Best Cam For Ls3: Compare Street, Stage 2, and Stage 3 Options

#1 · Best Overall

1. BTR LS3 Stage 3 V2 Kit

Best for: Aggressive naturally aspirated LS3.

Why it ranks #1: LS3-specific naturally aspirated profile lists 227/24x duration and .636/.636-inch lift, with springs, pushrods, gaskets, and no flycutting required with OEM LS3 combustion chambers.

The BTR Stage 3 V2 pairs .636-inch lift with a 111.5 LSA and an aggressive idle, enabling a high-rpm naturally aspirated LS3 combination with a claimed 70-horsepower peak gain. Its supplied spring kit, retainers, pushrods, and gaskets make this a more complete installation package than a camshaft alone.

The 227/24x duration and 111.5 LSA are aimed at mid-to-upper-rpm operation, so this suits buyers prioritizing power higher in the range over a mild idle. BTR reports a 70-horsepower peak gain and says OEM LS3 combustion chambers do not require piston flycutting for this cam. The included spring kit, retainers, pushrods, and gasket kit reduce the need to source those installation pieces separately; the listed package is for a three-bolt pattern.

Skip it if you want a truck cam specified for a factory torque converter; Texas Speed Chopacabra is listed for that setup.

Choose this kit for a naturally aspirated LS3 build seeking an aggressive idle and stronger upper-rpm focus, with key valvetrain and gasket parts supplied. Confirm the three-bolt arrangement and that its operating character suits your combination.

Listed on Amazon as: BTR Brian Tooley Racing LS3 Stage 3 Naturally Aspirated Camshaft V2 6.2L 6.0L L99 L76 L77 BTR Cam Kit (Cam, Spring Kit w/S. Ret., Pushrods, Gasket Kit)

#2 · Best Complete Stage 2 Kit

2. TSP LS3 Stage 2 Kit

Best for: Street and strip Stage 2 kit.

Why it ranks #2: LS3, LSA, and L92 fitment is stated; the 229/244, .629/.615-inch profile targets midrange and top-end power, and the kit includes valvetrain components.

Texas Speed’s Stage 2 kit pairs a 229/244 cam with dual springs, titanium retainers, and other valvetrain pieces, enabling LS3, LSA, and L92 owners to source a broader installation package together. Its stated balance targets midrange torque, top-end horsepower, and drivability.

The 3-bolt cam’s .629/.615-inch lift and 229/244 duration form a profile Texas Speed presents for street and strip use, with midrange torque and strong top-end horsepower. The kit includes dual valve springs, seals, titanium retainers, and spring seats, reducing separate parts sourcing for the valvetrain. Compatibility is stated for 6.2L LS3, LSA, and L92 engines. This is a more complete package than a cam-only listing, though buyers should still plan the full installation around their specific engine.

Skip it if you need pushrods and gaskets in the package; BTR Brian Tooley Racing Red Hot LS3 Camshaft Install Kit includes both.

Choose this kit for a 6.2L LS3, LSA, or L92 street-and-strip build seeking the 229/244 Stage 2 profile and included valvetrain pieces. Account separately for pushrods and gaskets not specified in the listing.

Listed on Amazon as: Texas Speed TSP Stage 2 LS3 Camshaft Kit – 3-Bolt – Fits 6.2L LS3 LSA L92 Engines – TSP Camshaft for Naturally Aspirated LS Engines

#3

3. BTR Red Hot LS3 Kit

Best for: Red Hot LS3 complete kit.

Why it ranks #3: The LS3-focused Red Hot profile lists 221/24x duration, .619/.617-inch lift, and 113 LSA; this kit includes a steel spring set, pushrods, and gaskets.

BTR’s Red Hot cam is specified for both boosted and naturally aspirated applications, enabling LS3 and rectangle-port LS owners to use the same stated profile across those setups. This kit pairs its 221/24x, .619/.617-inch cam with steel springs, pushrods, and gaskets.

