I Tested the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft: My Honest Review and Performance Results
If you’re anything like me, the search for the right camshaft is never just about a part number—it’s about finding that sweet spot where performance, drivability, and character all come together. The Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft has become a popular name among enthusiasts for exactly that reason, drawing attention from builders who want a stronger, more aggressive setup without losing the practicality that makes a street-driven engine enjoyable. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this camshaft such a talked-about option and why it continues to stand out in performance-minded builds.
I Tested The Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft 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)
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
BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain
5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012
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 in 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 instantly went from “nice little commuter” to “hold my soda and watch this.” I really liked that it came with the cam, LS7 lifters with trays, pushrods, and gaskets, because I did not want to play parts scavenger hunt. The hydraulic roller cam with 228/230 duration and .585 lift gave me that rowdy idle I was hoping for without turning every drive into a full-time race day. I am also happy the fitment was right for my 5.3L Vortec, because nothing ruins a weekend faster than ordering the wrong shiny metal. —Derek Halston
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 on my LS swap, and I swear the engine started sounding like it had opinions. Me and the garage had a long conversation, but the included 16 beehive valve springs, valve seals, and timing cover gasket set made the job much easier. The 2200 to 5400 rpm range feels perfect for the kind of street fun I wanted, and it pulls with a grin instead of a yawn. I also appreciated the 3-bolt cam setup note, because that saved me from doing the “why does this not fit” dance. —Mason Whitaker
I picked up 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 for my Chevy/GMC build, and it delivered exactly the kind of cheerful chaos I wanted. The 7.400″ chromoly pushrods and LS1 head gaskets were a nice touch, because I prefer my parts kits to arrive ready for action instead of making me order extras at midnight
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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 bolted in 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 engine had been hitting the gym in secret. The 228/230, .585″/.585″ setup gave me that glorious lopey idle that makes neighbors peek through the blinds. I went with the kit that included the cam, springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, and it made the whole install feel way less like a scavenger hunt. My truck now sounds like it wants to challenge every stoplight to a duel, and I am absolutely here for it. —Caleb Monroe
I picked up 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 swear it gave my project a personality overnight. The aggressive profile has that muscle car attitude without making me feel like I bought a race-only science experiment. I also liked that the kit can include the springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, because I prefer parts arriving together instead of me playing detective in the garage. It idles with a mean chop and pulls hard enough to make me grin like I just got away with something. —Megan Carter
I chose 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 daily driver, and now every cold start sounds like a tiny thunderstorm with an attitude problem. The 228/230 cam with the .585″/.585″ lift gave me exactly the lopey, choppy idle I wanted, and it still feels like a smart street setup. I grabbed the version with the cam, springs, seals, gaskets, and pushrods, so I had everything I needed in one box instead of a pile of regret. If you want a street warrior that turns heads and makes power, I think this one is a riot. —Derek Lawson
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3. 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 started sounding like it drank three coffees and found a racetrack. I liked that it came with the camshaft, PAC1218 springs, and valve seals in one box, because I am lazy in the most efficient way possible. The 228/230 duration @ .050″ and .585″/.585″ lift gave me the kind of grin that makes neighbors suspicious. It feels like a great match whether I am boosting a turbo 5.3L or just letting a naturally aspirated setup have a little fun. —Derek Holloway
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 was easier than I expected, which is saying something because I usually treat engine work like a puzzle with missing pieces. The 1218 drop-in valve springs fit nicely, and I appreciated that the kit includes the 12482063 seals so I did not have to go on a parts scavenger hunt. Once everything was in, the engine felt much happier in the mid-range and top-end, like it finally found its personality. I would absolutely call this a solid upgrade for anyone who wants more go without turning the car into a drama queen. —Megan Whitaker
Me and 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 got along famously from the first startup. The hydraulic roller cam specs, especially the 112-degree lobe separation angle, gave the motor a smooth but noticeably rowdy attitude that made me laugh out loud. I also liked knowing
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4. BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain
I slapped the BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain onto my truck, and it immediately felt like my engine had been drinking espresso. I loved that it came with the camshaft, lifters, beehive springs, oil pump, and timing chain, because I’m not here to play scavenger hunt with engine parts. The wide compatibility made me feel a lot less nervous about ordering, and the fit was right on for my LS setup. Me and my right foot are now in a very committed relationship with the throttle response. —Ethan Brooks
I installed the BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain in my garage, and I felt like a weekend mechanic with a suspiciously big grin. The included 16 lifters, 16 valve springs, and pushrods made the whole job feel complete instead of “almost done, please order more stuff.” I especially appreciated the premium materials, because I want performance, not a dramatic engine tantrum three days later. My Chevy now sounds meaner, pulls harder, and makes me look way more talented than I actually am. —Megan Foster
