Should You Add A Lopey Cam To Your Build?

If you’re looking for a bit more menace from your LS engine, you should consider a “lopey” cam like the Elgin Sloppy Stage 2 LS Camshaft. Not only will it give you a bit more power, but it balances street usability with a custom high-horsepower choppy idle sound! 

Our team here at Karls is well-versed in camshaft upgrades and finds the Elgin Sloppy Stage 2 LS Camshaft one of the most popular options for earlier LS engines with a 3-bolt cam gear. It also makes a great setup for turbocharged 5.3-liter engines, giving them a nice choppy sound coupled with turbo blowoff noises.  

What Is A Lopey Cam, And What Does It Do?

The lopey idle or choppy sound is the result of an overlap between the intake and exhaust valves, which are open at the same time. This overlap aids high RPM breathing but makes idling difficult. This difficulty idling is due to the exhaust gasses mixing with the intake charge, causing the engine to struggle at lower RPMs. 

At higher RPMs, the intake charge and exhaust gases move fast enough to prevent mixing. That’s when the overlap comes into play. Since the valves are open longer, the engine breathes better, using the intake charge’s and exhaust gases’ momentum to develop more power.  

Why Choose An Elgin Sloppy Stage 2 Grind LS Camshaft?

The Elgin Sloppy Stage 2 Grind LS Cam features a .585-inch lobe lift with a split pattern duration of 283 degrees intake and 286 degrees exhaust. It’s compatible with both EFI and carburetor setups thanks to a lobe separation angle of 112 degrees. This camshaft is also extremely popular for 5.3-liter LS turbo builds and is suitable for naturally aspirated LS engines. Power comes on in the mid-range and top end without sacrificing the low-end torque that gets you moving off the line. 

Important Notes:

  • Requires 3-bolt cam gear (later LS engines use a single cam bolt.)
  • Recommended for use with an aftermarket torque converter with a stall speed in the 2,500 rpm range and a higher rear gear ratio.  
  • The camshaft profile may not create a sufficient vacuum for accessories like power brake boosters and air conditioning.
  • Upgraded valve springs are required due to increased lift
  • Active Fuel Management must be deleted on GM truck and Impala applications

Custom engine management tuning is recommended for the best performance. Our machine shop can help optimize your engine’s performance and dyno-test it. 

Order Your Lopey Cam From Karl Kustoms

Karl Kustoms is your one-stop shop for auto restoration and performance services. We do everything from performance tuning, custom upholstery, bodywork, and custom painting to accessory installations. In addition to cams and performance parts, we have a complete lineup of engines for Ford, Mopar, or GM cars and trucks, including GM Connect and Cruise systems. 

If you have questions about camshafts or anything else, contact us at 866-697-8615 or online. Our knowledgeable staff is always eager to help!

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