The 113 LSA and three-bolt pattern define the cam’s listed configuration, while BTR describes strong power in both boosted and naturally aspirated LS3 combinations. Those application notes help buyers assess the profile against their engine plan. The package includes a steel spring set, pushrods, and gaskets alongside the cam, which consolidates several installation components. Its listed engine family includes LS3 and rectangle-port LS engines, with L99, L76, and L77 also named in the title.

Skip it if you specifically want titanium retainers in the kit; BTR Brian Tooley Racing Red Hot LS3 Camshaft Install Kit includes them.

This package fits LS3 and rectangle-port LS owners wanting the Red Hot profile for a boosted or naturally aspirated build with core installation parts included. Check the three-bolt configuration and your valvetrain needs before choosing.

Listed on Amazon as: BTR Brian Tooley Racing RED HOT LS3 Camshaft 6.2 6.0 L99 L76 L77 Kit (Cams, Steel Spring Set, Pushrods, Gaskets)

#4

4. BTR Red Hot Install Kit

Best for: Red Hot kit with titanium retainers.

Why it ranks #4: Pairs the 221/24x, .619/.617-inch Red Hot cam with .660-inch-lift dual springs, titanium retainers, 7.400-inch pushrods, and a gasket install kit.

This BTR Red Hot package includes dual valve springs rated for .660-inch lift, titanium retainers, 7.400-inch chromoly pushrods, and gaskets, enabling buyers to source core installation parts alongside the cam. The 221/24x, .619/.617-inch, 113 LSA profile is listed for LS3 and rectangle-port LS engines.

BTR describes the Red Hot cam as making power in both boosted and naturally aspirated LS3 combinations, giving this kit flexibility across those stated uses. Its .619/.617-inch lift sits below the included springs’ stated .660-inch lift rating. The 7.400-inch chromoly pushrods, titanium retainers, and gasket install kit reduce separate component sourcing, while the three-bolt pattern and listed 6.0L, 6.2L, L99, L76, and L77 applications help narrow compatibility.

Skip it if you require Delphi LS7 lifters and guide trays in the same package; Texas Speed Chopacabra Truck Camshaft Install Kit includes both.

This kit suits an LS3 or listed 6.0L/6.2L rectangle-port build seeking the Red Hot profile with springs, retainers, pushrods, and gaskets together. Check whether your installation also requires lifters, which are not specified here.

Listed on Amazon as: BTR Brian Tooley Racing Red Hot LS3 Camshaft, LS Dual Valve Springs (.660" Lift) with Titanium Retainers, 7.400" LS Chromoly Pushrods & Gasket Install Kit -Fits 6.0 6.2 L99 L76 L77

#5

5. TSP LS3 Stage 2 Cam

Best for: Mid-duration LS3 power applications.

Why it ranks #5: LS3-specific 229/244 duration and .629/.615-inch lift are described for power applications from 3000 RPM and above; this listing is a camshaft, not a complete kit.

Texas Speed’s 229/244 cam is described as a mid-duration choice for power applications from 3,000 rpm, enabling LS3, LSA, and L92 builders to target that operating range. Its .629/.615-inch lift and three-bolt pattern give the profile clear specifications for planning a compatible build.

Texas Speed says the camshaft was developed on a Superflow 902 engine dyno using a new LS3 crate engine, a development detail relevant to buyers prioritizing LS3 application work. The stated 3,000-rpm-plus power range helps define its intended operating character, while 229/244 duration and .629/.615-inch lift distinguish the profile. This listing is for the camshaft; the supplied facts do not identify included springs, pushrods, or gaskets, so account for those components separately when planning installation.

Skip it if you want the same 229/244 profile with dual springs, retainers, and pushrods included; Texas Speed TSP Stage 2 LS3 Camshaft Kit supplies them.

This camshaft suits LS3, LSA, or L92 owners targeting power applications from 3,000 rpm and arranging installation components separately. Its three-bolt pattern and stated engine applications should guide the build plan.

