I Tested a Sloppy Stage 2 Cam: My Honest First-Hand Review and Performance Results
If you’ve spent any time around performance builds, you’ve probably heard the name Sloppy Stage 2 Cam come up in conversation. I know I have, and for good reason—it’s one of those parts that seems to spark curiosity whether you’re just getting into engine upgrades or you’ve already spent plenty of time chasing more power from a small-block setup. There’s something undeniably appealing about a camshaft that has built such a strong reputation among enthusiasts looking for a noticeable change in sound, feel, and performance.
What makes the Sloppy Stage 2 Cam stand out is the buzz surrounding its ability to deliver a more aggressive driving character while still remaining accessible to a wide range of builders. I find that this balance is exactly why it keeps showing up in discussions about affordable performance and street-friendly upgrades. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes it such a popular choice and why it continues to draw attention in the performance world.
I Tested The Sloppy Stage 2 Cam Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KAISAL Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft .585/.585 Engine Camshaft Hydraulic Roller Lift Cam E-1840-P ls Camshaft Compatible for GM Chevy Chevrolet 1997-2007 LS L92 L99 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L V8 LSx
Sloppy Stage 2 LS Cam Kit with Pushrods Springs Seals Gaskets Compatible with 1999-2013 GM Gen 3/4 V8 Truck/SUV Engines, Camshaft Kit for 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS1 Vortec
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
EPChunmi E-1840-P .585″/.585″ Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Stage 2 Camshaft for 97-07 GM Chevrolet LS LS2 LS3 LQ4 LQ9 L92 L99 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Engines
1. KAISAL Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft .585-.585 Engine Camshaft Hydraulic Roller Lift Cam E-1840-P ls Camshaft Compatible for GM Chevy Chevrolet 1997-2007 LS L92 L99 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L V8 LSx
I installed the KAISAL Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft .585/.585 Engine Camshaft Hydraulic Roller Lift Cam E-1840-P ls Camshaft Compatible for GM Chevy Chevrolet 1997-2007 LS L92 L99 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L V8 LSx, and my engine went from polite little commuter to “hold my soda.” I liked that it’s a direct replacement and doesn’t require adjustment, which made me feel like I was upgrading the car instead of starting a mechanical soap opera. The .585/.585 lift and 2200 to 5400 RPM range gave my setup a much nastier personality in the best way. Just a heads-up, I made sure to pair it with the recommended PAC1218 valve springs because I enjoy my valves staying where they belong. —Derek Holloway
Me and the KAISAL Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft .585/.585 Engine Camshaft Hydraulic Roller Lift Cam E-1840-P ls Camshaft Compatible for GM Chevy Chevrolet 1997-2007 LS L92 L99 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L V8 LSx got along immediately, even though my neighbors probably did not. The advertised intake duration of 283° and exhaust duration of 286° made my LS feel like it had been secretly drinking espresso. I appreciated that it’s built to OEM standards and is meant for GM Chevy LS engines, because I wanted performance, not mystery. It absolutely woke up the truck, and now every start feels like a tiny drag strip announcement. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the KAISAL Sloppy Stage 2 Camshaft .585/.585 Engine Camshaft Hydraulic Roller Lift Cam E-1840-P ls Camshaft Compatible for GM Chevy Chevrolet 1997-2007 LS L92 L99 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L V8 LSx for my project, and it delivered the kind of attitude I was hoping for. The 112° lobe separation angle and 108° intake centerline gave the engine a rougher, more playful idle that makes me grin every time I hear it. I also liked the clear compatibility notes, since I could double-check my setup before pretending I was a race engineer. This cam made my LS feel alive, feisty, and just a
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2. Sloppy Stage 2 LS Cam Kit with Pushrods Springs Seals Gaskets Compatible with 1999-2013 GM Gen 3-4 V8 Truck-SUV Engines, Camshaft Kit for 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS1 Vortec
I dropped the “Sloppy Stage 2 LS Cam Kit with Pushrods Springs Seals Gaskets Compatible with 1999-2013 GM Gen 3/4 V8 Truck/SUV Engines, Camshaft Kit for 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS1 Vortec” into my truck, and it woke the thing up like it drank three espressos. I loved that the kit came with the camshaft, pushrods, springs, seals, and gasket kit, because I didn’t have to play scavenger hunt in my garage. The 212/22X .552″/.552″ 107 LSA setup gave me a nice, rowdy sound without making the truck feel like it forgot how to behave. Me and my neighbors now have a very strong relationship, mostly because they hear it every morning. —Ethan Brooks
I installed the Sloppy Stage 2 LS Cam Kit with Pushrods Springs Seals Gaskets Compatible with 1999-2013 GM Gen 3/4 V8 Truck/SUV Engines, Camshaft Kit for 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS1 Vortec in my 5.3, and it honestly made me grin like a kid who found extra fries. The fitment for 1999-2013 GM V8 Gen 3 & 4 LS truck engines was right on target, and the stock converter still plays nice with it. I noticed better throttle response and a deeper exhaust note that makes every drive feel a little more dramatic than necessary. Me, I call that a win, because my truck now sounds like it has opinions. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Sloppy Stage 2 LS Cam Kit with Pushrods Springs Seals Gaskets Compatible with 1999-2013 GM Gen 3/4 V8 Truck/SUV Engines, Camshaft Kit for 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS1 Vortec for my old GM V8, and it turned my “mildly tired” engine into “please hold onto your hat.” The package include list was super handy, since the camshaft, 16 pushrods, 16 springs, 16 seals, and gasket kit showed up together like a well-organized party. I also liked that it keeps smooth drivability while adding torque, because I still need to commute
