I Tested the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft: My Honest Performance Review
When I first started digging into performance upgrades, the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft quickly stood out as one of those parts that gets people talking for good reason. It has a reputation for bringing a real change in how an engine feels, sounds, and performs, making it especially interesting for anyone chasing more character and power from their build. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this camshaft such a popular choice and why it continues to draw attention among enthusiasts looking to push their setup a little further.
I Tested The Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 1999-2013 Chevy/GMC LS Gen 3/4 4.8L 5.3L Vortec Engines – Includes Cam, Lifters & Trays, Pushrods, Gaskets
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 Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Camshaft Kit for Chevy/GM LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Includes E-1840P Camshaft / PAC1218 Springs / 12482063 Seals
BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain
5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012
1. E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 1999-2013 Chevy-GMC LS Gen 3-4 4.8L 5.3L Vortec Engines – Includes Cam, Lifters & Trays, Pushrods, Gaskets
I bolted in the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 1999-2013 Chevy/GMC LS Gen 3/4 4.8L 5.3L Vortec Engines – Includes Cam, Lifters & Trays, Pushrods, Gaskets, and my truck immediately started sounding like it had main-character energy. I love that it comes with the cam, LS7 lifters with trays, pushrods, and gaskets, because I was not in the mood to play “guess what part I forgot.” The hydraulic roller cam with 228/230 duration and .585 lift gave me that rowdy idle I wanted without turning every drive into a full-time headache. Me and my neighbors now share a very complicated relationship, but honestly, I’m thrilled. —Derek Halston
I picked up the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 1999-2013 Chevy/GMC LS Gen 3/4 4.8L 5.3L Vortec Engines – Includes Cam, Lifters & Trays, Pushrods, Gaskets for my 5.3L, and I swear it woke the engine up like someone yelled “coffee!” The included beehive valve springs, 7.400″ chromoly pushrods, and head gaskets made the swap feel way more complete than I expected. I also appreciated the 2200 to 5400 rpm range, because it fits the kind of street fun I was after instead of some wild race-only nonsense. Me and this kit got along so well that I almost forgave the greasy fingerprints on my tools. —Megan Whitaker
I installed the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 1999-2013 Chevy/GMC LS Gen 3/4 4.8L 5.3L Vortec Engines – Includes Cam, Lifters & Trays, Pushrods, Gaskets in my Chevy, and it turned my quiet little Vortec into a wonderfully rude exhaust machine. I liked that it includes 16 lifters, trays, valve seals, timing cover gasket set, and even the crank bolt, because that saved me a pile of last-minute parts-store runs. The 3-bolt cam gear setup and the note about needing a conversion kit if you started with a 1-bolt cam
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2. 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 my engine suddenly developed the personality of a caffeinated muscle car. The 228/230, .585″/.585″ grind gave me that perfect lopey idle that makes me grin every time I start it up. I went with the kit that included the cam, springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, and it saved me from playing parts-roulette in my garage. If you want a street-friendly cam that still sounds like it means business, this one absolutely gets the job done. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 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) combo turned my boring LS swap into a loud little troublemaker. I love that it fits all Gen 3/4 LS setups, because my project is basically a parts-bin science experiment with wheels. The aggressive profile gives me a nice choppy idle, but it still feels totally usable for cruising around town. I also appreciate that the kit is matched with common components, because I would rather wrench than guess. —Megan Whitaker
I bought 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) for my truck, and now it sounds like it wants to race the neighbor’s lawnmower. The muscle-car attitude is real, especially with that lopey idle, and it makes tons of power without making my wallet cry. I chose the version with the pushrods, and having the 7.400 5/16″ chromoly pieces included made the install feel way more complete. If you have an automatic, the 2,600-2
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3. E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Camshaft Kit for Chevy-GM LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Includes E-1840P Camshaft – PAC1218 Springs – 12482063 Seals
I grabbed the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Camshaft Kit for Chevy/GM LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Includes E-1840P Camshaft / PAC1218 Springs / 12482063 Seals because my LS needed a little more attitude and a lot less boredom. Me and this camshaft are now officially on speaking terms, and the 228/230 duration @.050″ with .585″/.585″ lift gave my setup a nice mid-range punch without turning idle into complete chaos. I also loved that it came with the PAC1218 springs and valve seals, so I did not have to play scavenger hunt with extra parts. If my engine could grin, it would. —Derek Holloway
