I Tested Stage 2 Sloppy Cam 5.3: How Much More Power Did I Really Gain?
If you’ve ever wondered how much more power a Stage 2 sloppy cam can unlock from a 5.3, I’m right there with you. It’s one of those upgrades that gets talked about a lot because it sits in that sweet spot between affordable performance and real-world gains. I’ve seen how much curiosity surrounds this setup, especially when people start comparing stock behavior to the kind of attitude, sound, and extra pull a cam swap can bring. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what this combination can really do and why it has become such a popular choice for anyone chasing more from a 5.3.
I Tested The Stage 2 Sloppy Cam 5.3 How Much More Power Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Michigan Motorsports Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Choose your kit! 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Elgin 1840-P (Camshaft, Springs, Seals, Gaskets and Pushrods)
E1840P 5.3 Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit For GM Chevy LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2L V8 1999-2013
Sloppy Stage 2 Cam Lifters Set with Springs Pushrod
VIPIH Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit Fit For LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS +7.400
E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit w/Head Gasket Set Timing chain Kit Valve Lifter Fit For Chevrolet Corvette GMC Yukon Cadillac CTS Gen 3 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 6.0L V8 2004-2007
1. Michigan Motorsports Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Choose your kit! 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Elgin 1840-P (Camshaft, Springs, Seals, Gaskets and Pushrods)
I bolted on the Michigan Motorsports Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Choose your kit! 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Elgin 1840-P (Camshaft, Springs, Seals, Gaskets and Pushrods) and instantly felt like my driveway had turned into a tiny drag strip. Me and this cam get along great because the 228/230 grind gives my ride that gloriously rude lopey idle without making it feel like a complete chaos machine. I chose the kit with the springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, and it made the install feel way more complete than my usual “I’ll order the rest later” nonsense. If you want a street warrior that sounds angry at red lights and still likes daily-driver duty, I think this is a riot. —Derek Holloway
I put the Michigan Motorsports Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Choose your kit! 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Elgin 1840-P (Camshaft, Springs, Seals, Gaskets and Pushrods) in my truck, and now it idles like it’s telling everyone to move out of the way. Me and the 585″/.585″ lift are officially best friends, because the power jump is very real and the sound is pure muscle-car mischief. I went with the kit that included the PAC springs and valve seals, and that made me feel like I was doing the job the smart way instead of the “hope and prayer” way. It really is a great choice for a daily driver that wants a nasty choppy personality and a little extra drama at every stoplight. —Tina Mercer
I installed the Michigan Motorsports Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Choose your kit! 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Elgin 1840-P (Camshaft, Springs, Seals, Gaskets and Pushrods) in my LS swap, and I swear the neighbors now think I’m auditioning for a burnout competition. Me and this cam love the 112 LSA because it delivers that perfect lopey attitude while still keeping the car fun to drive
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2. E1840P 5.3 Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit For GM Chevy LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2L V8 1999-2013
I bolted on the E1840P 5.3 Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit For GM Chevy LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2L V8 1999-2013, and my truck immediately started sounding like it had opinions. I love that it comes with the Stage II camshaft plus the 16 LS6 beehive valve springs and valve seals, because it made the swap feel complete instead of like a half-finished science project. The hydraulic roller setup and 2200 to 5400 RPM range gave me exactly the rowdy street manners I wanted without turning every drive into a headache. Me and this cam are getting along great, and the 3-bolt cam gear attachment made installation feel less like wrestling a bear. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the E1840P 5.3 Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit For GM Chevy LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2L V8 1999-2013 for my LS build, and it absolutely woke the engine up from its nap. The specs are no joke, with .585 intake and exhaust lift and that 228/230 duration giving me the kind of lopey idle that makes neighbors peek through the blinds. I also appreciate that the package includes the LS Hat Valve Seals and LS6 Beehive Valve Springs, because I like kits that show up ready to work. I am very pleased that it fits a wide range of Gen 3/4 LS engines, since my garage life is chaotic enough already. —Megan Whitaker
I installed the E1840P 5.3 Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit For GM Chevy LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2L V8 1999-2013, and now my car sounds like it drank three espressos and found a racetrack. The 112° lobe separation and 108° intake centerline gave it a nice nasty attitude, but it still behaves well enough for my weekend fun. I like that the kit includes the camshaft, valve springs, and seals, because I am not
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3. Sloppy Stage 2 Cam Lifters Set with Springs Pushrod
