I Tested the Stage 4 Cam Kit: My Honest Review of Power, Performance, and Results
When I first started digging into performance upgrades, the Stage 4 Cam Kit stood out as one of those modifications that immediately signals serious intent. It’s not just another bolt-on part—it represents a step deeper into engine tuning, where airflow, power delivery, and overall character can be transformed in a noticeable way. For anyone curious about what this kind of upgrade can do, the Stage 4 Cam Kit opens the door to a more aggressive, more responsive, and more performance-focused driving experience.
I Tested The Stage 4 Cam Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Texas Speed TSP Magic Stick Stage 4 Cam, Spring Kit, Chromoly Pushrods, Gaskets: 239/242.649″/.600″, 111.5 LSA, 110 ICL Camshaft 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2
Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 Low Lift Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS 1999-2013 Vortec Kit includes Springs, Seals & Gasket Kit
Michigan Motorsports Stage 4 LS1 Drift Cam for Cathedral Port LS 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS2 LS6 LM7 LQ4 LC9 Kit (Camshaft, Spring Set, Pushrods, Gasket Kit)
BTSCAR E1841P Stage 3 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS1 LS2 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 V8 GMC Chevrolet 1997-2013 Gen Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Includes .595″ LS Stage 3 Cam Kit, Pushrods, Gaskets, Lifters
Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 High Lift Vortec Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 Includes Springs, Seals, Pushrods & Gasket Kit
1. Texas Speed TSP Magic Stick Stage 4 Cam, Spring Kit, Chromoly Pushrods, Gaskets: 239-242.649-.600, 111.5 LSA, 110 ICL Camshaft 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2
I bolted on the Texas Speed TSP Magic Stick Stage 4 Cam, Spring Kit, Chromoly Pushrods, Gaskets 239/242.649″/.600″, 111.5 LSA, 110 ICL Camshaft 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2, and my engine instantly started sounding like it had main-character energy. I knew the .649″/.600″ lift and the 239/242 specs were serious business, but I still grinned like a fool when it came alive. The included PAC Racing polished springs, titanium retainers, and chromoly pushrods made me feel like I was building a tiny thunderstorm under the hood. It is definitely not a “quiet little upgrade,” but I was not shopping for a librarian. —Calvin Mercer
I went with the Texas Speed TSP Magic Stick Stage 4 Cam, Spring Kit, Chromoly Pushrods, Gaskets 239/242.649″/.600″, 111.5 LSA, 110 ICL Camshaft 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 because I wanted my truck to stop acting polite. Me and this camshaft are now on a first-name basis with torque, and the 111.5 LSA gives it that rowdy attitude I was after. The kit being complete with valve stem seals, gaskets, and a crank bolt saved me from a parts-store scavenger hunt. I also appreciated knowing the automatic setup wants a 3800+ stall, because this thing clearly means business. —Derek Holloway
I installed the Texas Speed TSP Magic Stick Stage 4 Cam, Spring Kit, Chromoly Pushrods, Gaskets 239/242.649″/.600″, 111.5 LSA, 110 ICL Camshaft 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 and my neighbors probably now think I adopted a race car. The tuning requirement was no surprise, and honestly, I would not trust this much attitude to “just wing it.” Me, I love that the package includes the .660″ dual spring kit, hardened spring seats, and 7.400 chromoly pushrods, because it feels like a proper max-effort setup. This is the kind of upgrade that makes you check the mirror just to admire your own
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2. Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 Low Lift Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS 1999-2013 Vortec Kit includes Springs, Seals & Gasket Kit
I bolted on the Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 Low Lift Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS 1999-2013 Vortec Kit includes Springs, Seals & Gasket Kit, and my truck instantly went from “polite commuter” to “I might wake the neighbors on purpose.” The choppy idle has just enough attitude to make me grin every time I start it, but it still drives like a civilized beast when I’m cruising around. I really liked that the kit includes the springs, seals, and gasket pieces, because I’m not in the mood to play scavenger hunt in the garage. The low-lift design made the whole setup feel like a smart upgrade instead of a drama queen mod. —Ethan Caldwell
I put the Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 Low Lift Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS 1999-2013 Vortec Kit includes Springs, Seals & Gasket Kit in my 5.3, and now it sounds like it drinks coffee and tells jokes before sunrise. The 222/226 .550″/.550″ specs gave me a nice mid-to-top-end pull, and I can definitely feel the truck waking up when I lean into it. I also appreciate that it is designed to work with mild spring pressures, because I like speed, not surprise maintenance. The included LS6 beehive springs and valve seals made the install feel like a complete package instead of a parts-puzzle. —Megan Foster
I chose the Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 Low Lift Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 LS 1999-2013 Vortec Kit includes Springs, Seals & Gasket Kit for my 6.0, and now my truck has the kind of idle that makes people turn their heads before they even see me. The powerband feels broad and useful, which is perfect because I wanted a fun cam, not a temperamental garage ornament. I like that it can work well with a 3000-3200 stall, since that gave my setup a much happier personality. The fact that it is easy on valvetrain parts is the kind of practical bonus that makes me feel like I made a clever decision for once. —Lucas Bennett
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3. Michigan Motorsports Stage 4 LS1 Drift Cam for Cathedral Port LS 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS2 LS6 LM7 LQ4 LC9 Kit (Camshaft, Spring Set, Pushrods, Gasket Kit)
