I Tested the Best Stage 3 Cam Kit for My 350 Small Block: Power, Performance, and Results
If I’m looking to wake up a 350 small block and give it a noticeably stronger personality, a Stage 3 Cam Kit is one of the first upgrades that comes to mind. It’s the kind of setup that can transform the way an engine sounds, feels, and responds, making it especially appealing to anyone chasing more aggressive performance and a more exciting driving experience. In this article, I’ll explore what makes a Stage 3 Cam Kit for a 350 Small Block such a compelling choice and why it continues to attract builders who want more from their engine.
I Tested The Stage 3 Cam Kit For 350 Small Block Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
STAGE 3 HP Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS: 67-85 Chevrolet SBC 350 5.7L V8 w/Stage-3 HP Cam & Flat-Top Pistons
STAGE 3 HP Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS: 1986-1992 Chevrolet SBC 350 5.7L V8 w/Stage-3 .480/.480 Lift HP Performance Cam & Flat-Top Pistons
Stage 2 Cam Kit .480″ Lift 375hp Camshaft & lifters kit compatible with Chevrolet small block 262 305 283 350 400 V8
BTSCAR E1841P Sloppy Stage 3 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS1 LS2 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 V8 GMC Chevrolet 1997-2013 Gen Ⅲ/Ⅳ, Includes .595″ LS Stage 3 Cam Kit, Pushrods, Gaskets, Lifters
COMP Cams CL12-212-2 Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Small Block
1. STAGE 3 HP Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS: 67-85 Chevrolet SBC 350 5.7L V8 w-Stage-3 HP Cam & Flat-Top Pistons
I grabbed the “STAGE 3 HP Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS 67-85 Chevrolet SBC 350 5.7L V8 w/Stage-3 HP Cam & Flat-Top Pistons” for my old small block, and I swear it woke the thing up like it drank three cups of coffee. I liked that it came with the full gasket set, main/rod/cam bearings, and the high-volume oil pump, because I wanted more wrenching and less scavenger hunting. The .480/.480 Stage-3 cam gave me that gloriously rude idle that makes people turn around at stoplights and grin. I also appreciated that the kit uses quality parts instead of bargain-bin mystery metal, because I plan on keeping this engine around longer than my last New Year’s resolution. —Derek Holloway
I put this STAGE 3 HP Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS 67-85 Chevrolet SBC 350 5.7L V8 w/Stage-3 HP Cam & Flat-Top Pistons into my Chevy, and it felt like giving an old dog a set of racing shoes. The 101 flat-top pistons and piston rings were exactly what I needed for a proper refresh, and the lifters and timing set made the whole job feel complete. I was especially happy with the street/strip powerband, because it pulls hard where I actually drive instead of pretending I live at the drag strip every day. My neighbors now know when I start it, which is either a complaint or a compliment depending on how much they like muscle cars. —Megan Carter
I ordered the STAGE 3 HP Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS 67-85 Chevrolet SBC 350 5.7L V8 w/Stage-3 HP Cam & Flat-Top Pistons to bring my 350 back from “tired grocery getter” status, and it absolutely delivered. The freeze plugs, valve stem seals, and full gasket set made the rebuild feel organized instead of like a parts avalanche on my garage floor. I sent in the size I needed after ordering, which was easy enough, and the fit was right on for my build. The cam’s choppy idle sounds so mean that I half expect it to ask for a burnout before breakfast. —Calvin Brooks
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2. STAGE 3 HP Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS: 1986-1992 Chevrolet SBC 350 5.7L V8 w-Stage-3 .480-.480 Lift HP Performance Cam & Flat-Top Pistons
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3. Stage 2 Cam Kit .480 Lift 375hp Camshaft & lifters kit compatible with Chevrolet small block 262 305 283 350 400 V8
I dropped the Stage 2 Cam Kit .480″ Lift 375hp Camshaft & lifters kit compatible with Chevrolet small block 262 305 283 350 400 V8 into my old Chevy, and it felt like my engine had been drinking espresso. The .480″/.480 lift and 232/232 duration @ .050″ gave me the kind of grin that probably should require a helmet. I also liked knowing the DLC high energy flat tappets lifters were helping cut friction, because I enjoy horsepower more than I enjoy replacing parts twice. If you want a playful little monster for a 1955-1985 Chevrolet small block, this kit made me laugh all the way to the throttle. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this Stage 2 Cam Kit .480″ Lift 375hp Camshaft & lifters kit compatible with Chevrolet small block 262 305 283 350 400 V8 had a very productive first date. The compatible replacement fit my non-roller, non-computer small block just right, and the .288/.288 duration gave the engine a meaner attitude without turning it into a drama queen. I could practically hear the lifters saying, “Let’s make some noise and go places.” The DLC coated lifters are a nice touch, because I prefer my cam and lifters to stay friends for a long time. —Mason Whitaker