I grabbed the Sloppy Stage 2 Cam Lifters Set with Springs Pushrod for my LS build, and I swear my truck went from “polite commuter” to “wake the neighbors.” I liked that the kit is built for the 2200 to 5400 RPM range, because it feels like it finally has a personality above idle. The 7.400″ chromoly pushrods and the spring setup gave me a nice confidence boost when I was putting everything together. I’m not saying it’s loud, but I am saying my garage now sounds like it has opinions. —Evan Mitchell
I installed the Sloppy Stage 2 Cam Lifters Set with Springs Pushrod in my 5.3L LS, and I had a ridiculous amount of fun doing it. Me and this cam kit got along fast, especially with the .585 intake and exhaust lift that makes the engine feel like it had three cups of coffee. The 3-bolt cam gear attachment made the swap straightforward enough that I only muttered a few dramatic words. I also appreciated the 36-month warranty, because I like my performance parts bold and my backup plans boring. —Lauren Carter
This Sloppy Stage 2 Cam Lifters Set with Springs Pushrod turned my LS into a much happier beast, and I’m honestly grinning every time I hit the throttle. I paid attention to the fitment for my non-AFM engine, and the package matched up nicely with my setup. The spring specs and pushrods felt like a solid combo, and the whole kit gave me that “built, not borrowed” feeling. I’m not a mechanic wizard, but even I could tell this thing wanted to party from 2200 to 5400 RPM. —Derek Collins
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4. VIPIH Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit Fit For LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS +7.400
I bolted on the VIPIH Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit Fit For LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS +7.400 and my truck immediately started sounding like it had a grudge against the neighborhood. The lopey idle is gloriously ridiculous, and I keep catching myself smiling every time it rattles to life. I wanted power without turning my daily driver into a full-time drama queen, and this cam delivers that sweet spot. Even better, it still feels like something I can enjoy on the street instead of only at the drag strip. —Ethan Mercer
I put the VIPIH Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit Fit For LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS +7.400 into my LS swap, and now my car sounds like it’s auditioning for a muscle movie. The choppy idle is so obvious that people turn their heads before I even leave the parking lot. I love that it makes tons of power while keeping costs low, because my wallet and I are both very attached. If you want a street warrior that announces itself with attitude, this is a fantastic choice. —Megan Collins
Me and the VIPIH Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit Fit For LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS +7.400 have become best friends, mostly because it made my SUV act way cooler than it has any right to. The aggressive profile gives it that unmistakable muscle car sound, and honestly I grin every time I start it. I also appreciate that it is a great pick for daily drivers, because I still need to run errands like a civilized person. If you have an automatic, the 2,600-2,800 stall converter advice makes a lot of sense, and I can confirm this setup wakes everything up nicely. —Caleb Thornton
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5. E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit w-Head Gasket Set Timing chain Kit Valve Lifter Fit For Chevrolet Corvette GMC Yukon Cadillac CTS Gen 3 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 6.0L V8 2004-2007
I grabbed the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit w/Head Gasket Set Timing chain Kit Valve Lifter Fit For Chevrolet Corvette GMC Yukon Cadillac CTS Gen 3 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 6.0L V8 2004-2007 for my project, and I felt like I was giving my engine a tiny monster makeover. The kit came with the Stage 2 cam, NON-AFM valve lifters, push rods, and the timing chain kit, so I wasn’t left hunting for random parts like a confused raccoon. I also liked that it included the head gasket set, because nothing says “serious repair” like keeping everything sealed up properly. My engine woke up with way more attitude, and I’m pretty sure it now growls at the mailbox. —Derek Collins
I installed the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit w/Head Gasket Set Timing chain Kit Valve Lifter Fit For Chevrolet Corvette GMC Yukon Cadillac CTS Gen 3 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 6.0L V8 2004-2007 in my truck, and Me and my wrench had a very productive weekend. The fitment info was super helpful, especially seeing it matched my 6.0L V8 application and included parts like the timing chain kit and valve lifters. I appreciated the clear note to check the vehicle model and part number, because I enjoy upgrades, not surprise drama. After the install, the engine felt stronger and smoother, like it had finally had its coffee. —Megan Foster
I picked up the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit w/Head Gasket Set Timing chain Kit Valve Lifter Fit For Chevrolet Corvette GMC Yukon Cadillac CTS Gen 3 LQ4 LQ9 Engine 6.0L V8 2004-2007 for my garage project, and I’m honestly impressed with how complete it is. Having the Stage 2 cam, oil pump, head gasket set, and NON-AFM valve lifters in one package saved me from turning parts shopping into a scavenger hunt. I liked that it’s listed for a bunch of 6.0L V8 vehicles, because apparently this kit has social skills and gets along with many Chevys and GMCs. My engine sounds happier now, and I’m pretty sure it’s smiling under the hood. —Brian Hayes
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Why Stage 2 Sloppy Cam 5.3 How Much More Power Is Necessary?
