Howards Cams Wakes Up 4.8, 5.3, And 5.7-Liter LS Engines

Since GM continues to double down on V8 performance, some enthusiasts might believe it takes the latest and greatest six-liter or 6.2-liter LS engine to build something fast and/or interesting. But that’s simply not the case and, in fact, that’s never been the case. As our recent features illustrate, any motivated gearhead can build an awesome powerhouse out of almost any LS engine. In fact, our friends at Howards Cams specialize in helping folks do just that by offering an extensive line of bump sticks created specifically for 4.8-, 5.3-, and 5.7-liter LS engines.

Big Torque, Mild Street Manners

Suppose you’re building something like a semi-daily-driven or daily-driven truck with a reliable LS block that simply needs a little more power. Howards’ 1997-Present Chevrolet Gen III/IV LS Series 1000-5600 cam (PN 192705-12) is an excellent fit. Engineered with a 208/214 duration at .050, .525/.525-inch lift, and a 114-degree LSA, this 1,000–5,600 RPM cam maximizes off-idle torque and works seamlessly with a factory converter. Featuring a short duration and a wide LSA, the cam maintains great low-speed manners and keeps the truck’s power band well within reach. In short, Howards’ 192705-12 cam provides an inexpensive, relatively mild way to wake up smaller displacement LS engines that are still easily sourced and reasonably affordable.

Oh, and did we mention that this is also an easy install? Maximizing Howards 1997-Present Chevrolet Gen III / IV LS Series 1000-5600 cam simply requires a good intake, good exhaust, new valve springs, and a simple tune. 

More Power, Mild Street Manners

The great thing about Howards is that the company offers a cam for almost every purse and every purpose. Taking the former application a step further, upgrading to something like the company’s 1997-Present Chevy LS Gen III/IV 1000-6800 cam (PN 195815-14) maintains the mild street manners and off-idle torque of 192705-12 while stepping up the power. The added lift basically opens the valve higher while maintaining the same duration, allowing for increased airflow, which, in turn, increases power. That is, of course, opposed to a bigger cam with more duration, which opens the valve for longer and risks moving the powerband out of the usable range. In summary: 195815-14 keeps the torque and added power usable for someone who enjoys driving their vehicle in a variety of settings.

Street Rods Need Apply

At 214/220 degrees duration at .050, .525/.525-inch lift, and a 112-degree LSA, Howards’ 1997-Present Chevy Gen III/IV LS Series 1400-6000 (PN 192005-12) is a good all-around choice for 5.3- and 5.7-liter street rod transplants. An option that, like the aforementioned 195815-14, plays with duration rather than lift, the 192005 holds the valves open longer while maintaining the same .525-inch maximum lift. That gives the engine more opportunity to move air as RPM increases. 

The 112-degree LSA also suggests the 192005 should have a little more attitude at idle and concentrate the torque curve somewhat more aggressively. While the cam does give up some emphasis on off-idle torque, the payoff is an engine that’s happier carrying more RPM and should make stronger power further up the tach. 

Wanna Get Crazy?

If and when your build goes from a fun street vehicle to something a bit more serious, Howards has you covered. Its 1997-Present Chevy LS Series 3-Bolt 1600-6400 (PN 192105-15) is a boost cam that the company specifically designed for small displacement LS engines. Recommended for 5.3- and 5.7-liter applications that are running 10+ psi, the cam features a 218/230 duration split that efficiently evacuates exhaust. Then there’s the 115-degree LSA, which reduces valve overlap to accommodate a pressurized intake charge.

Since 192105 is more aggressive with duration and valve event placement, the cam will require new valve springs and a tune. That said, at .525./.525 lift, it is still a conservative piece that should be fairly well-mannered.

At the end of the day, building a fun, LS-powered vehicle doesn’t require six liters, exotic parts, or a massive budget. The millions of 4.8-, 5.3-, and 5.7-liter LS engines GM produced provide enthusiasts with an affordable foundation that can be tailored to almost any kind of build. And as Howards Cams confidently illustrates, sometimes waking one up is simply a matter of choosing the right bump stick for what you actually want the vehicle to do.