’s cam, lifter, and valve-spring setup. Some kits are designed specifically for Norris or CHOPacabra profiles and LS6 springs compatibility.
- Spring and hardware included: Kits that supply pushrods, seals, lifters, and gaskets reduce additional purchases and simplify installation. Beehive springs can provide better valvetrain stability and quieter operation at higher RPMs.
- Garage and drivability: A cam with a modest idle lope and stock-t Torque converter compatibility helps with daily driving. Ensure your torque converter and exhaust system are compatible with the chosen cam profile.
- Lifespan and reliability: Look for kits using durable materials and proven designs tested in real-world LS builds. OEM-style gaskets and quality lifters contribute to long-term reliability.
- Installation considerations: Some kits require a VVT delete or additional tuning. Verify if ECU remapping or adjustments are necessary for your setup to avoid drivability issues.
- Sound and feel expectations: Cam profiles in this segment commonly produce a deeper idle and more aggressive exhaust note. If sound is a priority, prioritize a cam with stronger mid-range torque and a proven idle tone.
- Budget and compatibility: Weigh the total kit value (cam, springs, lifters, gaskets, and pushrods) against performance goals. Some kits emphasize “all-in-one” packages for easier install, while others may require purchasing extra components separately.
Overall, the right LS truck cam kit should align with your engine’s displacement, intended use (daily driving vs. weekend performance), and willingness to tune for peak efficiency. The products listed here offer several pathways to improved torque, a more authoritative idle, and a tangible increase in horsepower for 1999-2013 GM Gen3/4 LS trucks.