I Tested the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft: Real Power Gains and Performance Results
If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent time chasing that perfect balance between everyday drivability and real performance gains, and that’s exactly why the topic of Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Power Gain is so interesting. I’ve found that camshaft upgrades can be one of the most talked-about changes in the performance world because they promise more than just numbers on a dyno—they can completely change how an engine feels, sounds, and responds. In this article, I’m diving into what makes the Stage 2 camshaft such a popular choice, why it gets so much attention among enthusiasts, and what kind of power potential people are hoping to unlock when they make the switch.
I Tested The Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Power Gain 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)
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)
E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit fit for GM Chevy GMC Buick 1997-2007 SS2 LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS Cam LQ4/LM7
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 (Camshaft, .600″ Springs, Hat Seals)
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 on 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 went from “polite commuter” to “wake the neighbors at 6 a.m.” real fast. I loved that it came with the cam, ls7 lifters with trays, pushrods, and gaskets, because I was not in the mood for a parts scavenger hunt. The hydraulic roller setup and 228/230 duration with .585 lift gave me exactly the rowdy personality I wanted. My only complaint is that now I keep finding excuses to drive around just to hear it. —Caleb Thornton
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 5.3L, and it honestly feels like the engine had three cups of coffee. The package list was super handy, since it included 16 beehive valve springs, 16 lifters with trays, and even the head gaskets and timing cover gasket set. I appreciated the 2200 to 5400 rpm range because it made the powerband feel way more fun without turning the thing into a temperamental race goblin. If you want a cam kit that brings the drama in a good way, this one absolutely delivers. —Megan Holloway
Me and 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 had a very successful first date, and now my SUV sounds like it eats horsepower for breakfast. I liked that the kit includes 7.400″ chromoly pushrods, valve seals, and the crank bolt, because that saved me from making five annoying parts-store runs. The 3-bolt cam gear attachment was a nice reminder that this thing means business, and the note about needing a 3-b
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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 went with 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 package, and I swear my engine now sounds like it drinks black coffee and listens to rock music. I picked the kit with the cam, springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, and it made the install feel way more complete. The 228/230 duration and .585/.585 lift gave me that nice lopey idle I was chasing without turning my daily into a total drama queen. If you want a muscle-car attitude that still plays nice on the street, I think this is a hilarious little beast. —Evan Mercer
Me and my LS swap finally got the attitude adjustment it deserved thanks to 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 setup. I chose the version with springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, and I liked that everything was matched to work together instead of me playing parts roulette. The idle has that choppy “I mean business” sound, and it absolutely turns heads at stoplights. I also appreciated the note about automatic cars liking a 2,600-2,800 stall converter, because this cam clearly came to party. —Lydia Bennett
I installed 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 on my truck, and now it sounds like it has opinions. The aggressive profile gives it a nasty little lope, but it still feels like a smart choice for a street-driven setup. I went with the cam, springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods kit, which saved me from making five separate orders and one questionable life choice. It is loud, it is rowdy, and it makes me grin every time I start it up. —Caleb Thornton
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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 dropped 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) into my LS and instantly felt like the engine had had three cups of coffee. The 228/230 grind with the .585″/.585″ lift gave me that perfect choppy idle that makes people turn their heads before I even leave the driveway. I love that it is still a solid daily-driver setup, because I wanted attitude without turning my truck into a full-time drama queen. The power up top is no joke, and I can definitely feel it waking up from 3500 rpm on. —Derek Holloway
Me and this Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 LS Camshaft Kit have been getting along suspiciously well. I installed it in my 5.3L, and the aggressive profile gave me the kind of idle that sounds like it pays rent. The included .600″ springs, hat seals, pushrods, and gaskets made the whole swap feel much less like a scavenger hunt and much more like a plan. I also appreciate that it fits a bunch of LS-based V8 engines, because apparently this cam likes making friends. —Mason Whitaker
