Choosing the right camshaft for a turbocharged LS engine is critical for power delivery and reliability. We researched manufacturer specifications, published industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback to compare the top LS turbo cams on Amazon. Our evaluation focuses on lobe separation angle, lift, duration, and real-world results to help you make an informed decision.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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BTR Truck Norris Camshaft Best Overall LSA 115+2, .635/.635 lift, 212/218 duration at .050 |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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TSP Stage 2 Turbo Camshaft Best for Mid-Range Power LSA 114+4, .635/.635 lift, 216/220 duration at .050 |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Cam Motion Titan 3 Turbo Cam Best for High Horsepower LSA 113+2, .650/.650 lift, 226/230 duration at .050 |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Summit Racing SUM-8715R1 Turbo Cam Best Budget Option LSA 114, .600/.600 lift, 214/218 duration at .050 |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Comp Cams 54-456-11 Turbo Cam Best for Drivability LSA 115, .600/.600 lift, 210/216 duration at .050 |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Elgin E-1846-P Turbo Camshaft Best for Stock Longevity LSA 114, .550/.550 lift, 206/212 duration at .050 |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Howards Cams 195725-12 Turbo Cam Best for Street/Strip LSA 113+4, .630/.630 lift, 220/224 duration at .050 |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. BTR Truck Norris Camshaft: Best Overall
The BTR Truck Norris Camshaft is one of the most popular LS turbo cams for its balance of performance and drivability. With a 115+2 LSA, it minimizes overlap, helping spool a turbocharger quickly while maintaining a smooth idle. Owner feedback highlights its ability to work with stock torque converters and mild stall speeds, making it a great choice for street-driven trucks and cars.
In our evaluation, the Truck Norris shines in the 500-700 hp range but falls short for extreme builds. If you are chasing 1000+ hp, a more aggressive cam may be needed. However, for a reliable, responsive turbo setup, this cam is hard to beat.
- Wide LSA reduces overlap for better spool and drivability
- Mild idle with strong mid-range torque
- Works with stock converter and mild stall
Pros: Excellent low-end torque for daily driving; Smooth idle, no lope
Cons: Not ideal for max horsepower builds above 800 hp
2. TSP Stage 2 Turbo Camshaft: Best for Mid-Range Power
The Texas Speed Stage 2 Turbo Cam is engineered specifically for turbocharged LS engines. Its 114+4 LSA provides a good balance between spool and top-end power. Based on owner feedback, this cam delivers impressive mid-range torque and pulls hard to redline, making it popular for street cars and weekend drag racers.
However, we found that this cam demands upgraded valve springs and pushrods to avoid valve float at high RPM. If you are on a tight budget or plan to keep stock valvetrain, this cam may not be for you. It also has a noticeable lope that may not suit everyone.
- Designed for forced induction with moderate overlap
- Strong mid-range torque and top-end pull
- Compatible with aftermarket valve springs
Pros: Great power band for street/strip; Good valve control with proper springs
Cons: Requires upgraded valve springs and pushrods
3. Cam Motion Titan 3 Turbo Cam: Best for High Horsepower
The Cam Motion Titan 3 is a serious cam for serious power. With a tight 113 LSA and aggressive lift, it is built for large turbos and high boost levels. Owner feedback from high-horsepower builds shows this cam can support well over 1000 hp when paired with the right supporting mods.
That said, this cam is not for the faint of heart. It has a rough idle, poor low-end torque, and requires hardened pushrods, dual valve springs, and often a stall converter. If you are not aiming for extreme power, a milder cam will serve you better. We recommend this only for dedicated race cars.
- Aggressive lobes for high-flow turbo setups
- Designed for 1000+ hp builds
- Requires extensive valvetrain upgrades
Pros: Excellent top-end power potential; Proven in high-horsepower applications
Cons: Poor low-end torque and drivability; Not for stock engines
4. Summit Racing SUM-8715R1 Turbo Cam: Best Budget Option
The Summit Racing SUM-8715R1 is a budget-friendly LS turbo cam that offers decent performance without breaking the bank. With a 114 LSA and moderate lift, it is designed to work with stock converters and mild turbo setups. Owner feedback indicates it is a reliable upgrade for entry-level builds.
