CAM UPGRADE BENEFITS

What an LS Cam Upgrade Can Change

More power

A larger camshaft can increase cylinder airflow and produce more power through the middle and upper engine-speed range.

More torque

The correct cam can improve torque in the rpm range where you use the vehicle most.

Stronger throttle response

Cam selection and custom tuning can make the engine feel more responsive when accelerating.

Choice of idle sound

Select a calm street idle, a noticeable chop or a more aggressive lumpy note.

Oztrack LS camshaft selection chart showing duration lift LSA idle and rpm range

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAM

The Biggest Cam Is Not Always the Best Cam

A camshaft should suit the complete vehicle rather than one desired dyno number.

We consider:

  • Engine size and compression ratio
  • Manual or automatic transmission
  • Standard or upgraded torque converter
  • Diff ratio and vehicle weight
  • Intake and exhaust system
  • Normal driving rpm
  • Desired idle quality and exhaust note
  • Naturally aspirated, supercharged or turbocharged use

A smaller cam can often provide better low-speed response and road manners. A larger cam may make more peak power but require a matched converter, exhaust and valve-train package.

Compare Our Installed Cam Packages

See our HP1, HP3, HP9, HPS, HPX-R, FE, GT and GTX-R cam packages, typical power gains and available upgrade options.

View LS Cam Upgrade Packages

SUPPORTED LS ENGINES

Cam Packages for Popular LS Engines

LS1

Cam packages for VT, VX, VY and VZ Commodore and HSV models using the cathedral-port LS1 engine.

LS2

Cam selection for LS2-powered HSV models, matched to the intake, exhaust and transmission combination.

L76 and L77

Complete cam and AFM or DOD-delete packages for engines fitted with cylinder-deactivation hardware.

L98

Street and higher-power packages for VE Commodores using the non-AFM 6.0-litre L98.

LS3

Cam upgrades for VE and VF HSV models and vehicles fitted with a 6.2-litre LS3 engine.

LSA

Supercharger-compatible camshaft packages designed around boost, exhaust flow, valve springs and intended engine speed.

INSTALLATION PROCESS

What Happens During an Oztrack Cam Upgrade?

1

Vehicle assessment

We review the engine, transmission, current modifications, fuel and the result you want.

2

Cam and parts selection

We match the camshaft with suitable valve springs, pushrods, timing components and supporting parts.

3

Disassembly and inspection

We inspect accessible components for wear or damage before final assembly.

4

Cleaning and installation

Cylinder heads and removed components can be cleaned in our hot wash before the new cam package is assembled.

5

Preload and valve-train checks

We check pushrod length, lifter preload, spring suitability and other valve-train requirements.

6

Pro-Hub dyno tuning

We custom tune the engine and, where applicable, the automatic transmission on our Mainline Pro-Hub dyno.

LS camshaft being installed into an LS engine at Oztrack
LS camshaft installation during engine assembly.

CAM PACKAGE COMPONENTS

What May Be Included in a Cam Upgrade?

Camshaft and valve train

  • Selected performance camshaft
  • Matched dual valve springs
  • Pushrods sized for correct preload
  • Lifters & related parts

AFM and DOD delete

  • Non-AFM camshaft
  • Replacement lifters and trays
  • Valley cover or delete hardware
  • Required gaskets and bolts
  • Dyno Tuning

Tuning and checks

  • Cold and warm idle calibration
  • Idle airflow adjustment
  • Fuel and ignition calibration
  • Knock and air-fuel ratio checks
  • Automatic shift tuning where suitable

The exact parts depend on the engine, camshaft, existing components and intended use. Your quote should list the parts included in your package.

Oztrack dyno comparison of HP3 camshaft against a standard LS3 camshaft

POWER AND TORQUE

How Much Power Does an LS Cam Add?

Results vary with engine type, cam size, exhaust, intake, compression, cylinder heads, fuel and transmission.

A correctly selected cam should improve more than the peak dyno figure. It should provide useful torque through the target rpm range and suit how you drive the car.

Oztrack measures and tunes cammed combinations on a Mainline Pro-Hub dyno. We check power delivery, air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, knock, idle control and drivability.

Oztrack Mainline dyno graph showing 342.1 rear-wheel kilowatts
Example Oztrack Mainline dyno result showing 382.7 rwkW. This is one vehicle result and is not a guaranteed result for every cam package.

CAMMED AUTOMATIC VEHICLES

Do You Need a Higher-Stall Torque Converter?

Not every automatic cam package needs a large converter. Mild cams can work with a standard or modest converter when the cam is chosen for that purpose.

Very large cams usually make less torque at very low rp, have to idle faster and may need a higher-stall converter to move the operating range closer to where the cam works best.

A converter may be recommended when you want:

  • A larger camshaft
  • A more aggressive idle
  • Stronger acceleration from a standing start
  • Better low-speed manners with a large cam
  • Improved performance at the drag strip

We consider your gearbox, diff ratio, tyre size, vehicle weight and normal road use before recommending a converter.

CAM AND HEAD PACKAGES

Can Cylinder Heads Be Upgraded at the Same Time?

Yes. Cylinder-head work may suit combinations targeting more airflow and higher power.

Replacement LS3 heads

We offer cnc ported heads with new ductile iron valve seats on an exchange basis. This is to prevent valve seat drop issues.

CNC-ported heads

Ported heads can increase airflow when matched to the engine, camshaft and intake combination.

Aftermarket heads

Premium aftermarket heads may suit larger naturally aspirated, stroker or boosted engine builds.