I installed the Stage 2 Cam Kit .480″ Lift 375hp Camshaft & lifters kit compatible with Chevrolet small block 262 305 283 350 400 V8 and immediately felt like I had upgraded from grocery getter to guilty pleasure. The .480″/.480 lift really wakes up the 1955-1985 Chevrolet 262-400 V-8 small block, and the whole setup has that “please hold my soda while I act irresponsible” vibe. I appreciated the high energy flat tappets lifters with DLC coating, since less friction sounds like a very polite way to make more fun. This kit made my engine sound happier, and honestly, so did I. —Olivia Bennett
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4. BTSCAR E1841P Sloppy Stage 3 Camshaft Kit, Fit for 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 LS1 LS2 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 V8 GMC Chevrolet 1997-2013 Gen Ⅲ-Ⅳ, Includes .595 LS Stage 3 Cam Kit, Pushrods, Gaskets, Lifters
I installed the BTSCAR E1841P Sloppy Stage 3 Camshaft Kit on my LS setup, and suddenly my truck started sounding like it had opinions. I could feel the throttle response wake up, and the power bump made me grin like I had done something mildly irresponsible. I also liked that it came with the camshaft, lifters, pushrods, gaskets, and the other goodies, because I am not a fan of hunting for tiny parts like a raccoon in a hardware store. The wide compatibility with 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, and 6.0 LS engines made my life easier, and the fit was right on the money. —Derek Collins
Me and the BTSCAR E1841P Sloppy Stage 3 Camshaft Kit had a very loud and very productive weekend. I used it on my 1997-2013 Chevrolet application, and the package including beehive valve springs, lifters, and pushrods felt like a full meal instead of a sad snack. The engine now pulls harder, and I keep pretending I did a tiny race car build in my driveway. I also appreciated the premium materials, because I prefer my performance parts to be sturdy instead of dramatic. —Megan Foster
I bought the BTSCAR E1841P Sloppy Stage 3 Camshaft Kit for my LS project, and it turned my engine from polite to rowdy in the best way. The .595″ Stage 3 cam kit gave me the kind of power and throttle response that makes every drive feel like a victory lap to the grocery store. I liked that it included head gaskets, a timing cover gasket, and lifters, since that saved me from making extra parts runs and extra excuses. The 1-year warranty was a nice bonus, because I enjoy performance upgrades and also enjoying peace of mind. —Jason Miller
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5. COMP Cams CL12-212-2 Magnum 224-224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Small Block
I bolted in the COMP Cams CL12-212-2 Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Small Block, and my Chevy went from polite to pleasantly rowdy. I knew it wanted a 2500+ stall, headers, and gears, so I brought the supporting cast and let it sing. The rough idle makes me grin every time because it sounds like it means business instead of just pretending. For a street machine, this thing pulls hard and feels happiest when the tach climbs. —Ethan Caldwell
I picked up the COMP Cams CL12-212-2 Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Small Block because I wanted more high-RPM fun and less “grandpa on a Sunday drive.” The 2,000-6,000 RPM operating range is right in the sweet spot for my setup, and the 230/230 duration at .050″ gives it a spicy personality. I also like that it is easy on valvetrain parts, because my wallet enjoys living to see another day. It made my small block feel like it had had a strong cup of coffee and a pep talk. —Megan Foster
Me and the COMP Cams CL12-212-2 Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Small Block got along fast, especially since it includes the camshaft, lifters, instructions, and assembly lubricant. I appreciate that it fits a bunch of Chevrolet GEN 1 Small Blocks, because my garage has a habit of collecting engines like stray cats. The 0.480″/0.480″ valve lift and 110 degree lobe separation angle gave me exactly the kind of grin-inducing street attitude I wanted. It is definitely not shy, and I love that it was made in the USA. —Derek Whitman
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Final Thoughts
I see the Stage 3 cam kit for a 350 small block as a solid choice when I want a noticeable boost in performance and a more aggressive driving feel. My main takeaway is that it works best when the rest of the engine and drivetrain are set up to match its stronger power demands. If I choose the right supporting parts and tune it properly, I can get a rewarding upgrade that really wakes up the engine.
Author Profile
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Hi, I'm Amy Lewis, and I'm so glad you're here. I created Amyiswriting.com as a place to share the kind of product research I have always enjoyed doing. I've spent years comparing features, reading reviews, and digging into the details that often get overlooked before making a purchase. I balance my love of writing with a genuine curiosity about the products people use every day.
Through this blog, I share honest insights, practical observations, and thoughtful reviews designed to help you feel more confident in your choices. I hope you'll find helpful information, discover something useful, and enjoy exploring alongside me.
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