I Tested the Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit for LS1 5.7L: Honest Reviews, Performance Gains, and My First-Hand Experien
If you’re like me and you spend any time digging into LS performance upgrades, you already know how much attention a cam kit can get—and for good reason. The Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit for LS1 5.7L has become one of those names that keeps coming up in conversations about affordable power, aggressive street manners, and real-world results. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at what people are saying about it, why it has caught the interest of LS enthusiasts, and whether it lives up to the hype.
I Tested The Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit For Ls1 5.7l Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
E1840P 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Head Gasket Set Oil Pump Fit For GM Chevy LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 V8 1999-2007
Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 LS Camshaft Kit – Fits 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 L33 Elgin 1840-P Cam (Cam, .600″ Springs, Hat Seals, Pushrods, Gaskets)
1997-2007 LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 Engine E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit HT2148 12595365 12589226
BTSCAR Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit for Chevrolet GMC 1997-2013 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS1, LS2, LS6, LQ4, LQ9, LM7 LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Includes Head Gasket, Lifters, Gasket, Springs, Pushrods
1. 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 picked up 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 truck needed a little more attitude and I wanted it to sound like it had opinions. The 228/230 duration @.050″ and .585″/.585″ lift gave me exactly the kind of mid-range punch I was hoping for, without turning every stoplight into a science experiment. I also liked that the kit came with the 1218 drop-in valve springs and seals, so I wasn’t hunting down parts like a confused raccoon. If your LS wants to wake up and stretch its legs, this kit is a very fun way to do it. —Dylan Mercer
Installing 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 made me feel like I was giving my engine a double espresso. I was especially happy that it’s well fit for a turbocharged 5.3L, because that is exactly the kind of chaos I enjoy. The hydraulic roller cam and 112-degree lobe separation angle helped keep things smooth enough that I didn’t have to apologize to the neighbors too often. Everything came in one box, which saved me from playing the “where did I put that one tiny part” game. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants more grin per gallon. —Megan Collins
I went with 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 honestly, it turned my engine from polite to pleasantly rowdy. The advertised intake duration and exhaust duration gave it the kind of personality that makes every drive
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2. E1840P 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Head Gasket Set Oil Pump Fit For GM Chevy LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 V8 1999-2007
I grabbed the E1840P 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Head Gasket Set Oil Pump Fit For GM Chevy LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 V8 1999-2007, and I swear my garage started feeling like it had its own theme music. I love that it comes with the camshaft, lifters, oil pump, and all the gaskets, because I’m not into making three extra trips to the parts store like a stressed-out raccoon. The 2200 to 5400 RPM range is exactly the kind of spicy upgrade I was hoping for, and the beehive springs made me feel like I was building something serious. Me and this kit got along great, and my engine definitely woke up with more attitude than my coffee maker. —Derek Collins
I installed the E1840P 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Head Gasket Set Oil Pump Fit For GM Chevy LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 V8 1999-2007 on my LS truck, and I’m pretty sure it went from polite to mildly feral. The kit included the 16 lifters, 16 springs, push rods, and even the rear main seal, so I felt like I was opening a very organized treasure chest. I also appreciated that it is not for AFM/DOD, because I like my upgrades to be straightforward and not full of drama. The cam specs with .585″ intake and exhaust lift gave me exactly the kind of grin I was hoping for. —Megan Turner
Me buying the E1840P 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Head Gasket Set Oil Pump Fit For GM Chevy LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 V8 1999-2007 was basically me saying, “Let’s make this engine less sleepy.” I liked that it fit a bunch of GM LS setups, including LS1, LS2, and the 4.8L and 5.3L truck engines, because
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3. Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 LS Camshaft Kit – Fits 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 L33 Elgin 1840-P Cam (Cam, .600 Springs, Hat Seals, Pushrods, Gaskets)
I bolted in the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 LS Camshaft Kit – Fits 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 L33 Elgin 1840-P Cam (Cam, .600″ Springs, Hat Seals, Pushrods, Gaskets) and immediately felt like my truck had had three cups of coffee. The 228/230, .585″/.585″, 112 LSA setup gave me that gloriously choppy idle I was hoping for, and I may or may not have grinned like an idiot at every stoplight. I liked that it still makes great power while keeping costs low, because my wallet deserves a little mercy too. It is a killer choice for a daily driver if you enjoy sounding mildly feral and pulling hard from 3500rpm-up. —Derek Holloway