Ready to Choose an LS Cam Package?

Browse our installed LS cam upgrade packages for LS1, LS2, L76, L77, L98, LS3 and LSA engines. Compare package options, power gains and available upgrades before booking.

Browse LS Cam Upgrade Packages

COMMON QUESTIONS

LS Cam Upgrade FAQs

How much power does an LS cam upgrade add?

The gain depends on the engine, camshaft, intake, exhaust, compression ratio, cylinder heads, fuel and tune. A cam normally provides its best result when matched with a free-flowing intake, exhaust and custom dyno tune.

Which camshaft is best for my LS engine?

The best cam depends on your engine size, transmission, converter, diff ratio, exhaust, vehicle weight, driving style and desired idle. Oztrack can recommend a profile after reviewing the complete combination.

Will an LS cam make my car hard to drive?

A correctly selected and tuned street cam should remain practical to drive. Very large cams can reduce low-rpm torque, vacuum and idle quality. They may need a higher-stall converter and more careful tuning.

Can I keep the standard torque converter?

Some mild camshafts work with a standard converter. Larger cams normally benefit from a matched higher-stall converter. Oztrack will advise whether your chosen cam suits the existing converter.

Do I need upgraded valve springs?

Most performance camshafts require dual valve springs matched to their lift, lobe profile and intended engine speed. Standard springs do not provide enough control or clearance.

Should pushrods be replaced during a cam upgrade?

Performance chromoly pushrods are normally recommended. Their length must suit the cylinder-head, gasket, lifter, rocker and camshaft combination so the lifters have the correct preload.

Should LS lifters be replaced during a cam upgrade?

Lifter replacement depends on the engine, mileage, lifter type, camshaft and condition of the existing parts. AFM and DOD engines normally require a complete delete package when fitting a conventional performance cam.

Can Oztrack delete AFM or DOD during the cam upgrade?

Yes. Oztrack offers cam packages for L76 and L77 engines that replace the AFM or DOD camshaft and lifters with suitable non-AFM components. The ECU calibration is also changed.

Will the engine need a custom tune after the cam is fitted?

Yes. A camshaft changes airflow, idle vacuum and cylinder filling. The engine calibration must be adjusted for idle airflow, fuel, ignition timing, throttle response and safe full-load operation.

Can Oztrack make an automatic car sound lumpy?

Yes. The camshaft and tune can be selected to produce a noticeable idle. Some automatic vehicles can be calibrated for a stronger idle note in Park or Neutral and a calmer idle in Drive.

Will a cam upgrade use more fuel?

Fuel use depends on the camshaft, tune and how the car is driven. Larger cams can use more fuel at idle and low speed. Some mild cams can retain reasonable cruise economy when correctly tuned. Our FE cam helps LS engines provide good fuel economy for a V8.

Can a cam upgrade be fitted to a supercharged LS engine?

Yes. A boosted engine needs a camshaft selected for the supercharger, boost level, exhaust, cylinder heads, compression ratio and intended rpm range. A naturally aspirated cam is not automatically the best choice for a boosted engine. We have a few great, proven supercharger cams.

How long does an LS cam upgrade take?

Timing depends on the vehicle, package, parts availability and whether inspection finds other work. Oztrack can provide an expected timeframe when quoting the specific job. Less than 5 days is common.

What information should I provide when requesting a quote?

Please include:

  • Vehicle model and year
  • Engine type
  • Manual or automatic transmission
  • Current modifications
  • Fuel normally used
  • Desired idle sound
  • Normal street, towing, circuit or drag use
  • Target power or performance goal

GET A CAM PACKAGE QUOTE

Choose a Cam Package That Suits Your Car

Tell us your vehicle, engine, transmission, current modifications, desired idle and power goal.

In our premises since 2012

Rated 5 out of 5

Rated 4.9 stars – 200+ Reviews

Scott
Scott
Penrith, NSW
"LS2 engine rebuild was outstanding. Price and timeline remained firm. After sales support fantastic. All in all an awesome experience with Steve and his team. Highly recommended"
Brody
Brody
Penrith, NSW
"Steve and Jono always do their absolute best to ensure the job is always completed to the highest standard. I have been a returning customer now for many years and every time I get my Ute back from Oztrack I am left with a smile from ear to ear with the performance, sound and work that has been done. Highly recommend!"
Kirk
Kirk
Penrith, NSW
"Steve did a tune on my VY SS and it's been running it's best ever since. Promt delivery and good customer service.. I am very happy with Oztrack and would recommend them to anyone looking to tune their vehicle."
Grahame
Grahame
Penrith, NSW
"Oztrack are awesome! They have been looking at my VE SS race car over the last year. Engine build this year is amazing and produced great results. Highly recommend Steve and Johnathon to do any work required on your car."
Jacob
Jacob
Penrith, NSW
"Steve and Jono do their absolute best to ensure the job is always completed to the highest standard. I have had multiple cars worked on by Oztrack - Highly recommend!"
Patrick
Patrick
Penrith, NSW
"Unreal service could not be happier with my Caprice after a cam upgrade the guys at Oztrack are awesome at what they do will definitely be using them again"
Nathan
Nathan
Penrith, NSW
"Steve has been a great help tune in the car and also small tune up dates when I have changed thing on the car I highly recommend Oztrack"
Nicole
Nicole
Penrith, NSW
"the service you get from Steve at Oztrack is out standing. he is always there to help and will do everything he can to get the tune you want. couldn't recommend a better company than oztrack"

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