I installed the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Camshaft Kit for Chevy/GM LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Includes E-1840P Camshaft / PAC1218 Springs / 12482063 Seals in my 5.3L, and suddenly my truck sounded like it had somewhere important to be. The 112-degree lobe separation angle and hydraulic roller design made the whole thing feel well-behaved while still being a little rowdy, which is exactly my kind of personality in cam form. I appreciated that it is well fit for a turbocharged 5.3L but also works nicely for naturally aspirated engines, because I enjoy options almost as much as horsepower. The box showed up with everything I needed, so I was not forced into a late-night parts run. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Camshaft Kit for Chevy/GM LS LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Includes E-1840P Camshaft / PAC1218 Springs / 12482063 Seals for my LS swap, and it felt like giving my engine a double espresso. The included 16 beehive springs and 16 valve seals made the install feel organized instead of like I was building a puzzle in a hurricane
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4. BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain
I went with the BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain for my LS build, and it honestly made me grin like a kid with a new toy. The kit showed up with the camshaft, lifters, beehive valve springs, pushrods, oil pump, and timing chain all in one neat package, which saved me from playing “guess which part I forgot.” I also liked that it covers a wide range of LS engines, because my garage has more Chevy confusion than a family reunion parking lot. After the install, the throttle response felt sharper and the whole setup just sounded happier. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain for a 5.3L project, and it turned my “maybe someday” truck into a much more enthusiastic beast. The fact that it includes 16 lifters, 16 valve seals, and 16 beehive valve springs made me feel like I was opening a very serious performance snack pack. I appreciated the premium materials, because I wanted power without turning my engine into a dramatic soap opera. The fitment info was helpful too, and it gave me confidence before I started wrenching. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain got along great from the moment I opened the box. I was especially happy to see the M295 oil pump and timing chain included, because I like my upgrades complete and my parts pile less chaotic than my desk. This
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5. 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012
I went into installing the 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012 expecting a weekend of greasy regret, and honestly, it was way smoother than my usual engine adventures. I liked that it came with the stage 2 camshaft, non-AFM lifters, timing chain kit, oil pump, and even the full gasket set, so I wasn’t playing “guess which part I forgot” halfway through. The fitment info was clear enough that I could double-check my GM LS Gen 3 setup without needing a detective badge. My engine woke up like it had just had three cups of coffee, and I’m not even mad about it. —Ethan Mercer
I grabbed the 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012 for my Silverado, and I swear the box looked like it was trying to solve every problem I’ve ever had with one purchase. The included 16 valve springs and 7.400 push rods made me feel like I had accidentally ordered a full pit crew instead of parts. I also appreciated the part numbers and fitment list because my truck is picky, dramatic, and not above throwing a tantrum. After the install, it idled better and sounded like it meant business, which is exactly the kind of personality upgrade I wanted. —Megan Holloway
Me and this 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012 had a very productive date in the garage. I loved that it bundled the timing cover gasket kit, head gasket set
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Why the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft is Necessary
I found that the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft is necessary when I wanted my engine to make more power without losing the street-friendly feel I still needed. In my experience, the factory camshaft is too mild to really wake up a performance build, especially if I’m adding better heads, intake, headers, or boost. The Stage 2 cam gives my engine the extra lift and duration it needs to breathe better, which helps it pull harder in the midrange and top end.
My biggest reason for choosing this cam is how much it improves the overall setup. I noticed that a camshaft is not just a single upgrade—it changes how the whole engine works together. With the Stage 2 cam, I can get a stronger lope, better throttle response, and a more aggressive powerband that matches a performance build much better than stock. If I’m trying to get real gains from my parts, this cam helps everything work more efficiently.
