Upgrading to a more aggressive camshaft is one of the most common and cost-effective ways to wake up an LS engine, whether it’s a junkyard 5.3, the stock Vortec in your pickup, or a fresh crate motor. A bigger cam delivers more duration and lift, unlocking horsepower and torque throughout the rev range. However, with that increase in performance comes a new set of demands on your valvetrain. One area that often gets overlooked during these upgrades is the rocker arm trunnion, and Melling is here to help with their LS trunning kit.

Most enthusiasts know they need to install stiffer valve springs and new pushrods to match the cam’s increased valve lift, but many skip upgrading the factory rocker trunnions. That can be a costly mistake. While the factory GM LS rocker arm is impressively lightweight and comes with a 1.7 ratio, it wasn’t designed to survive the higher RPM, higher lift, and stiffer spring pressures of performance applications. In particular, the OEM needle bearing cages inside the trunnion assemblies have a known failure point when pushed beyond their limits — and when they go, they can send metal debris into the engine, causing catastrophic damage.

That’s where Melling steps in with their new LS trunnion kit that is a simple but critical upgrade for anyone planning to push their LS harder than stock. Melling’s kit replaces the fragile factory needle bearings with C932 bronze bushings, a premium material known for strength, durability, and excellent load distribution. The trunnions themselves are constructed from hardened steel with a micro-polished finish for low friction and extended service life, even under extreme conditions.

What really sets the Melling kit apart are its dedicated oiling channels, machined directly into the trunnion to ensure a constant supply of lubrication at all engine speeds. This design provides greater thermal and wear resistance, helping the bushings withstand the added stress of aggressive cam lobe profiles and heavy-duty valve springs without seizing or wearing prematurely.

The Melling LS trunnion kit isn’t just insurance — it’s an essential component for anyone upgrading their camshaft and valvetrain. It keeps your rockers stable, your oil clean, and your engine out of the machine shop. For peace of mind and reliable power, it’s a smart investment in long-term LS performance.