Wondering what the best cam for 4.8 Silverado is? Look no further; it’s right here. We found and reviewed the top 5 models for you.
A mismatching, old, or worn-out cam can cause the engine to face issues. Hence, it’s essential to pay special attention to the camshaft.
Also known as a lift, the camshaft offers power to the engine by opening the valves off its seat.
More lift means more power. When a camshaft opens up a valve, the piston opens the intake stroke, where the air/fuel mixture gets accelerated into the cylinder.
There are several camshafts out there. It’s essential to pick the right one if you want to enjoy a good kick.
The best camshaft for a 4.8 Silverado is the one that offers a longer duration to keep the valves open.
Top 5 Best Cams for 4.8 Silverado:
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| COMP Cams 54-424-11 (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | COMP Cams 54-450-11 | Check Price |
 | Brian Tooley Racing BTR Truck Stage 4 Cam | Check Price |
 | Brian Tooley Racing BTR Truck Stage 3 Cam | Check Price |
COMP Cams 54-424-11 (Editor’s Choice)
If you wish to increase the horsepower and your engine’s RPM range, then COMP cam 54-424 can be a viable choice. In addition, it is a good cam for vehicles that require a high lift, such as the Silverado.
In short, this camshaft qualifies for the performance goals you have been looking for.
Features
- RPM range: It offers a range of 1,800-6,400 RPM.
- Duration: The Intake duration at 050” lift is 212, and the exhaust duration at 50” lift is 218.
- Ratio: With the factory rocker arm, the ratio is 0.558 inches for intake valve lift. As for exhaust valve lift, the ratio is 0.563 inches.
- Excellent Power: Thanks to the revolutionary energy technology and the improved cylinder head design, you will experience high RPM potential and low-end grunt from this camshaft.
Pros
- It can be computer-controlled.
- Good lobe separation angle (115 degrees).
- Offers a stable valvetrain.
- EFI applications tuned.
Cons
- 7-stock springs are not compatible.
- Requires custom computer tuning.
Comp Cams 54-424-11 offers a good lobe separation angle and aids in enhancing the horsepower of the engine. Hence, getting this for your Silverado can do wonders as it is among the best cams for 4.8 Silverado.
COMP Cams 54-450-11
If you are searching for a cam for your Silverado, then Comp cams 540-450 will prove to be an excellent upgrade.
This cam is meant to improve an engine’s throttle response while enhancing the upper and mid RPM power.
Features
- Advanced Camshaft Technology: This cam operates on a different advanced camshaft technology that delivers considerable RPM power in upper and mid RPMs.
- Range: It offers a range of 2800-6800 RPM. Moreover, it also enhances the throttle response of the engine and makes it more powerful.
- Tolerant: This cam is highly tolerant to heat, hence quite durable. It is checked for quality by making it undergo rigorous testing.
- Valve Lift And Duration: The lobe separation angle on the cam is 115 degrees and offers a valve lift of 0.513”/0.52”.
Apart from that, the 206/212 valve is kept open for .50”, which is a good duration.
Pros
- Supports 3-bolt Camshaft Gear Attachment.
- It is tuned for EFI applications.
- Offers good performance on aftermarket cylinders.
- Extremely durable.
Cons
- Stock valve springs cannot be used with it.
COMP Cams 54-450-11 XFI Xtreme Truck 206/212 Hydraulic Roller Cam can enhance engine performance to a great deal thanks to the cutting-edge technology it is made up of.
Brian Tooley Racing BTR Truck Stage 4 Cam
This cam is one of the best precision engineering cams out there. It might have a low lift, but that accommodates the pushrods and springs in the GM LS2, LS3, and LS6.
It is known to improve engine performance to a great deal and is also quite affordable.
Features
- Hydraulic Roller: This hydraulic roller hits up the piston and opens the valve for a long period. It allows the air/fuel mixture to accelerate into the cylinder and provide the engine with power.
- Wide Coverage: BTR trucks stage 4 camshaft is easily installed on the Silverado 4.8. All you need is a 3000-3200 converter and a 3-bolt cam gear.
- Flexibility: Apart from that, you can also install it on 6 and 6.2 truck engines.
- Intake Valve Lift: At a lift of 224, the intake valve lift keeps open for 0.50”. With the factory arm, the intake lift ratio is 0.553”.
