How to Choose the Best LS Truck Cam for Your Vehicle

By Sebastian Orellana

Updated Feb 18, 2024

In Guides Feb, 2024

One of the most important decisions you will make when upgrading your vehicle is which LS truck cam to choose. With so many options on the market, it cannot be easy to narrow down your choices. This guide will provide the information you need to select the best LS truck cam for your truck.

Table of Contents

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    Understanding LS Truck Cams

    ls truck cams


    An LS Truck Cam is a camshaft designed for General Motors LS-series V8 engines. It is designed to maximize power and torque while maintaining smooth idle, low-end torque, and good fuel efficiency. It is designed specifically for truck applications, providing more aggressive cam profiles better suited to heavier loads.

    It is also designed to provide an improved exhaust sound, further enhancing the performance of your truck.

    An LS truck cam is a performance upgrade for your engine. It is a camshaft designed to increase your engine's power and torque. It is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the performance of your vehicle.

    The camshaft is located in the cylinder head and is responsible for opening and closing the valves and controlling the air and fuel entering the engine.

    Evaluating Camshafts

    When evaluating camshafts, it would be best to consider the lift, duration, and lobe separation angle. The lift is the amount of air and fuel allowed to enter the combustion chamber. The duration is the amount of time the valves are open. The lobe separation angle is the angle between the two lobes of the camshaft.

    Choosing the Right Camshaft

    When choosing an LS truck cam, you need to consider your engine's power requirements and the driving you do. If you are looking for a cam that will increase power and torque, you should look for a higher lift and duration. If you are looking for a cam that will provide better fuel economy, you should look for a lower lift and duration.

    LS Truck Cam Manufacturers

    When selecting an LS truck cam, you need to consider the manufacturer. Several companies specialize in LS truck cams, including Comp Cams, Lunati, Trick Flow, and Edelbrock. Each company offers various camshafts specifically designed to provide the best performance for your engine.

    Camshaft Materials

    When selecting a camshaft, you need to consider the material it is made from. The most common materials used for camshafts are cast iron, steel, and aluminum. Cast iron camshafts are the most durable and are also the most affordable.

    Steel camshafts are more expensive but provide higher performance. Aluminum camshafts are the most costly but lightest, making them the best choice for high-performance engines.

    Camshaft Profiles

    When selecting a camshaft, you need to consider the profile. The profile refers to the shape of the camshaft. Different profiles will provide different performance characteristics. The most common profiles are the flat tappet, roller, and hydraulic.

    The flat tappet is the most affordable and best choice for engines with low power requirements. The roller and hydraulic profiles are more expensive but provide higher performance.

    Price

    Price is an essential factor in determining which LS truck cam to choose. The price of the camshaft depends on the manufacturer, the material it is made from, and the profile. Generally speaking, the higher the price, the higher the performance of the camshaft.

    Installation

    When selecting an LS truck cam, you must consider the installation process. Installing a camshaft can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Selecting a camshaft that is easy to install and comes with detailed instructions is essential.

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    Warranties

    When selecting an LS truck cam, you need to consider the warranty. Most camshafts come with a one-year warranty, but some manufacturers offer more extended warranties. It is essential to select a camshaft that is backed by a manufacturer's warranty so that you can be sure that it will perform as expected.

    Reviews

    When selecting an LS truck cam, it is essential to read reviews from other customers. Reading reviews can help you make an informed decision and choose a reliable camshaft that performs as expected. Reading reviews can also help you avoid buying a camshaft that is not right for your engine.

    Choosing the proper LS truck cam for your vehicle is an important decision. With the correct information and guidance, you can select a camshaft that will provide the performance you need and will last for many years. This guide has provided the information you need to choose the best LS truck cam for your truck.

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    Conclusion


    Choosing the proper LS truck cam for your vehicle is an important decision that will affect the performance of your engine. It is essential to research the different types of cams available and choose the one that best suits your specific needs.

    Additionally, a qualified technician must have the cam professionally installed to ensure it is installed correctly and achieves the desired performance. Your vehicle will have improved power, torque, and fuel economy with the right cam.