In our evaluation, this cam falls short for those seeking significant power gains. It is best suited for low-boost applications under 600 hp. If you plan to push more boost or RPM, invest in a higher-end cam. This is a solid choice for budget-conscious builders.
- Affordable price point for budget builds
- Mild specs suitable for stock converter
- Works with stock valve springs (upgrade recommended)
Pros: Great value for the price; Easy to install with basic tools
Cons: Limited power gains compared to premium cams; Not for high boost or high RPM
5. Comp Cams 54-456-11 Turbo Cam: Best for Drivability
The Comp Cams 54-456-11 is designed for those who want a turbo cam without sacrificing daily drivability. With a wide 115 LSA and low duration, it maintains a smooth idle and good manifold vacuum. Owner feedback highlights its ease of installation and compatibility with stock components.
However, this cam is conservative and may leave power on the table. If you are looking for noticeable gains, especially above 500 hp, you may be disappointed. We recommend this cam for mild turbo builds on otherwise stock engines.
- Mild specs for daily driving
- Smooth idle and good vacuum
- Works with stock torque converter
Pros: Excellent street manners; No need for upgraded stall converter
Cons: Limited power increase, especially top-end; Not suitable for high boost
6. Elgin E-1846-P Turbo Camshaft: Best for Stock Longevity
The Elgin E-1846-P is the most conservative cam in our guide, aimed at reliability and longevity. With low lift and duration, it places minimal stress on the valvetrain. Owner feedback suggests it is a popular choice for stock LS engines with a small turbo.
That said, this cam offers little performance improvement over a stock cam. If you are seeking noticeable horsepower, look elsewhere. This is best for those who want a mild turbo setup without compromising engine life.
- Mildest cam on our list for reliability
- Designed to work with stock valvetrain
- Good for low boost and daily driving
Pros: Very reliable, minimal wear; No need for upgraded springs
Cons: Minimal power gains; Not for performance enthusiasts
7. Howards Cams 195725-12 Turbo Cam: Best for Street/Strip
The Howards Cams 195725-12 is a popular choice for street/strip LS turbo builds. With a 113+4 LSA, it provides a good balance between spool and top-end power. Owner feedback indicates it works well with medium-sized turbos and delivers strong performance at the track.
However, this cam has a noticeable lope and requires upgraded valvetrain components. It may not be ideal for daily driving in heavy traffic. If you prioritize a smooth idle, consider a milder cam. For a fun weekend car, this is a solid option.
- Good balance of street and track performance
- Strong mid-range and top-end
- Requires upgraded valve springs and pushrods
Pros: Versatile for various turbo sizes; Noticeable power improvement over stock
Cons: Rough idle may not suit daily drivers; Needs supporting mods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best LSA for a turbo LS cam?
A wider lobe separation angle (LSA) of 114-116 degrees is generally best for turbo LS cams. It reduces overlap, which helps spool the turbo and improves drivability. Narrower LSAs (112-113) can make more top-end power but may hurt low-end torque and idle quality.
Do I need to upgrade valve springs with a turbo cam?
Most aftermarket turbo cams have higher lift and duration than stock, requiring upgraded valve springs to prevent valve float. Always check the cam manufacturer’s recommendations. For mild cams, stock springs may suffice temporarily, but we recommend upgrading for reliability.
Will a turbo cam work with a stock torque converter?
Some mild turbo cams with wide LSA and low duration can work with a stock converter, but many aggressive cams require a higher stall converter (2800-3200 RPM) to maintain drivability. Check the cam specs and owner feedback for compatibility.
Can I use a turbo cam on a naturally aspirated LS?
Turbo cams are designed with less overlap and wider LSA to work with forced induction. Using them naturally aspirated will result in lower power compared to a dedicated N/A cam. They will run, but performance will be suboptimal.
How much horsepower can I expect from a turbo cam?
Power gains vary widely based on turbo size, boost, and supporting mods. On a stock LS with a small turbo, a mild cam may add 30-50 hp. On a built engine with large turbo, an aggressive cam can help achieve 1000+ hp. Focus on the overall setup rather than just the cam.
Our Verdict
After researching specifications and owner feedback, the BTR Truck Norris Camshaft is our top pick for most LS turbo builds due to its excellent balance of performance, drivability, and value. For those aiming for high horsepower, the Cam Motion Titan 3 is a strong runner-up, but be prepared for its demanding nature.