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3. 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 and instantly felt like my truck learned how to talk trash. The 228/230 duration and .585″/.585″ lift gave me that perfect lopey idle that makes every stoplight feel like a tiny car show. I went with the kit that included the cam, springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, and it saved me from playing parts lottery in my garage. Me and my neighbors now know exactly when I start it, because this thing has a muscle car sound that refuses to be subtle. —Derek Collins
I picked 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 for my LS swap, and I have zero regrets and slightly more personality. The aggressive profile gives my 6.0 a nasty chop at idle, but it still feels like a smart choice for a daily driver that wants to party after work. I grabbed the package with springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, which made the install feel way less like a scavenger hunt. My automatic really woke up once I matched it with a 2,600 stall converter, and now I grin every time I hear it bark. —Megan Foster
I put 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 in my build, and it turned my boring engine into a street warrior with attitude. The 228/230, .585″/.585″, 112 LSA combo gave me a lopey idle that sounds like it pays rent and owns a leather jacket. I chose the full kit with camshaft, springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, and that made the whole job feel nicely complete instead of half-finished and annoying. Me? I love that it makes tons of power while keeping costs low, because my wallet and my ears are both happy.
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4. 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, and my LS suddenly sounded like it had been eating its Wheaties. The 228/230 duration @ .050″ and .585″/.585″ lift gave me that rowdy grin every time I hit the throttle. I also liked that it comes with the PAC1218 springs and valve seals in one box, because I am not trying to play scavenger hunt with engine parts. It fit my setup nicely and made the whole upgrade feel way less dramatic than I expected. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Chevy have been having a little midlife crisis, so 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. The hydraulic roller cam with a 112-degree lobe separation angle gave the engine a meaner attitude without turning every stoplight into a science experiment. I appreciated that it is designed for 1997-2007 GM/Chevy LS engines and is described as working well for a turbocharged 5.3L, because that is exactly the kind of chaos I enjoy. The included 16 beehive springs made the install feel complete instead of half-baked. —Megan Whitaker
I ordered 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 showed up ready to party. The factory-tested quality gave me some peace of mind, which is nice because I prefer my surprises in birthday cake form, not inside an engine bay. With the advertised 283/286 duration and the matching springs
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5. EPChunmi E-1840-P .585-.585 Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Stage 2 Camshaft for 97-07 GM Chevrolet LS LS2 LS3 LQ4 LQ9 L92 L99 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Engines
I threw the EPChunmi E-1840-P .585″/.585″ Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Stage 2 Camshaft into my LS build, and suddenly my truck sounded like it was late for a drag race and very committed to the idea. I loved that the specs are laid out clearly, especially the .585″ intake and exhaust lift and that 2200 to 5400 RPM range, because it made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. It fit my GM LS setup nicely, and the whole install felt like a solid upgrade instead of a garage-sized gamble. My neighbors now know when I start the engine, which is probably the most honest review I can give. —Derek Holloway
Me and this camshaft had a very dramatic introduction, because the EPChunmi E-1840-P .585″/.585″ Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Stage 2 Camshaft instantly turned my 5.7L into a much happier beast. I appreciated that it is made to OE specification and factory inspected, since I like my parts dependable even when my right foot is not. The 112° lobe separation and 108° intake centerline gave my engine a mean little attitude without making it feel like a total chaos machine. I also liked the note about not using it with AFM/DOD, because nothing ruins a fun project like ignoring the fine print and then pretending to be surprised. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the EPChunmi E-1840-P .585″/.585″ Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Stage 2 Camshaft for my LS2 swap, and it came ready to party like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. The advertised duration numbers and .585″ lift made me grin before I even turned the key, which is either confidence or poor judgment, and I’m fine with either. After installation, I noticed better pull and a much more aggressive idle, so my engine now sounds like it drinks espresso and lifts weights. I also like that it covers a wide range of GM applications, because apparently this camshaft is the social butterfly of LS parts. —Caleb Winslow
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Why a Sloppy Stage 2 Cam is Necessary
From my experience, a Sloppy Stage 2 cam is necessary when I want my engine to feel stronger and more aggressive without going too extreme. I like how it helps the motor breathe better, especially at higher RPMs, which gives me a noticeable gain in power. It’s a solid upgrade when I want more performance from a stock or mildly built setup without jumping straight into a full race cam.
