GM Cam Swap & DOD/AFM Delete Guide

Complete GM Cam Swap, DOD Delete & AFM Delete Parts Guide

Find out which parts your engine actually needs before you tear it apart. Compare Gen III LS cam swaps, Gen IV DOD-delete builds, and Gen V AFM-delete kits — then build or buy a complete matched kit.

OEM part numbers Generation-specific guidance Complete kit options Personally selected by J.R. Jones Racing LLC
Step 1

Which Engine Do You Have?

GM changed the hardware significantly across these three generations. Start by identifying your platform — it determines whether your engine has DOD/AFM, whether the heads need to come off, and which parts actually fit.

1998/1999–2006

Gen III LS

Engines4.8L LR4/LM4, 5.3L LM7/L59, 5.7L LS1/LS6, 6.0L LQ4/LQ9
VehiclesSilverado/Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon/XL, Suburban, Avalanche, Escalade, Camaro Z28/SS, Firebird, Corvette C5/Z06
No DOD/AFM Hardware Heads-On Swap Possible
View Parts →
2007–2013

Gen IV LS — DOD/AFM

Engines5.3L LC9/LMG/LH6, 6.0L LY6/L96/L76, 6.2L L9H/L92/LS3
VehiclesSilverado/Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Avalanche, Escalade, Camaro
Has DOD/AFM Full Parts Kit Required
View Parts →
2014–2018

Gen V EcoTec3 — AFM

Engines5.3L L83, 6.2L L86 EcoTec3
VehiclesSilverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Escalade, High Country, Denali, Camaro SS (2016+)
Has AFM Full Parts Kit Required
View Parts →
Not sure which one you have? Use the VIN Decoder or RPO Code Lookup to confirm your exact engine before ordering parts.
Step 2

What Parts Do You Need?

Not every cam swap needs the same parts. These four categories cover the range from a simple cam-only swap to a full performance rebuild — and none of them require every optional upgrade.

Cam-Only Swap

Applies only to supported combinations — typically an NSR-style cam with healthy existing lifters and factory-compatible springs. Gen III LS only (98–06); Gen IV and Gen V always require the complete DOD/AFM-delete parts kit.

  • Camshaft Required
  • Cam retainer plate & bolts Required
  • Timing cover gasket & front crank seal Required
  • Balancer bolt (one-time-use TTY) Required
  • Valve spring upgrade Optional
  • Lifter replacement App-Dependent

Cam Swap With Valvetrain Upgrades

Adds valve springs, pushrods, seals, trunnions, and timing components matched to a bigger cam. Needed any time the cam moves outside factory-spring-safe territory.

  • Valve springs matched to cam lift Required
  • Chromoly pushrods, correct length Required
  • Valve stem seals (if replacing lifters) Required
  • Trunnion / rocker upgrade Recommended While Accessible
  • Upgraded timing set Optional

DOD/AFM Delete & Lifter Replacement

A complete parts kit, not a partial swap. All 16 lifters, lifter trays, DOD/AFM block-off hardware, head gaskets, head bolts, timing components, gaskets, seals, fluids, and a matching calibration change are required — not optional.

  • Non-DOD lifters (full set) Required
  • Lifter trays / guides Required
  • DOD/AFM block-off or non-DOD valley cover Required
  • Head gaskets & head bolts Required
  • Full gasket/seal set + fluids Required
  • Calibration update Required

Complete Engine Refresh / Performance Build

Everything in a DOD delete plus the parts people add while they're already in there.

  • Upgraded oil pump Optional Performance Upgrade
  • Upgraded timing set Optional Performance Upgrade
  • Premium lifters (non-OEM) Optional Performance Upgrade
  • Long tube headers Optional Performance Upgrade
  • Plugs & wires Recommended While Accessible
Required Needed for a correct, complete kit Recommended While Accessible Cheap now, expensive later Optional Performance upgrade, not required App-Dependent Depends on your exact combination
Step 3

Platform Parts Guides

Required parts, recommended parts, and optional upgrades by generation — built from OEM part numbers, not guesswork. Tables convert to stacked cards automatically on mobile.

1998/1999–2006

Gen III LS Cam Swap Parts

View Complete Kit →

Engines: 4.8L LR4/LM4, 5.3L LM7/L59, 5.7L LS1/LS6, 6.0L LQ4/LQ9. Vehicles: Silverado/Sierra 1500 & 2500, Tahoe, Yukon/Yukon XL, Suburban, Avalanche, Escalade, Camaro Z28/SS, Firebird, Corvette C5/Z06.

Platform note: This generation did not originally use AFM/DOD hardware. A cam-only NSR cam swap can be possible when the lifters are healthy and the selected cam is designed for factory springs — this is not the same as a DOD delete (there is no DOD/AFM system to delete on this platform) and it is not the same as a full lifter replacement or top-end refresh.

Cam-Only Swap — Budget Build (Required Parts)

Camshaft-only kit. Choice of NSR cam. No spring change required. Duration/lift/LSA for both NSR cams: verify by application.