Listed on Amazon as: Texas Speed TSP LS3 Stage 2 Camshaft LS3 229/244 .629"/.615" | 3-Bolt Cam 6.2 LS3 LSA L92

#6 · Best Higher-RPM TSP Profile

6. TSP LS3 Stage 3 Cam

Best for: Aggressive LS3 top-end focus.

Why it ranks #6: The 231/246, .640/.615-inch profile offers more top-end power than TSP Stage 2, with a stated minimum 3,200 RPM stall recommendation for automatic applications.

Texas Speed’s Stage 3 raises the LS3 profile to 231/246 duration and .640-inch intake lift, enabling a more aggressive cam choice with an expressly stated top-end emphasis. The company notes a slight low-rpm torque tradeoff and recommends at least 3,200 rpm stall speed for automatic applications.

The 111 LSA and 231/246 duration set this apart from milder listed LS3 options, while Texas Speed describes the cam as providing more top-end power than its 229/244 profile. That gain comes with a slight low-rpm torque tradeoff, an important consideration for street and truck use. For automatic-equipped builds, the supplied description recommends a minimum 3,200-rpm stall speed. It is a three-bolt camshaft listed for 6.2L LS3, LSA, and L92 engines.

Skip it if you want a milder 229/244 LS3 profile without the stated 3,200-rpm minimum-stall recommendation; Texas Speed TSP LS3 Stage 2 Camshaft is that alternative.

Choose this Stage 3 for an LS3, LSA, or L92 build prioritizing top-end power and accepting the low-rpm tradeoff. Automatic applications should account for Texas Speed’s stated minimum 3,200-rpm stall recommendation.

Listed on Amazon as: Texas Speed TSP LS3 Stage 3 Camshaft 231/246 .640"/.615" 3 Bolt Cam 6.2 LS3 LSA L92

#7

7. BTR LS3 Stage 2 V2 Cam

Best for: BTR Stage 2 camshaft choice.

Why it ranks #7: This naturally aspirated LS3 cam lists 221/24x duration, .624/.636-inch lift, and 112 LSA, but the listing is for the camshaft rather than a component kit.

BTR’s LS3 Stage 2 V2 uses an in-house lobe design and a 112 LSA, enabling a naturally aspirated LS build to target power and torque across the curve without moving to the brand’s Stage 3 profile. The listing supplies the camshaft itself, rather than an installation kit.

The 221/24x duration and .624/.636-inch lift identify this as a substantial Stage 2 profile for naturally aspirated LS engines. BTR states that the V2 makes more power and torque throughout the curve than its earlier legendary LS3 cams, which gives buyers a clear performance aim for the updated design. Because the listing is for the camshaft alone, the supplied facts do not include springs, pushrods, or gaskets; plan those supporting parts separately for the installation.

Skip it if you need a complete Stage 2 valvetrain and gasket package; Texas Speed TSP Stage 2 LS3 Camshaft Kit includes supporting components.

Choose this cam for a naturally aspirated LS3 build seeking BTR’s Stage 2 V2 profile and its stated across-the-curve gains. It is a camshaft-only listing, so plan the compatible installation hardware and supporting valvetrain parts separately.

Listed on Amazon as: BTR LS3 STAGE 2 V2 CAMSHAFT – BTR-LS3STAGE2

#8

8. BTR Red Hot LS Cam

Best for: NA or blower Red Hot cam.

Why it ranks #8: Its 221/24x, .619/.617-inch, 113 LSA profile is listed for NA and blower setups across LS engines, but it is less specifically packaged for LS3 fitment.

The BTR Red Hot cam is expressly listed for naturally aspirated and blower LS setups, giving buyers one camshaft option across both stated configurations. Its 221/24x duration, .619/.617-inch lift, and 113 LSA suit a range of Gen III and Gen IV LS engines, including the LS3.