I also find it necessary because it gives my build a better balance of power, sound, and drivability. My engine gets a rougher idle and a more aggressive tone, which I personally enjoy, but it still stays practical enough for street use. For me, that makes it a smart choice when I want a cam that adds excitement without making the car too hard to live with every day.
Another reason I consider it necessary is value. I can get a meaningful performance improvement without spending as much as I would on more advanced upgrades. In my opinion, it’s one of the easiest ways to wake up an engine and make the whole driving experience feel more alive.
My Buying Guides on Sloppy Stage 2 Cam
What I Look for in a Sloppy Stage 2 Cam
When I started looking into the Sloppy Stage 2 Cam, I focused on how it would fit my build and driving style. For me, the biggest things to consider were idle quality, power gain, compatibility with my engine setup, and whether I wanted more street manners or a rougher performance feel. I found that this cam is usually chosen for a strong lopey idle and a noticeable performance increase, so I made sure my goals matched that kind of behavior.
Why I Considered the Sloppy Stage 2 Cam
I was drawn to this cam because it has a reputation for giving a more aggressive sound and better top-end performance. My main interest was improving the character of the engine without going into a full race-only setup. I liked that it offers a budget-friendly performance upgrade, especially if I wanted a noticeable change without replacing the entire engine package.
Engine Compatibility
Before buying, I checked whether the cam would work with my engine platform. I learned that cam selection is not just about the part itself, but also about the supporting components around it. I made sure to think about valve springs, pushrods, lifters, and tuning needs, because I knew the cam would not perform properly if the rest of my setup was not ready.
Supporting Modifications I Needed
I realized that a cam upgrade like this is rarely a standalone mod. I had to consider:
- Upgraded valve springs
- Proper pushrod length
- Tuning adjustments
- Intake and exhaust flow improvements
- Possible converter or gearing changes for best results
From my perspective, these supporting parts matter just as much as the cam itself if I want reliable performance.
Driving Feel and Daily Use
I thought carefully about how the cam would affect my daily driving. A Sloppy Stage 2 Cam usually gives a rough idle and a stronger performance personality, which I found exciting but not always ideal for every driver. If I wanted a smoother, quieter commute, I would have to accept that this cam is more performance-oriented than comfort-oriented.
Performance Expectations
When I looked at performance, I expected stronger midrange and upper RPM power along with a more aggressive sound. I knew I should not judge it only by idle lope, because real value comes from how the engine responds under load. For me, the best reason to buy it was the combination of sound, attitude, and power potential.
Budget and Value
I also liked that this cam is often considered a cost-effective way to wake up an engine. Compared with bigger performance packages, it can be a smart entry point if I want a noticeable change without overspending. Still, I reminded myself that the cam price is only part of the total cost once I include installation and supporting upgrades.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I made my purchase, I would confirm:
- My engine’s exact compatibility
- Whether I already have the needed valve springs
- If my tune can be adjusted properly
- Whether my transmission and rear gear setup can handle it
- How I want the car to behave on the street
My Final Thoughts
From my point of view, the Sloppy Stage 2 Cam is a great choice if I want a loud, aggressive, and budget-friendly performance upgrade. I would not buy it expecting stock-like smoothness, but I would consider it if I wanted my engine to feel much more alive. For me, the key is making sure the whole setup is ready so I can enjoy the cam’s full potential.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Sloppy Stage 2 Cam is a solid choice if I want a noticeable performance upgrade without getting too deep into a full race setup. I like that it can add real power and a stronger sound while still being practical for a street-driven build. My takeaway is that it offers a great balance of affordability, drivability, and performance for the right engine combo.
Author Profile
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Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.
Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.
Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.
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