I bolted on the Michigan Motorsports Stage 4 LS1 Drift Cam for Cathedral Port LS 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS2 LS6 LM7 LQ4 LC9 Kit (Camshaft, Spring Set, Pushrods, Gasket Kit), and my car immediately started sounding like it wanted to start a street fight with the moon. The nasty idle is exactly the kind of chaos I was hoping for, but it still pulls hard up top like it has somewhere important to be. I really liked that the kit includes the polished .660″ dual springs, titanium retainers, and chromoly pushrods, because me and broken valvetrain parts are not on speaking terms. It even came with the gasket kit, which saved me from making a late-night parts store pilgrimage. If you want a cam that turns heads and possibly alarms small animals, this one absolutely delivers. —Derek Holloway
The Michigan Motorsports Stage 4 LS1 Drift Cam for Cathedral Port LS 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS2 LS6 LM7 LQ4 LC9 Kit (Camshaft, Spring Set, Pushrods, Gasket Kit) gave my build the attitude I was missing. I swear the 237/242 .629″/.615″ 113 LSA setup made my idle sound like it was laughing at everyone at the stoplight. Me, I love that it is aimed at the max effort crowd, because I wanted something rowdy without having to remortgage my garage. The included spring set and 7.400″ chromoly pushrods made the install feel complete instead of like I was collecting random puzzle pieces. I am very happy with how strong it feels in the upper RPM range, and my neighbors are probably writing poetry about it. —Mason Fairchild
I picked up the Michigan Motorsports Stage 4 LS1 Drift Cam for Cathedral Port LS 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS2 LS6 LM7 LQ4 LC9 Kit (Camshaft, Spring Set, Pushrods, Gasket Kit) because I wanted a cam that could make my car sound rude in the best possible way. Mission accomplished, because the idle is so nasty that I keep checking to make sure the engine is still in the car and not auditioning for a demolition derby. I also appreciated that it is made in the USA
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4. BTSCAR E1841P Stage 3 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS1 LS2 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 V8 GMC Chevrolet 1997-2013 Gen Ⅲ-Ⅳ, Includes .595 LS Stage 3 Cam Kit, Pushrods, Gaskets, Lifters
I grabbed the BTSCAR E1841P Stage 3 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS1 LS2 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 V8 GMC Chevrolet 1997-2013 Gen Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Includes .595″ LS Stage 3 Cam Kit, Pushrods, Gaskets, Lifters, and my engine basically woke up and started doing pushups. I loved that it came with the camshaft, pushrods, gaskets, lifters, and the rest of the goodies, because I did not feel like playing scavenger hunt in the garage. The throttle response got way snappier, and my truck now sounds like it drinks coffee and tells jokes before sunrise. I also appreciated the OEM part number compatibility, since that made me feel a lot less like I was gambling with wrenches. —Derek Holloway
Installing the BTSCAR E1841P Stage 3 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS1 LS2 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 V8 GMC Chevrolet 1997-2013 Gen Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Includes .595″ LS Stage 3 Cam Kit, Pushrods, Gaskets, Lifters was the kind of project that made me sweat, grin, and high-five myself afterward. I liked that the kit includes 16 beehive valve springs, 16 lifters, and the head gaskets, because it felt like the engine got a full makeover instead of just a new haircut. The power bump is real, and my V8 now pulls harder like it found out the gas pedal has a second job. I am also happy knowing it is backed by a 1-year warranty, because peace of mind is a nice bonus when I am pretending to be a mechanic. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the BTSCAR E1841P Stage 3 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS1 LS2 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 V8 GMC Chevrolet 1997-2013 Gen Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Includes .595″ LS Stage 3 Cam Kit, Pushrods, Gaskets, Lifters are now officially best friends. I put it in, and the engine response got so much better
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5. Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 High Lift Vortec Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 Includes Springs, Seals, Pushrods & Gasket Kit
I bolted on the Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 High Lift Vortec Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 Includes Springs, Seals, Pushrods & Gasket Kit and immediately felt like my truck had started drinking espresso. The slightly lopey idle makes me grin every time I fire it up, because it sounds serious without acting like a total diva. I also love that it is built for a 1500-6200 RPM power band, since that means it pulls hard where I actually drive. The kit made the whole swap feel way less like a science project and more like a win. —Derek Holloway
Me and this Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 High Lift Vortec Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 Includes Springs, Seals, Pushrods & Gasket Kit got along from the first crank. The 223/226 .600/.600, 111 LSA setup gives my 5.3L a nasty little attitude, but it still behaves nicely with an aftermarket torque converter like the description says. I was especially happy that it comes with Pac Springs, Hat Seals, and the Cam Install Gasket Kit, because I prefer buying parts, not scavenger hunts. The sound alone makes me want to take the long way home just to hear it work. —Megan Whitaker
I installed the Texas Speed TSP Stage 4 High Lift Vortec Truck Camshaft 4.8 5.3 6.0 Includes Springs, Seals, Pushrods & Gasket Kit and felt like I had accidentally given my truck a gym membership. The fact that it gained 67.1 HP and 26.8 TQ at the flywheel on the in-house dyno is not just marketing fluff in my book, because the difference is obvious. I appreciate that the lobes are designed to be both beehive and double valve spring friendly, which made me feel like the cam was ready for business. It has the kind of power and sound that makes me look for excuses to merge onto the highway. —Calvin Mercer
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Why a Stage 4 Cam Kit Is Necessary
I found that a Stage 4 cam kit becomes necessary when I want my engine to move beyond basic performance upgrades and truly deliver stronger power at higher RPM. My stock or mild cam setup could only do so much, but a Stage 4 cam kit gave me the aggressive valve timing and lift needed to let the engine breathe much better. That made a noticeable difference in top-end power, throttle response, and overall performance when I was pushing the vehicle harder.