CategoryPartBrandPart #QtyNotes
CamshaftChopacabra NSR CamTSPTSPCHUPAC-NSR1 (choice)No springs required
CamshaftTruck Norris NSR CamBTRBTR-TN-NSR1 (choice)No springs required
Cam accessoriesCamshaft Retainer PlateGM125575831—
Cam boltsCam Retainer Plate BoltsGM125890161 set—
Cam boltsCamshaft Bolts (3-Bolt)GM115157583—
TimingTiming Cover GasketGM125602261—
Gaskets/SealsFront Crankshaft SealGM125856731—
Other HardwareCrankshaft Balancer Bolt (TTY)GM125578401One-time-use torque-to-yield
GasketsWater Pump GasketsGM126302232—
GasketsValve Cover GasketsGM126376832—
FluidsOEM Oil FilterGM126903861—
FluidsDexos Engine Oil——Full refill—
FluidsDEX-COOL Coolant——Full refill—

Not included in the Budget Build: valve spring upgrade, lifter replacement, DOD/AFM delete (not applicable to this platform), valve stem seals (not part of a camshaft-only kit).

Full Top End — NSR Cam + LS7-Style Lifters (Complete Kit, Required Parts)

All 16 lifters replaced, 3-bolt non-VVT cam gear conversion, NSR cam. This platform has no DOD/AFM system, so this complete lifter/top-end kit is different from a DOD-delete kit — it includes head gaskets and head bolts because replacing all 16 lifters requires removing the heads.

CategoryPartBrandPart #QtyNotes
LiftersLS7-Style Hydraulic Roller LiftersDelphi/GMDEL-25341990-161 set (16)—
HardwareLifter Guide BoltsGM125511634—
HardwareLifter Tray GuidesGM125892264—
CamshaftChopacabra NSR CamTSPTSPCHUPAC-NSR1 (choice)—
CamshaftTruck Norris NSR CamBTRBTR-TN-NSR1 (choice)—
Cam accessoriesCamshaft Retainer PlateGM125575831—
Cam boltsCam Retainer Plate BoltsGM125890161 set—
Cam boltsCamshaft Bolts (3-Bolt)GM115157583—
TimingTiming ChainGM126463871—
TimingTiming Chain TensionerGM126264071—
Timing3-Bolt Cam Gear (Non-VVT)GM125864811—
Head gasketsCylinder Head GasketsGM125892782—
HardwareHead Bolts, Long (TTY)GM1262203320One-time-use
HardwareHead Bolts, Short (TTY)GM1258922710One-time-use
Intake gasketsIntake Manifold Gasket SetGM890604361—
Valley cover gasketsValley Cover GasketsGM890604132—
GasketsValve Cover GasketsGM126376832—
GasketsExhaust Manifold GasketsGM126179442—
GasketsWater Pump GasketsGM126302232—
SealsOil Pickup Tube O-RingGM125849221—
GasketsOil Pan GasketGM126123501—
SealsFront Crankshaft SealGM125856731—
Timing cover gasketFront Cover GasketGM126302231As listed in source data
Oil pumpGM OEM Oil PumpGM126122891—
HardwareCrankshaft Balancer Bolt (TTY)GM125578401One-time-use
SealsKnock Sensor SealsGM125734602—
FluidsOEM Oil Filter / Dexos Oil / DEX-COOLGM12690386Full refill—

Not included: valve spring upgrade, chromoly pushrods, long tube headers.

Recommended While Accessible — Bigger Cam + Springs + Chromoly

Adds a non-NSR cam option, matched springs, chromoly pushrods, and valve stem seals on top of the complete kit above.

CategoryPartBrandPart #QtyNotes
CamshaftChopacabra Cam (Full/Non-NSR)TSPTSPCHUPAC-FULL1 (choice)Duration/lift/LSA: verify by application
CamshaftTruck Norris Cam (Full/Non-NSR)BTRBTR-TRUCK-NORRIS1 (choice)Duration/lift/LSA: verify by application
Valve springsPAC Racing Beehive Valve SpringsPACPAC-12191 set—
Pushrods5/16" Chromoly Pushrod KitTSPTSP-7xxx-161 setMatched to cam lift
Valve sealsGM OEM Valve Stem SealsGM1248206316—
All complete-kit items aboveCarried Over———Full parts list above still applies

Not included: long tube headers, catless Y-pipe.

Optional Performance Upgrade — Long Tube Headers

CategoryPartBrandPart #QtyNotes
ExhaustLong Tube HeadersSpeed EngineeringVerify by application1 setVehicle-specific
ExhaustCatless Y-Pipe—Verify by application1—

Recommended Parts & Optional Upgrades Available (Options Reference)

Choices seen on this platform's build sheet. Exact current pricing depends on the specific part — use the Cam Kit Builder for live pricing on in-stock items.

