TSP Chopacabra Cam Kit – Texas Speed's Choppy LS Truck Cam
The Texas Speed & Performance (TSP) Chopacabra cam is built for a hard, choppy idle with real power behind it, on the factory torque converter. This kit gives you the Chopacabra cam plus the valve springs and seals to run it, with pushrods as an option.
Chopacabra Cam Specs
- Duration @ .050": 214° / 222°
- Valve lift: .550" / .550"
- Lobe separation: 108° LSA, 106° intake centerline
- RPM range: 1,200 – 6,500
- Power: +67 hp / +26 lb-ft at the crank (TSP testing, stock 5.3L)
- Converter: works with the factory converter (tune required)
- Compression: 9.5:1 or higher recommended
What's in the Kit
- TSP Chopacabra camshaft
- .560" beehive valve springs
- Valve seal set
- YOUR CHOICE OF PUSHRODS: none, OEM-grade or chromoly 7.400" (select above)
Fitment
1999–2013 GM trucks and SUVs (Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon) with cathedral-port Gen III/IV LS engines: 4.8L, 5.3L and 5.7L.
Engine codes: LS1, LS6, LM7, L59, LY5, LMG, LMF, LH6, LC9, LR4, LY2, L20, L33, LH9, LM4.
- 1-bolt cam engines need a 3-bolt cam conversion kit (sold separately).
- DOD/AFM engines must be converted to non-DOD.
- 2014+ Gen V trucks: see the TSP Gen V LTx Chopacabra cam.
Which Chopacabra Do You Need?
- Cam & spring kit (this page) – cam, springs, seals, optional pushrods.
- Complete Chopacabra cam kit – adds LS7 lifters, trays, pushrods, install kit and optional head gaskets.
- Chopacabra camshaft only – you already have springs rated for .550" lift.
- Chopacabra NSR (No Springs Required) – .495" lift, runs on factory springs.
Chopacabra FAQ
Will the Chopacabra cam work with my stock torque converter?
Yes. It was designed to run on the factory converter. A tune is required with any cam swap.
Do I need new valve springs?
Yes for the standard Chopacabra (.550" lift); springs are included in this kit. To keep your factory springs, choose the Chopacabra NSR cam.
Will it fit my DOD/AFM 5.3?
Only after converting the engine to non-DOD (lifters, trays and valley cover). The complete kit includes non-DOD LS7 lifters and trays.
How much power does it make?
TSP's testing on a stock 5.3L showed +67 hp and +26 lb-ft at the crank, with a strong chop at idle.