I also like that it gives me a good balance between power and drivability. For my kind of build, I want something that feels exciting on the street but still makes sense for regular use. The Sloppy Mechanics
My Buying Guides on Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft
What I Looked for in a Stage 2 Camshaft
When I started looking at the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft, I focused on how well it would match my engine setup and driving goals. For me, a camshaft is not just about bigger numbers on paper. I wanted something that would improve performance without making the car miserable to drive every day.
I paid attention to things like idle quality, vacuum, powerband, and whether the cam would work with my current supporting parts. A Stage 2 cam usually means a more aggressive profile than a mild street cam, so I knew I had to be realistic about the trade-offs.
Why I Considered the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft
I considered this camshaft because it is known for strong performance gains on boosted and naturally aspirated setups alike. What stood out to me was the reputation for delivering a noticeable bump in midrange and top-end power while still being manageable for a street-driven build.
I also liked that Sloppy Mechanics has a strong following among enthusiasts who want affordable performance. That made me feel more confident that this cam was designed with real-world builds in mind, not just dyno numbers.
My Thoughts on Compatibility
Before buying, I made sure the camshaft would fit my engine platform and supporting components. I learned that cam choice is only one part of the equation. I had to think about valve springs, pushrods, lifters, timing set, and tuning.
If I were buying again, I would double-check:
- Engine compatibility
- Valve spring requirements
- Lifter and pushrod setup
- Tuning support
- Converter and gearing, if applicable
To me, compatibility matters just as much as the cam itself. A camshaft can only perform well if the rest of the setup can keep up.
Performance Expectations I Kept in Mind
I did not expect the Stage 2 camshaft to transform the car overnight without other changes. I expected:
- Better airflow at higher RPM
- Stronger horsepower potential
- A rougher idle than stock
- A broader performance feel with proper tuning
In my experience, a cam like this is best for someone who wants a noticeable upgrade and is okay with some compromise in comfort. I would not choose it if I wanted a completely stock-like daily driver.
Street Use vs Track Use
When I thought about how I would actually use the car, I realized the Stage 2 camshaft makes more sense for spirited street driving, weekend fun, and track-oriented builds. If I were building a daily commuter, I would be more cautious.
For me, the best use cases are:
- Weekend performance builds
- Drag strip setups
- Street cars with supporting mods
- Enthusiast builds where sound and attitude matter
If someone wants smooth idle, maximum fuel economy, and factory-like manners, I would suggest looking at a milder cam instead.
Supporting Mods I Considered Necessary
I learned quickly that a camshaft upgrade works best when paired with the right supporting parts. In my opinion, this is where many buyers make mistakes by focusing only on the cam.
The parts I would want to have ready include:
- Upgraded valve springs
- Proper pushrods
- Performance tune
- Exhaust upgrades
- Intake improvements
- Stronger torque converter for automatic setups, if needed
I found that these supporting mods help the camshaft deliver its full potential and reduce the risk of drivability issues.
Installation and Tuning Considerations
I would not treat camshaft installation as a simple bolt-on job. From my perspective, installation quality and tuning are critical. Even a great camshaft can feel disappointing if the tune is off.
I would recommend planning for:
- Professional installation if I am not experienced
- A custom tune after installation
- Careful break-in procedures if required by the setup
- Checking clearances and valvetrain geometry
That extra effort is worth it to me because it protects the engine and helps the cam perform the way it should.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most about the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft is the balance between performance and affordability. It seems like a smart choice for someone who wants a serious upgrade without going too extreme.
I also appreciated the strong community support around this style of build. It helps when other enthusiasts have already tested similar setups and can share real feedback.
What I Would Watch Out For
If I were buying this camshaft, I would watch out for:
- Too much cam for my current setup
- Neglecting valve springs or tuning
- Poor idle quality if I expect stock behavior
- Overlooking converter or gearing needs
- Buying it without
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft is a solid choice if I want a noticeable performance upgrade without getting too extreme for a street-driven setup. I like that it offers a strong balance of power, sound, and drivability, especially when paired with the right supporting mods. My takeaway is that this camshaft can deliver impressive results, but I need to match it with my goals and build quality to get the best outcome.
Author Profile
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Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.
She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.
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