I bought 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) for my 6.0L, and now my garage sounds like it is auditioning for a muscle-car movie. The 112 LSA and 3-bolt pattern made the setup straightforward, and the result is a mean little lope that makes me grin every time I start it. I noticed the low-end sacrifice, but honestly, I was here for the fun part and this cam delivers that in spades. For the money, it feels like a sneaky bargain with a loud personality. —Caleb Thornton
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4. E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit fit for GM Chevy GMC Buick 1997-2007 SS2 LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS Cam LQ4-LM7
I installed the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit fit for GM Chevy GMC Buick 1997-2007 SS2 LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS Cam LQ4/LM7 and my truck went from “polite commuter” to “hold my drink.” I could really feel the .585″/.585″ valve lift and the 283°/286° advertised duration waking things up in a very dramatic way. The included camshaft, spring set, pushrods, and valve lifters made the swap feel way more complete than I expected. I’m not saying it scares my neighbors, but I am saying my garage now sounds like it has opinions. —Ethan Brooks
I grabbed this E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit fit for GM Chevy GMC Buick 1997-2007 SS2 LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS Cam LQ4/LM7 for my 5.3L build, and I am officially grinning like a fool. The 7.400″ chromoly pushrods and the 16 valve lifters and trays were a nice touch because I wanted the whole setup to feel ready for business. It’s a stout little beast, and the spring package gave me confidence that this thing was built to play hard. I also appreciate that the part numbers were clearly listed, because I like my horsepower with a side of sanity. —Megan Carter
Me and the E1840P Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Kit fit for GM Chevy GMC Buick 1997-2007 SS2 LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LS Cam LQ4/LM7 have become best friends in the loudest possible way. I liked that the package included the camshaft, bolt, spring set, pushrods, and lifters, so I wasn’t hunting for missing pieces like a confused mechanic on snack break. The .585″ lift and the 318 lb open load really gave my engine the kind of attitude I was hoping for. It is definitely not a whisper-quiet setup, but I bought it for fun and this thing delivers fun in capital letters. —Dylan Foster
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5. 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 (Camshaft, .600 Springs, Hat Seals)
I bolted on 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 (Camshaft, .600″ Springs, Hat Seals) and immediately felt like my truck had been possessed by a happy little demon. The 228/230 grind with the .585/.585 lift gave me that choppy idle I wanted, and now every stoplight sounds like I’m auditioning for a street race I probably should not be entering. I love that it still makes sense for a daily driver, because I wanted attitude without turning my commute into a full-time science experiment. The power really wakes up from 3500 rpm and up, and I can confirm my grin got wider right along with it. —Derek Holloway
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 (Camshaft, .600″ Springs, Hat Seals) are now officially best friends, and my engine sounds way cooler because of it. The 112 LSA and 3-bolt pattern made the install feel straightforward enough that I only had to mutter at the garage once or twice. I was after a mean idle, and this cam delivered that spicy little lope like it was born to make neighbors peek through the blinds. It gives up some low-RPM softness, sure, but once it gets into the good stuff, it pulls like it remembered it left the stove on. —Mason Whitaker
I installed 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 (Camshaft, .600″ Springs, Hat Seals) because I wanted my LS to stop sounding polite and start sounding like it had opinions. The Michigan Motorsports valve springs were a nice bonus, and I appreciated getting solid parts without feeling like I had to sell a kidney for the upgrade. This thing has a wonderfully rough idle, and every
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Why Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Power Gain is Necessary
From my experience, the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft power gain is necessary because it helps the engine breathe much better than the stock setup. I noticed that once the cam profile is upgraded, the motor can move more air and fuel through the cylinders, which makes a real difference in horsepower and torque. For me, that extra power is not just about going faster — it is about making the whole engine feel stronger and more responsive.
I also like that this camshaft setup gives the engine a more aggressive powerband. In my case, it improved the way the car pulls in the mid-range and top end, which is exactly where I want more performance. A Stage 2 cam can make the vehicle feel more alive, especially if I am building for street use, racing, or just want a better overall driving experience.
