The LS engine is still the darling of the performance world, but does this mean all LS owners are searching for the same thing when it comes time for upgrades? Obviously not, or every LS narrative would be about adding a cam, springs, and a turbo.

By now, it’s no secret that all LS engines respond favourably to cam switches. We have seen massive signs of progress on the right application, but most of the power gains care higher in the rev range.

While an extra 50 hp or more, it is undoubtedly desirable for an LS owner looking to improve quarter-mile times, even the substantial gains that come at 6,500 rpm are of little use to a daily driven truck when dragging a trailer up a steep mountain pass.

Let’s hop right into some of the best camshafts for LS motors, such as the 4.8-liter Chevy Silverado, and then we can discuss how to decide which cam is perfect for you.

COMP Cams® 54-450-11 XFI Xtreme Truck Hydraulic Roller Tappet Camshaft

Key Features

  • Part Category: Camshafts
  • UPC:036584121282
  • Product Line: COMP Cams XFI XtremeCamshafts
  • Cam Style: Hydraulic roller tappet
  • Basic Operating RPM Range:800-5,000
  • Intake Duration at 050-inch Lift:206
  • Exhaust Duration at 050-inch Lift:212
  • Duration at 050-inch Lift:206 int./212 exh.
  • Marketed Intake Duration:260
  • Marketed Exhaust Duration:266
  • Marketed Duration:260 int./266 exh.
  • Intake Valve Lift with OEM Rocker Arm Ratio:0.513 in.
  • Exhaust Valve Lift with OEMRocker Arm Ratio:0.520 in.
  • Valve Lift with OEM Rocker Arm Ratio:0.513 int./0.520 exh.
  • Lobe Separation: 115 degrees
  • Camshaft Gear Attachment:3-bolt
  • Computer-Controlled Compatible: Yes
  • Grind Number: G3XFI260HR15
  • Valve Springs Required: Yes
  • Quantity:Sold individually.

Overview

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

Let lose the incredible horsepower and torque buried inside your truck’s engine with COMP Cams XFI Xtreme camshafts. Available in three different outlines (XFI 260, 261, and 266), they use advanced camshaft tech used in fuel injected engines to bring improved throttle response and better mid and upper rpm power.

COMP Cams XFI truck camshafts are compatible with the OEMcomputer systems and wiring. Still, they deliver the best performance when used with advanced COMP Cams valvetrain equipment, including valve springs, retainers, and locks. Computer tuning is required; use the Fast Flash Cam Tuner Programmer for best results.

Warranty

COMP Cams® licenses that all products are free from flaws in material and craft and against extreme wear for12 months from date of acquisition.

This limited warranty shall apply for one year from the day of acquisition and shall cover only the initial buyer. This warranty is effective on camshafts where new lifters and proper valve springs are used, such as those found in COMP Cams® Kits.

There is no warranty on the following:

  • Any part used in racing applications.
  • Any product that has been materially altered or improperly installed or maintained.
  • Any part used in an improper application, abused, or not used alongside with the right parts.

Required Components

Chevrolet Performance Hydraulic Roller Lifters 12499225

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

These hydraulic roller lifters are intendedto be used as direct stand-ins for your engine. These hoists were designed for use by GM to in performance engine builds and incorporate improved valving to permit higher rpm capability.

COMP Cams® 26918-16 Beehive Strip Single Valve Spring Set

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

COMP Cams®. Beehive™ Valve Springs are designed for hydraulic or solid flat tappet as well as hydraulic roller cams. COMP Cams Beehive Valve Springs bring increased valve train stability and a considerably lighter valve train. This is realized with less spring pressure for better valve control and reduced weight of both the spring and retainer. These valve springs are offered in single and double styles to meet your cam needs.

Chevrolet Performance Camshaft Retainer Plates 12589016

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

These Chevrolet Performance Parts camshaft retainer plates are intended to fit behind the front cover.They act as a seal for the anterior oil channels that feed oil to the lifters, cam, and main bearings. They feature a specially designed orange O-ring seal to keep oil sealed in. These plates can support greater cam loads.

ARP® 134-1003 – Hex Camshaft Sprocket Bolt Kit

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

High-quality ARP cam bolts have improved preload clamping power to ensure positive timing gear register. Their improved material strength overcomes valvetrain harmonics and pressure. These cam bolts have a compact head size that makes installation and removal simpler.

Buy COMP Cams® 54-450-11 XFI Xtreme Truck Hydraulic Roller Tappet Camshaft Now!