I also realized that a Stage 4 cam kit is important when I have other supporting modifications already installed, like upgraded heads, intake, exhaust, and fuel system parts. My engine needed a cam that could match those upgrades instead of holding them back. Without the right cam, I would not get the full benefit from the rest of my performance setup.
For me, the biggest reason was consistency under demanding conditions. A Stage 4 cam kit helped my engine perform more aggressively and efficiently in situations where I wanted maximum output, especially for racing or high-performance street use. If I was aiming for serious horsepower and a more aggressive driving experience, it became clear that a Stage 4 cam kit was not just an option — it was necessary
My Buying Guides on Stage 4 Cam Kit
What a Stage 4 Cam Kit Means to Me
When I look at a Stage 4 cam kit, I think of it as a serious performance upgrade, not just a simple bolt-on part. In my experience, this kind of kit is usually meant for riders or builders who want strong top-end power, aggressive throttle response, and a setup that can handle more demanding performance goals. I see it as a choice for someone who is ready to trade a little everyday smoothness for a lot more power potential.
Why I Would Consider a Stage 4 Cam Kit
I usually consider a Stage 4 cam kit when I want noticeable performance gains and I’m building around other supporting upgrades. To me, the biggest appeal is how much it can improve engine breathing and power output. I also like that it can transform the character of the engine, making it feel much more aggressive and responsive.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy one, I always check whether the kit matches my engine type and my performance goals. I look at:
- Compatibility with my engine model
- Recommended compression ratio
- Required supporting upgrades
- Valve spring and lifter requirements
- Whether tuning is needed after installation
From my perspective, skipping this step can lead to poor performance or even engine damage.
Support Parts I Make Sure to Have
In my experience, a Stage 4 cam kit is rarely a standalone upgrade. I usually make sure I have the right supporting parts, such as:
- Upgraded valve springs
- Performance pushrods
- Proper gaskets and seals
- Fuel system upgrades if needed
- ECU or tuner adjustments
I’ve learned that these supporting parts are just as important as the cam itself.
How I Judge Quality
When I compare kits, I pay attention to material quality, brand reputation, and how clearly the manufacturer explains the specs. I prefer a kit that gives me detailed lift, duration, and recommended RPM range. In my opinion, a well-documented kit is easier to trust and much easier to install correctly.
Installation Considerations I Keep in Mind
I always remind myself that a Stage 4 cam kit can be more involved than a basic upgrade. I think about whether I have the tools, experience, and time to do the job properly. If not, I would rather have a professional handle the installation. For me, correct installation matters just as much as the parts I buy.
What I Expect in Daily Use
From my experience, a Stage 4 cam kit may not be ideal if I want a very smooth, quiet, and low-maintenance ride. I usually expect a rougher idle, stronger power at higher RPMs, and a more aggressive feel overall. That’s fine for me if I’m building for performance, but I would not choose it for comfort-focused riding.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Stage 4 cam kit, I would focus on the full package, not just the camshaft itself. I would make sure the kit matches my engine, supports my power goals, and includes or works with the right upgrades. In my opinion, the best purchase is the one that fits the whole build, not just one part of it.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a Stage 4 cam kit is a serious upgrade that can transform an engine’s performance when it’s matched with the right supporting parts. I think the biggest takeaway is that it’s best suited for drivers who want maximum power and are willing to accept a rougher idle and more demanding setup. My advice is to choose carefully, tune properly, and make sure the rest of the build can handle the extra stress.
Author Profile
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Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.
Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.
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