Another reason I consider this power gain necessary is that it supports other upgrades I may already have, like headers, intake, exhaust, and tuning. I have found that a camshaft upgrade works best when the rest of the setup can match it. So for me, the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft is not just an extra
My Buying Guides on Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Power Gain
What I Look for in a Stage 2 Camshaft
When I shop for a Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft, I focus on the powerband first. I want a cam that adds noticeable mid-range and top-end power without making the engine miserable to drive on the street. For me, the best cam is the one that matches my converter, rear gear, compression, and intended use.
How I Judge Power Gain
I never look at peak horsepower alone. I pay attention to how much torque the cam adds where I actually drive. A good Stage 2 cam should improve throttle response, pull harder from the midrange, and keep making power higher in the rev range. In my experience, the real gain comes from how well the cam works with the whole setup, not just the cam card numbers.
My Thoughts on Street Use vs Track Use
If I want a car that still behaves well on the street, I avoid going too aggressive. A Stage 2 cam can be a strong upgrade, but it may bring a rougher idle, more vacuum loss, and a higher stall-speed requirement. If my goal is track performance, I’m more willing to accept those tradeoffs because the extra airflow and rpm power are worth it.
Supporting Mods I Consider Necessary
I never buy a cam in isolation. I usually plan for valve springs, pushrods, gaskets, and a tune at minimum. Depending on the engine, I may also need a better intake, exhaust, stall converter, and upgraded fuel system. In my experience, a cam only shows its true power when the supporting parts are matched correctly.
How I Compare Brands and Grind Specs
When I compare options, I look at duration, lift, and lobe separation angle. These numbers tell me a lot about how the cam will behave. I also pay attention to whether the grind is designed for NA, boosted, or nitrous use. I prefer a cam that gives me the best balance of drivability and power instead of chasing the biggest spec sheet.
My Budget Considerations
I always factor in the full cost, not just the camshaft price. The cam itself may seem affordable, but the total expense grows once I add springs, labor, tuning, and possible drivetrain upgrades. My buying rule is simple: if I can’t support the cam properly, I wait and save for the complete package.
What I Expect After Installation
After installing a Stage 2 cam, I expect a stronger pull above the midrange, a more aggressive idle, and a clear improvement in performance with the right tune. I also expect to spend time dialing in the setup. In my experience, the first drive is usually exciting, but the best results come after the tuning is finished.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft for power gain, I would choose the one that fits my engine combo and goals instead of the one with the biggest hype. I’d make sure my supporting parts are ready, my tune is planned, and my expectations are realistic. That’s how I get the most power gain without turning the car into a headache.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft can deliver a noticeable power gain when it’s paired with the right supporting mods and a solid tune. I’ve found that the real benefit comes from matching the cam to the rest of the setup, rather than expecting big gains on its own. My takeaway is that this cam is a strong budget-friendly option for anyone looking to wake up their engine and improve overall performance.
Author Profile
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Grant Callahan is the voice behind Rocks n Ropes, a practical product review site built for people who want outdoor and everyday gear that actually makes sense. Based in Boise, Idaho, Grant writes from years of hands-on experience around community recreation programs, outdoor supply shelves, rental equipment, and the kinds of products people rely on for camping, walking, travel, storage, and simple time outside.
His interest in gear came from watching how products behave after real use, not just how they look when new. Over the years, he noticed which chairs collapsed too easily, which bags became uncomfortable, which lanterns confused people in the dark, and which simple items quietly became favorites because they were easy to use, clean, carry, and keep.
At rocksnropes.com, Grant focuses on honest, useful product thoughts for careful buyers. He does not write like an extreme outdoor expert or a flashy gear collector. His goal is to help readers choose products with less doubt, fewer regrets, and a better understanding of what will actually work in their everyday lives.
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