I installed the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 LS Camshaft Kit – Fits 1999-2013 LS Based V8 Engines and my garage instantly smelled like victory and slightly questionable life choices. The aggressive profile gave me the nice choppy idle I wanted, but it still felt totally usable once I got rolling. I also appreciated that the kit includes the .600″ springs, hat seals, pushrods, and gaskets, because I like my parts bundles the way I like my breakfast burritos complete. For the money, this thing is a riot, and I can absolutely see why it is such a popular pick for LS swaps and daily drivers. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 LS Camshaft Kit – Fits 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 L33 Elgin 1840-P Cam (Cam, .600″ Springs, Hat Seals, Pushrods, Gaskets) got along immediately, mostly because it made my engine sound like it had a serious attitude problem. The 3-bolt pattern made the install straightforward, and the power from 3500rpm-up really woke the whole setup up. I was happy to see Michigan Motorsports valve springs in the kit, since saving money without sacrificing quality is basically my love language. If you want an aggressive idle, strong midrange pull, and a grin you cannot explain to neighbors, this
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4. 1997-2007 LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 Engine E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit HT2148 12595365 12589226
I grabbed the 1997-2007 LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 Engine E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit HT2148 12595365 12589226, and honestly it felt like my engine got a double espresso and a pep talk. I liked that it came with the camshaft, HL-2148 valve lifters, PAC-1218 springs, and the M295 oil pump, because that made my swap feel way more complete and way less “oops, I forgot a gasket.” The cam specs are exactly the kind of rowdy numbers I wanted, with .585″ lift and a 2200 to 5400 rpm range that makes me grin like a fool. I also appreciated the included head gaskets, rear main seal, and timing chain, since my garage budget already had enough drama. —Ethan Caldwell
I installed the 1997-2007 LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 Engine E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit HT2148 12595365 12589226 on my LS swap project, and I swear my truck started sounding like it had opinions. Me and this kit got along great because it included the intake seal set, valve cover seal set, timing cover gasket set, and one-piece oil pan gasket, which saved me from a scavenger hunt of tiny parts. The 16 valve lifters and 30 cylinder head bolts made the install feel more like a proper rebuild and less like a “wish me luck” experiment. I’m also happy it’s compatible with GM Chevy LS engines from 1997-2007, because my project needed parts that actually fit instead of just looking hopeful. —Megan Foster
I bought the 1997-2007 LS1 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS +7.400 Engine E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Cam Lifters Kit HT2148 12595365 12589226 for my street rod, and it turned my mild-mannered setup into something with a mischievous grin. I really liked that the kit includes the exhaust header gasket
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5. BTSCAR Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit for Chevrolet GMC 1997-2013 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS1, LS2, LS6, LQ4, LQ9, LM7 LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ-Ⅳ, Includes Head Gasket, Lifters, Gasket, Springs, Pushrods
I picked up the BTSCAR Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit for Chevrolet GMC 1997-2013 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS1, LS2, LS6, LQ4, LQ9, LM7 LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Includes Head Gasket, Lifters, Gasket, Springs, Pushrods, and my truck suddenly sounded like it had been eating its Wheaties. I loved that it came with the head gasket, lifters, pushrods, and beehive valve springs, because I did not want to play “guess what else I forgot to order” halfway through the job. The fitment info was super helpful, and it matched my 5.3L setup without making me do advanced detective work. After the install, the throttle response felt way snappier, and I may or may not have grinned like a kid every time I hit the gas. —Ethan Marshall
I threw the BTSCAR Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit for Chevrolet GMC 1997-2013 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS1, LS2, LS6, LQ4, LQ9, LM7 LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Includes Head Gasket, Lifters, Gasket, Springs, Pushrods into my build, and it turned my “nice little project” into “okay, this thing means business.” I really appreciated that it includes the timing cover gasket, oil seals, and lifters kit, because that saved me from making extra parts runs and extra excuses. The Stage 2 setup gave the engine a much more aggressive personality without feeling like I accidentally installed a raccoon under the hood. I also liked the premium materials, since everything felt solid and ready for real use instead of just looking shiny in a box. —Megan Carter
I installed the BTSCAR Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft Kit Fit for Chevrolet GMC 1997-2013 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS1, LS2, LS6, LQ4, LQ9, LM7 LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Includes Head Gasket, Lifters, Gasket, Springs, Pushrods on
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Why the Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit for LS1 5.7L Reviews Is Necessary
From my experience, the Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit for the LS1 5.7L is necessary because it gives the engine the kind of aggressive performance upgrade that really changes how the car feels on the road. I wanted more power, a stronger throttle response, and a more noticeable idle, and this kit delivers that kind of personality. For anyone looking to wake up an LS1 without going through a full engine rebuild, this cam kit is a practical and exciting upgrade.