- Exhaust Valve Duration: The duration for exhaust at lift 230 is 0.50”. The duration with factory arm is 0.554”.
Pros
- The lobe separation degree is 111 degrees (+2).
- It can withstand wear and tear.
- Improves engine performance.
Cons
- Supports only a few trucks.
Brian Tooley Racing BTR Truck Stage 4 Cam can be a good pick if you own a Silverado with a 4.8 engine. It’s durable and budget-friendly as well.
Brian Tooley Racing BTR Truck Stage 3 Cam
This one is a naturally aspirated hydraulic roller that offers good lobe separation and supports a wide variety of engines.
Silverado owners who want to improve their engine’s sound with good performance should look into this 3-stage camshaft.
Features
- Improves Cam Sound: Some camshafts can produce an unpleasant sound when they open up a valve. Considering that, the manufacturers of BTR have focused on improving the cam sound by making its movements smoother.
- More Torque: It provides more torque than the stage II camshaft, its previous model. Moreover, the lobe separation on this cam is 113 degrees (+3), much better than most.
- Lift Specs: The Intake and exhaust duration at 0.50” are 218 and 224 respectively. The ratio of intake and exhaust life with factory rocker arm is 0.553”.
- Camshaft Gear: It will work with most stock converters but to get the best of its performance, use a 2800-3000 converter.
Also, keep in mind that it requires a 3-bolt camshaft gear attachment.
Pros
- It comes with a set of VS LS Hat Seals and BTR Beehive Springs.
- Supports 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0 engines.
- Extremely durable.
- Affordable.
Cons
- It might increase fuel mileage.
This kit can also be a good pick. It is the best cam for 4.8 Silverado as it is known to reduce cam sound and enhance performance.
Melling Engine Parts (2007-13) – Silverado 4.8 Camshaft & Lifters Kit
Melling is a famous automotive parts manufacturing company that makes top-end products, and this camshaft is no exception.
It is a hydraulic roller tappet that will fit in specific models only, including Silverado Truck 4.8.
Features
- Duration: The duration of a cam determines the power it will deliver to the engine. This beauty doesn’t disappoint in this regard. For both intake and exhaust duration, the lift is 193 at 0.50”. In the case of a factory rocker arm, the intake and exhaust valve lift is 0.482”.
- Style: It is a hydraulic roller tappet that requires less maintenance, reduces friction, and offers more horsepower than other cam types.
- Lobe Separation: With a lobe separation of 114 degrees, the unit is good at keeping the valves open for longer.
Pros
- Perfect replacement for OE# 12625437.
- Extremely durable.
- Doesn’t require active fuel management.
- Good lobe separation angle and duration make it a performance booster.
Cons
- Works in specific models only.
This kit is a suitable option for Silverado 4.8 as it helps enhance the engine’s horsepower and reduces friction.
How to Pick the Best Cam for 4.8 Silverado
Make sure to keep these factors in mind when picking the best cam for 4.8 Silverado.
- Camshaft Type: There are various camshaft types available on the market. Each has distinctive features.
- Hydraulic Rollers: They improve mild street performance by minimizing friction. They are easy to maintain and offer more power than flat tappets.
- Retrofit: They’re the same as hydraulic rollers, with one exception: they have a specific base circle that fits on taller hydraulic rollers in tappet valve stocks.
- Hydraulic Flat Tappet: They improve engine performance but wear out too fast.
- Lift And Duration: Choose a camshaft that offers more lift. This is because more lift means power RPM power. Also, look into the duration time because valves that stay open for longer will offer consistent and additional power.
- Cam Sound: Cams that are built using advanced technology help improve sounds.
- Durability: The camshaft you choose should be able to withstand heat and solid wear/tear. Flat tappet cams are made up of low-quality material, which is why they wear out too soon.
However, Hydraulic camshafts can last for a long time as they are more durable hence suitable for Silverado 4.8 engines.
Best Cam For 4.8 Silverado: Final Thoughts
A camshaft is an integral part of the engine. It enhances engine performance; hence you must choose it with great care.
For us, Comp Cams 54-424-11 is the best cam for 4.8 Silverado. It has an RPM better range of 2800-6800. Moreover, it is highly tolerant and offers both good lift and valve duration.