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MellingMC1390 Camshaft

Key Features

  • Cam Style:Hydraulic roller tappet
  • Basic Operating RPM Range:Stock
  • Intake Duration at 050-inch Lift:193
  • Exhaust Duration at 050-inch Lift:193
  • Duration at 050-inch Lift:193 int./193 exh.
  • Intake Valve Lift with OEM Rocker Arm Ratio:0.482 in.
  • Exhaust Valve Lift with OEMRocker Arm Ratio:0.482 in.
  • Valve Lift with OEMRocker Arm Ratio:0.482 int./0.482 exh.
  • Lifter Type: Roller
  • Lobe Separation (degrees):114
  • Computer-Controlled Compatible:Yes
  • Valve Springs Required:No
  • Camshaft Manufacturers Description:Meets or exceeds OEM specifications.
  • Quantity:Sold individually.

Overview

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

Melling stock replacement camshafts can restore your engine’s true potential. They’re accessible in various styles, including hydraulic flat tappet, roller tappet, and roller follower, and mechanical flat tappet. Melling offers affordable, quality engine parts, including a full line of cams for cars, light trucks, and imports as far back as the mid-1950s

This premium product is the best way to go for those looking for the highest quality replacement that offers supreme levels of quality, performance, and reliability. Designed to provide a perfect fit for a hassle-free installation, this reliable product can help you get your vehicle back on the road faster and easier.

Warranty

This cover does not apply to any part that has been altered, tampered with, such as taken apart, distorted, subject to extreme operating conditions, malfunctions because of foreign particles such as engine muck or pieces of other fading components, products used in a truck that has been altered for other than the intended purposes.

Also, performance parts are not covered under this warranty, including parts used for off-road or racing purposes.Some countries do not allow confines on how long an implied warranty lasts, exclusion or limitation of incidental or momentous damages, so the above confines may not apply to you.

Required Components

Melling® – Camshaft Bolt Lock Plate Kit

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

Melling camshaft bolt lock plates stop your camshaft bolts from loosening, helping you avoid hefty valvetrain and engine damage. These kits are effortlessly installed by applying torque to bolts correctly and bending the locking tabs in place to secure the bolts.

Melling camshaft bolts and lock plates are manufactured to stringent specifications using high-quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure maintenance-free performance.

Lucas Oil® 10153 Semi-Synthetic Assembly Lube

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

The Lucas High-Performance Assembly Lube is designed for mechanics and technicians to pre lube bearings, cams, lifters, and valve train. The Semi-Synthetic formula contains ZINC, MOLY, and other high-pressure additives.

These additives offer maximum protection during engine break-in. Superslick and easy to use, Lucas High-Performance Assembly Lube will eliminate dry starts and prevent seizing galling and scuffing.

Melling® MPR-309-B – Push Rod

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

Melling offers a wide selection of pushrods for both standard and performance engine applications. This premium product is the best way to go for those looking for the highest quality replacement that offers supreme levels of quality, performance, and reliability. Designed to provide a perfect fit for a hassle-free installation, this reliable product can help you get your vehicle back on the road faster and easier.

Buy MellingMC1390 Camshaft Now!

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COMP Cams® 54-424-11 XFI Xtreme RPM™ High Lift Hydraulic Camshaft

Key Features

  • Part Type:Camshafts
  • Product Line:COMP Cams XFI RPM High Lift Camshafts
  • Cam Style:Hydraulic roller tappet
  • Basic Operating RPM Range:1,400-6,700
  • Intake Duration at 050-inch Lift:212
  • Exhaust Duration at 050-inch Lift:218
  • Duration at 050-inch Lift:212 int./218 exh.
  • Advertised Intake Duration:265
  • Advertised Exhaust Duration:271
  • Advertised Duration:265 int./271 exh.
  • Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:0.558 in.
  • Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:0.563 in.
  • Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:0.558 int./0.563 exh.
  • Lobe Separation (degrees):115
  • Camshaft Gear Attachment:3-bolt
  • Computer-Controlled Compatible:Yes
  • Grind Number:XR265HR
  • Valve Springs Required:Yes
  • Quantity:Sold individually.

Overview

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

COMP Cams XFI RPM High Lift has been designed to boost horsepower and extend your engine’s rpm variety. Built for applications where a high lift is necessary, these cams have the power to help you reach your performance goals.

This high-grade product was designed with craftsmanship and critical attention to detail and manufactured using leading-edge innovations by experienced and knowledgeable engineering staff. It ensures trustworthy quality and superior dependability.

Warranty

COMP Cams® licenses that all products are free from flaws in material and craft and against extreme wear for12 months from date of acquisition.This limited warranty shall apply for one year from the day of acquisition and shall cover only the initial buyer. This warranty is effective on camshafts where new lifters and proper valve springs are used, such as those found in COMP Cams® Kits.

There is no warranty on the following:

  • Any part used in racing applications.
  • Any product that has been materially altered or improperly installed or maintained.
  • Any part used in an improper application, abused, or not used alongside with the right parts.