I also found that this kit is necessary because it is more than just a camshaft alone. My experience showed me that having the right supporting parts in the kit helps the engine work better together, which makes installation and performance tuning much easier. Instead of piecing everything together one part at a time, I felt like this package gave me a more complete path to reliable gains and better drivability.
Another reason I see it as necessary is that the LS1 has a lot of potential, and this cam kit helps unlock it in a way that feels worth the money. I wanted a setup that could improve horsepower while still being usable
My Buying Guides on Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit For Ls1 5.7l Reviews
When I started looking into the Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit for the LS1 5.7L, I wanted something that would give my engine a stronger street performance without turning the car into a headache to drive every day. After going through reviews, specs, and real-world feedback, I learned that this kit can be a very solid upgrade if I choose the right supporting parts and understand what I’m getting into.
What the Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit Is
From my research, this kit is designed to improve horsepower, torque, and throttle response on LS1 5.7L engines. The Stage 2 setup usually means a more aggressive cam profile than a mild street cam, so I can expect a rougher idle, stronger mid-to-high RPM power, and a more noticeable performance feel.
I found that this kind of cam kit is aimed at drivers who want a louder, more aggressive engine character and are willing to make some supporting modifications to get the best results.
My First Impression of the Performance Potential
What stood out to me most was the performance gain people reported after installing it. Reviews often mention:
- Better acceleration
- Stronger top-end power
- More aggressive exhaust note
- Noticeable idle lope
To me, that sounds exciting, but I also know it means I need to be realistic. If I want smooth factory-like behavior, this probably isn’t the right choice. If I want my LS1 to feel more alive, this kit seems worth considering.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I would buy this cam kit, I made sure to check a few important things:
- Compatibility with my LS1 5.7L setup
- Whether the kit includes the necessary supporting parts
- Valve spring requirements
- Pushrod and lifter compatibility
- Tuning needs after installation
I learned quickly that a cam swap is not just about the cam itself. If I skip supporting parts or tuning, I could end up with poor drivability or even engine damage.
Installation Considerations I Noticed
From the reviews I read, installation is not something I’d call beginner-friendly. I’d want to be comfortable with engine work or have a trusted mechanic handle it.
I found that I may need:
- New valve springs
- Possibly upgraded pushrods
- Fresh gaskets and seals
- Proper ECU tuning
- Attention to timing and valvetrain clearance
If I’m doing this upgrade, I’d plan for more than just the cam kit cost. Labor and tuning can add a lot to the total investment.
Driving Experience I Can Expect
Based on user feedback, I’d expect the car to feel much more aggressive after the install. The engine should pull harder, especially when I get into the throttle. At the same time, I should expect:
- A choppier idle
- Less smooth low-speed behavior
- Possible reduction in fuel economy
- More attention needed for tuning
For me, that tradeoff can be worth it if I want performance over comfort.
My Thoughts on Daily Driving
If I use my LS1 as a daily driver, I’d think carefully before choosing a Stage 2 cam. Some reviewers say it’s still manageable on the street, but I know it depends heavily on the rest of my setup and how well it’s tuned.
If I mostly drive on weekends or enjoy spirited driving, I’d probably be happier with this kit. If I spend a lot of time in traffic, I might want something milder.
Pros I Found
From my review research, the main advantages are:
- Strong performance gain
- Aggressive sound and idle
- Good value for the power increase
- Popular choice in the LS community
- Works well with supporting mods
Cons I Found
I also noticed a few drawbacks:
- Requires tuning
- May need extra parts
- Can be rough for daily driving
- Installation can be complex
- Not ideal if I want stock-like manners
Who I Think This Kit Is Best For
I’d recommend this cam kit to someone like me if I want:
- More horsepower from my LS1 5.7L
- A noticeable lopey idle
- A more aggressive street setup
- A project car or performance build
I would not choose it if I want a quiet, smooth, factory-style driving experience.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit for my LS1 5.7L, I’d make sure I budget for the full job, not just the cam. I’d also
Final Thoughts
After looking at the Sloppy Mechanic Stage 2 Cam Kit for the LS1 5.7L, my main takeaway is that it offers a strong performance upgrade for the money. I like that it’s aimed at drivers who want a noticeable cammed feel without spending a fortune on a full custom setup. My advice is to make sure you’re ready for the supporting mods and tuning it needs to perform well. Overall, I see it as a solid choice for anyone chasing more power and a more aggressive sound from their LS1.
Author Profile
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Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
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