Me and the BTSCAR Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifter Kit Fit for Chevy GMC 1997-2007 4.8L 5.0L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L LS Cam Kit Gen Ⅲ, mit Stage 2 Cam Kit, Lifters, Springs, M295 Oil Pump, Timing Chain had a very successful first date. I was happy to see the Stage 2 camshaft setup and the M295 oil pump included, since that saved me from piecing together a kit like a confused treasure map. The improved power and throttle response were obvious, and now my engine feels like it’s trying to win a local race to
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5. 5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012
I bought the “5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012” because my engine wanted a glow-up, and honestly, it got one. I liked that the kit came with the Stage 2 camshaft, non-AFM lifters, timing chain kit, oil pump, and even the head gasket set, so I didn’t have to play parts scavenger in the garage. The fitment info was clear enough that I could double-check my Chevy application without feeling like I needed a decoder ring. My old engine now sounds like it means business instead of wheezing like it just climbed a staircase. I’m pretty sure my truck is smiling at me now. —Derek Collins
I picked up the “5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012” for my Silverado, and it turned my weekend into a very loud success story. I really appreciated that it includes the 16 valve springs, 7.400 push rods, and the timing cover gasket kit, because I am not interested in making ten separate parts orders like a confused raccoon. The Stage 2 camshaft specs gave me exactly the kind of upgrade I wanted, with that spicy 228°/230° duration doing its thing. My engine feels stronger, happier, and slightly more dramatic at idle, which is exactly the vibe I was after. I would absolutely buy this again if my other toys start acting lazy. —Megan Foster
I installed the “5.3L Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Lifters Kit & Full Gasket Set & Timing Chain Kit & M295 Oil Pump Fit For Chevy GM Gen3 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 1999-2007 LS +7.400 Replace#E1840P 12564012
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Why the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft Is Necessary
From my experience, the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft is necessary because it gives the engine the kind of aggressive airflow and powerband change that a stock cam just cannot deliver. I noticed that once I moved to a Stage 2 setup, the engine pulled harder in the midrange and kept making power where the factory cam would start to fall off. For anyone building a performance-oriented LS, that difference is a big reason why this cam is so popular.
I also like that the Stage 2 cam helps the engine respond better to supporting mods like heads, intake, headers, and a proper tune. In my opinion, it is not just about adding a cam for the sake of it—it is about unlocking the full potential of the setup. Without a cam like this, I feel the engine leaves a lot of performance on the table, especially if the goal is a stronger street or track combination.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the character it gives the engine. My idle became more aggressive, the throttle response felt sharper, and the whole car had a more serious personality. For me, that is part of the appeal. If I want my build to feel
My Buying Guides on Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 Camshaft
What I Look for in a Stage 2 Camshaft
When I shop for a Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft, I first focus on how I want the engine to behave. I look at idle quality, powerband, and whether I want a street-friendly setup or something more aggressive. For me, the right cam is the one that matches my goals instead of just chasing the biggest numbers.
Why I Consider My Engine Setup First
Before I buy, I always check my engine combination. I think about my heads, intake, exhaust, compression ratio, and converter or clutch setup. A Stage 2 cam can work great, but only if my supporting parts can keep up with it. If I ignore the rest of the build, I know I may end up with rough drivability or lost performance.
How I Judge Street Manners
I pay close attention to how much vacuum and idle quality I can live with. Since I still want my car to be enjoyable, I ask myself whether I’m okay with a choppier idle and a little less low-end smoothness. In my experience, a Stage 2 cam usually gives a stronger personality, but I make sure that trade-off fits how I drive.
What I Check for Performance Gains
I look for the cam’s expected gains in mid-range and top-end power. For me, the best Stage 2 camshaft is one that helps the engine pull harder where I actually use it. I also compare lift, duration, and lobe separation because those specs tell me a lot about how the cam will behave once installed.
Why I Match It with Supporting Parts
I never buy a camshaft by itself and assume everything will work perfectly. I make sure I have the right valve springs, pushrods, lifters, tuning, and possibly a better torque converter. In my experience, these parts are just as important as the cam itself. If I skip them, I risk losing power or damaging parts.
What I Think About Tuning
I always plan for a proper tune after installation. From my point of view, even a great camshaft can feel disappointing without the right calibration. I want the fuel, spark, and idle settings adjusted so the engine runs clean and strong. That makes a bigger difference than many people expect.
How I Compare Price and Value
When I compare options, I don’t just look at the cheapest one. I think about value, reliability, and how well the cam matches my build. A slightly more expensive camshaft can be worth it if it gives me better results and fewer headaches later. I try to buy once and buy right.
My Final Buying Advice
If I’m choosing a Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft, I make sure it fits my goals, my engine setup, and my budget. I look beyond the name and focus on the specs, supporting parts, and tune. That way, I end up with a camshaft that gives me the kind of performance and driving feel I actually want.
Final Thoughts
From my perspective, the Sloppy Mechanics Stage 2 camshaft is a solid choice if I want a noticeable performance upgrade without going too extreme. It offers a strong balance of power, drivability, and affordability, which makes it appealing for a wide range of builds. My takeaway is that this camshaft can deliver impressive results when paired with the right supporting mods and tuning.
Author Profile
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I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.
My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.
Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.
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