Required Components

Chevrolet Performance Hydraulic Roller Lifters 12499225

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

These hydraulic roller lifters are intended to be used as direct stand-ins for your engine. These hoists were designed for use by GM to in performance engine builds and incorporate improved valving to permit higher rpm capability.

ARP® 134-1003 – Hex Camshaft Sprocket Bolt Kit

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

High-quality ARP cam bolts have improved preload clamping power to ensure positive timing gear register. Their improved material strength overcomes valvetrain harmonics and pressure. These cam bolts have a compact head size that makes installation and removal simpler.

COMP Cams® 26925TS-KIT – Dual Valve Spring Kit with Steel Retainers

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

Simplify your valvetrain assembly using the COMP Cams high-performance valve spring kits. These kits have everything that you need for a complete valve spring assembly. Springs, seats, and retainers are included, along with full instructions for a worry-free installation.

COMP Cams® 4796 – Head on Cylinder Degree Kit

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

COMP Cams general camshaft degree kits dial in all your trucks accurately. Degreeing your cam means improved performance, and COMP Cams general degree kits offer precision results.

These kits include the essential components of the cylinder heads-on, including a COMP Cams Sportsman 9 inch. Degree wheel plus a foam-lined storage case. The equipment is ready to fit your most popular engines and positions your camshaft for top performance with COMP Cams universal camshaft degree kits.

Buy COMP Cams® 54-424-11 XFI Xtreme RPM™ High Lift Hydraulic Camshaft Now!

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Cam Motion Titan LLR Series LS Camshafts 03-08-0096

Key Features

  • Part Type:Camshafts
  • Product Line:Cam Motion Titan LLR Series LS Camshafts
  • Cam Style:Mechanical roller tappet
  • Basic Operating RPM Range:4,000-7,200
  • Intake Duration at 050-inch Lift:247
  • Exhaust Duration at 050-inch Lift:263
  • Advertised Intake Duration:299
  • Advertised Exhaust Duration:315
  • Intake Valve Lift with OEM Rocker Arm Ratio:0.693 in.
  • Exhaust Valve Lift with OEMRocker Arm Ratio:0.675 in.
  • Lobe Separation (degrees):113
  • Camshaft Gear Attachment:3-bolt
  • Computer-Controlled Compatible:Yes
  • Valve Springs Required:Yes
  • Quantity:Sold individually.

Overview

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

Cam Motion LLR Series LS camshafts are short lash solid roller-style cams intended for performance fanatics who want extreme performance from their LS and Gen 5 LT-powered vehicles.

These camshafts bring the precision high-rpm valvetrain stability that solid cams are known for, with the low maintenance dependability and quiet operation that makes sense in a modern vehicle.

Designed for max street, street/strip, and race cars, Titan Kings will have a heavy lope at idle and explosive power in a vehicle equipped with the proper high stall torque converter, rear axle ration, and supporting intake exhaust that’s been modified or designed for high flow.

Warranty

All Cam Motion parts are guaranteed to be free from a flaw in quality and craft for one year from the date of acquisition.

Cam Motion will not cover any product that was damaged due to improper use, installation, or compatibility problems when used with another manufacturer’s parts. Cam Motion is not answerable for anything other than replacement or refund of the purchase price of any item that they deem as defective.

Required Components

Cam Motion Valve Spring Kits VSK143306

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

Cam Motion valve spring kits include all the parts you need to install your new valve springs. They contain a new set of valve springs, titanium or steel retainers, valve seals, valve locks, and valve spring seats.

The kits are obtainable with different width valve springs, so you can match them up to your camshaft profile. Opt for this top-notch product developed by Cam Motion with the latest precision and the most advanced technologies to high industry standards to produce unprecedented operation.

Cam Motion LS Lifters LS034122201

What Is the Best Camshaft For 4.8 Silverado?

Cam Motion LS lifters are available to fit your desired level of performance and budget. Cam Motion covers many applications from economical stock replacements to their High Performance, Racing, and Premium lines of lifters.

Their Premium hydraulic roller lifters feature cold-forged steel construction, precision-ground needle roller bearings, and extra-long pistons, precision oil metering, and high-flow, quick-reacting check valves. Cam Motion LS lifters are available in factory tray/retainer-styles and tie bar-styles. Meeting strict industry requirements, this product will outlast all its counterparts.

Buy Cam Motion Titan LLR Series LS Camshafts 03-08-0096 Now!

See all discounts available.

Final Thought

The camshafts discussed above are among some of the best kits in the market, but none can be acknowledged as better than the other. The selection comes down to individual preference and budget. Regardless of which one you go for, you can be sure that your SUV or Truck’s overall speed, handling, and performance will improve significantly.