Camshaft Upgrades Explained: Choosing the Right Cam for Your LS Engine

A camshaft is one of the most influential components in an LS performance build. It controls when the valves open and close, how long they remain open and how much air the engine can move. The right camshaft can deliver a stronger mid-range, a higher-rpm power increase or a more aggressive idle. The wrong camshaft can make a vehicle difficult to drive and expensive to finish.

What a camshaft actually changes
Camshaft specifications include duration, lift, lobe separation and timing characteristics. These affect cylinder filling, idle quality, vacuum, torque delivery and the engine’s operating range. A larger cam is not automatically better: the useful choice depends on compression ratio, cylinder heads, intake, exhaust, gearing, converter and intended use.

A street-driven Commodore may benefit from a combination that delivers strong torque between everyday rpm ranges. A dedicated track or drag application may prioritise high-rpm airflow instead.

Street, towing and competition camshafts
A mild street cam generally aims to preserve drivability, vacuum and low-speed response while improving the upper portion of the rev range. A more aggressive cam can produce a distinctive idle and greater peak power, but it may require higher stall speed, gearing changes or more careful tuning.

Towing applications need particular care. A camshaft that moves the powerband too high may make a heavy vehicle feel less responsive under load. For a competition build, the acceptable trade-offs are different, but the entire combination still needs to work together.

Supporting components matter
A camshaft upgrade should not be treated as an isolated purchase. Valve springs must suit the lift and rpm range. Retainers, locks, pushrods, lifters and timing components should be inspected or upgraded as required. The condition of the existing engine also matters: wear, oil pressure and timing-chain condition can undermine the result.

Clearances must be checked during assembly. Correct installation includes verifying piston-to-valve clearance, spring coil bind, retainer-to-seal clearance and pushrod geometry. These checks are especially important when combining aftermarket heads, rockers and high-lift camshafts.

Why calibration is part of the upgrade
Once the hardware changes, the engine’s airflow and operating behaviour change. Idle control, fuelling, ignition timing, torque management and transmission behaviour may all need adjustment. A proper calibration helps the engine start, idle, drive and perform as intended.

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