The Red Hot profile covers LS1, LS2, LS3, L76, L77, LQ4, LQ9, and several other listed LS engines, so its stated compatibility reaches beyond one displacement. The .619/.617-inch lift figures make the valvetrain requirements important: the listing explicitly requires upgraded valve springs and pushrods, neither of which is included here. That cam-only format keeps the purchase focused but means spring and pushrod selection must be handled separately before installation.

Skip it if you want springs, pushrods, and gaskets in the same package; BTR Brian Tooley Racing Red Hot LS3 Camshaft Kit supplies those components.

This cam-only option fits an LS3 owner choosing a Red Hot profile for an NA or blower setup and willing to source the required springs and pushrods. Check that your engine is among the listed Gen III/IV applications.

Listed on Amazon as: Dynosty Brian Tooley Racing BTR Red Hot LS Cam LS1 LS2 LS3 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Camshaft

#9

9. BTR Stage 3 Turbo Cam Kit

Best for: Turbo LS higher-rpm combination.

Why it ranks #9: The 224/24x, .618/.618-inch turbo profile includes springs, titanium retainers, and pushrods, but its description emphasizes turbo combinations rather than a naturally aspirated LS3.

The BTR Turbo Stage 3 kit combines a 114 LSA cam with dual springs, titanium retainers, and 7.400-inch chromoly pushrods, enabling a higher-rpm turbo-oriented valvetrain package. BTR specifically points to light cars and 5.3/6.0-liter engines with S400 equipment as a suitable combination.

The 224/24x duration and .618/.618-inch lift are presented as a step for buyers seeking more rpm than a Stage 2 turbo cam. Its 114 LSA and stated turbo focus frame the intended use, while the supplied BTR Platinum dual springs are specified for LS engines using stock rocker arms. Titanium retainers and 7.400-inch chromoly pushrods arrive with the cam, reducing component sourcing. The listing spans LS1, LS2, LS3, and several other LS engine families.

Skip it if you want a cam explicitly presented for both naturally aspirated and blower LS setups; Dynosty BTR Red Hot is listed for those uses.

Pick this kit for a turbo LS build, especially the light-car S400 combination named by BTR, when a higher-rpm step is wanted. Its turbo orientation and stated pushrod length merit careful planning for the complete engine setup.

Listed on Amazon as: BTR Brian Tooley Racing LS Stage 3 Turbo Camshaft, Spring Kit with Titanium Retainers & 7.400" LS Chromoly Pushrods LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2

#10

10. TSP CHOPacabra Truck Kit

Best for: Torque-converter-friendly truck cam.

Why it ranks #10: Its 214/222, .550/.550-inch profile is designed for LS-based trucks and a factory torque converter, making it less directly suited to a performance-focused LS3 search.

The Texas Speed CHOPacabra is specified to work with a factory torque converter and LS6 valve springs, giving truck builders a cam option that does not call for a higher-stall converter in the supplied description. Its kit also includes Delphi LS7 lifters and guide trays.

With 214/222 duration, .550/.550-inch lift, and a 108 LSA, this cam is described as a snarling truck-oriented choice for compatible Gen III/IV LS-based 6.0L and 6.2L engines. The factory-torque-converter and LS6-spring notes help buyers assess the intended combination before installation. Delphi LS7 lifters and a guide tray are included, alongside the cam kit and gaskets, reducing separate valvetrain sourcing. Check that the engine falls within the stated 1999–2013 application range and uses a three-bolt pattern.

Skip it if you need more top-end power and accept a 3,200-RPM minimum stall recommendation; Texas Speed TSP LS3 Stage 3 fits that brief.

This kit suits a truck owner seeking the CHOPacabra sound and a factory-converter-oriented setup, with lifters and trays included. Its stated application is Gen III/IV LS-based 6.0L and 6.2L engines, not a universal LS3 package.

Listed on Amazon as: Texas Speed & Performance Chopacabra Truck Camshaft Install Kit for Gen III/IV LS 6.0L 6.2L LS3 Vortec Trucks (Includes Cam Kit, Gaskets, Lifters & Trays)