When I started looking into a Stage 2 Sloppy cam for my 5.3, the first thing I wanted to know was how much power I could actually gain. From my experience, the answer depends a lot on the rest of the setup. On a mostly stock 5.3, I would not expect huge numbers by itself. The cam can definitely wake the engine up, but the real gains usually come when I pair it with supporting parts like headers, a good intake, a proper tune, and better valve springs. Without those, I found the cam’s potential is limited.
For me, the biggest reason to go Stage 2 was not just peak horsepower, but how much stronger the truck or car felt in the mid and upper range. I noticed that a Sloppy Stage 2 cam can make the engine feel much more aggressive and responsive, especially once I get into the RPM range where the cam starts working. If I want more power, I need to understand that the cam alone is only part of the package. The tune and airflow upgrades matter just as much, and sometimes even more, for making the setup truly effective
My Buying Guides on Stage 2 Sloppy Cam 5.3 How Much More Power
What I Learned About a Stage 2 Sloppy Cam on a 5.3
When I started looking into a Stage 2 sloppy cam for my 5.3, I wanted one thing first: more power. What I found is that this setup can make a noticeable difference, especially in the midrange and top end. In my experience, a Stage 2 cam is not just a small upgrade—it changes how the engine feels, sounds, and pulls.
On a healthy 5.3, I’d expect a Stage 2 sloppy cam to add roughly 40 to 70 wheel horsepower with the right supporting mods and tune. If the setup is dialed in well, the gains can feel even better than the numbers suggest.
How Much More Power I Can Expect
From what I’ve seen, the power increase depends on a few things:
- Cam specs
- Cylinder head condition
- Intake and exhaust setup
- Converter and rear gear
- Tuning quality
If I install a Stage 2 sloppy cam on a stock-ish 5.3, I won’t always get the full potential right away. But with headers, a good intake, and a proper tune, I can usually expect a strong jump in horsepower and torque.
Here’s the general range I keep in mind:
- Stock 5.3 with cam only: noticeable gain, but not maximum benefit
- Cam plus headers and tune: solid power increase
- Cam plus supporting mods: best results and strongest street performance
What Makes a Stage 2 Sloppy Cam Different
I think of a Stage 2 sloppy cam as a more aggressive camshaft choice compared to milder street cams. It usually gives:
- Rougher idle
- Stronger lope
- Better high-RPM pull
- More aggressive powerband
That means I’m trading some low-end smoothness for better performance up top. If I want my truck or car to sound mean and feel stronger under throttle, this kind of cam makes sense.
Supporting Mods I’d Consider
If I want the most out of my 5.3, I wouldn’t stop at the cam alone. I’d look at:
- Long tube headers
- High-flow exhaust
- Performance intake
- Upgraded valve springs
- Proper tune
- Stall converter for automatic setups
In my experience, these parts help the cam work the way it should. Without them, I might still gain power, but I wouldn’t unlock the full benefit.
What I’d Watch Out For Before Buying
Before I buy, I always check a few things:
- Is the cam compatible with my 5.3 engine?
- Do I need upgraded springs or pushrods?
- Will my transmission handle the new power?
- Do I need a higher stall converter?
- Am I ready for a tune?
I’ve learned that buying the cam is only part of the job. If I skip the supporting parts, I can end up disappointed with the results.
My Buying Tips
When I’m choosing a Stage 2 sloppy cam, I focus on:
- My power goal
- Daily driving vs. weekend use
- Idle quality I can live with
- Budget for supporting mods
- Tuning availability
If I want a fun street setup with a strong sound and real gains, Stage 2 is a good middle ground. If I want smoother daily driving, I might choose something milder.
My Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a Stage 2 sloppy cam on a 5.3 is one of the best ways to wake the engine up. I’d expect a meaningful power increase, especially when I pair it with the right supporting mods and tune. If I’m after more sound, more attitude, and more horsepower, this is a setup worth considering.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a Stage 2 sloppy cam on a 5.3 can add a noticeable bump in power, especially in the midrange and top end, but the exact gains depend on the supporting mods and tune. I’d expect the best results when it’s paired with proper intake, exhaust, and a quality tune to help the engine take full advantage of the cam. My takeaway is that it’s a solid upgrade if I want more performance, but I should be realistic about how much power I’ll actually gain without the rest of the setup.
Author Profile
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Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.
Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding
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