  • Camshaft: TSP Stage 2 High Lift Truck Cam (212/218 duration, .600/.600 lift, 112 LSA, 1999–2014 4.8/5.3/5.7/6.0/6.2) Optional
  • Camshaft: TSP L92 6.2L Stage 2 Truck Camshaft (220/232 duration, .600/.600 lift, 112 LSA, 2000–2014 6.0/6.2 rectangular port) Optional
  • Lifters: GM LS7 Lifters (included), Johnson 2110R, Johnson ST2126LSR (short-travel), Morel 5290 (link bar), COMP short-travel tie-bar App-Dependent
  • Valvetrain: COMP .680 Dual Springs, PAC-1237X Extreme Duty Springs, PAC-2568 .550 Springs, TSP 7.400–7.600 Chromoly Pushrods, Straub SBR-346-1370 Trunnion Kit, TSP LS/LT Trunnion Kit, TSP 1.72 Cathedral Port Roller Rocker Kit, TSP Rocker Package w/ Trunnion Optional
  • Oil pump: Melling High Volume, Melling M10295 High Pressure Optional
  • Timing: Rollmaster IWIS C7R Chain, Katech KAT-7636 C5-R Chain, Summit LS 1X Billet Adjustable Timing Set Optional
  • Exhaust: Speed Engineering Shorty Headers, 1-3/4" Long Tube, 1-7/8" Long Tube Optional
  • Supporting: ACDelco Double Platinum Plugs (41-962 / 19299585), ACDelco Plug Wires (9748HH / 88862385), Plug Wire Heat Shields (19329681), Valve Cover Bolts w/ Grommet (12577215), Water Pump Bolts (12551926), Exhaust Valve Stem Seal Kit (12482062), Intake Valve Stem Seal Kit (12482063), Non-DOD Valley Cover (12575742) Recommended While Accessible

Parts That Do Not Interchange With Other Generations

Gen III lifters, cam bolt patterns, and timing components are not DOD/AFM-hardware parts and are not interchangeable with Gen IV DOD-delete hardware or Gen V non-DOD lifters/valley covers — this platform simply never had that system.

Tune / Calibration Requirements

Any cam change on this platform requires a matching calibration — idle airflow, idle spark, startup airflow, and the MAF/VE model all need to be built around the new cam. See Build Your Tune.

2007–2013

Gen IV LS DOD Delete Parts

View Complete Kit →

Engines: 5.3L LC9/LMG/LH6, 6.0L LY6/L96/L76, 6.2L L9H/L92/LS3. Vehicles: Silverado/Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Avalanche, Escalade, Camaro.

Platform note: Many applications in this range use DOD/AFM and may also use VVT. A DOD/AFM delete on this generation always requires the complete parts kit — there is no simplified cam-only kit offered for 2007–2013, unlike 1998/1999–2006. Not every 2007–2013 engine has identical hardware; confirm your exact engine before ordering.
Gen IV VVT delete kit: This platform's complete DOD-delete kit includes a non-VVT front timing cover (L96-style) to eliminate the VVT solenoid, paired with a 3-bolt, 4X reluctor non-VVT cam sprocket. That is the retain/limit/lock/non-VVT strategy supported by the kit data provided — other VVT strategies are not documented here and should be confirmed before ordering.
Watch: Gen IV AFM/DOD Tear Down How To

Full Top End Build (Complete Kit, Required Parts)

Same structural approach as the 98–06 complete kit, plus the non-VVT front timing cover conversion this DOD-delete platform requires.

CategoryPartBrandPart #QtyNotes
Delete liftersLS7-Style Hydraulic Roller Lifters (Set of 16)Delphi/GMDEL-25341990-161 set—
DOD delete platesDOD/AFM Block-Off PlugsTSPTSP-DODPlug8—
DOD hardwareValve Lifter Guide BoltsGM125511634—
DOD hardwareLifter Tray GuidesGM125892264—
CamshaftChopacabra NSR CamTSPTSPCHUPAC-NSR1 (choice)—
CamshaftTruck Norris NSR CamBTRBTR-TN-NSR1 (choice)—
Cam accessoryCamshaft Retainer PlateGM125575831—
Cam boltsCam Retainer Plate BoltsGM125890161 set—
Cam boltsCamshaft Bolts (3-Bolt)GM115157583—
TimingTiming ChainGM126463871—
TimingTiming Chain TensionerGM126264071—
Timing3-Bolt Cam Gear (Non-VVT)GM125864811—
Timing coverNon-VVT Front Timing Cover (L96-Style)GM126339061Required to eliminate VVT solenoid
Timing cover gasketEngine Front Cover GasketGM126302231—
SealsFront Crankshaft SealGM125856731—
Head gasketsCylinder Head GasketsGM125892782—
HardwareHead Bolts, Long (TTY)GM1262203320One-time-use
HardwareHead Bolts, Short (TTY)GM1258922710One-time-use
Intake gasketsIntake Manifold Gasket SetGM890604361—
Valley cover gasketsValley Cover / Lifter Oil Manifold GasketsGM890604132—
GasketsValve Cover GasketsGM126376832—
GasketsExhaust Manifold GasketsGM126179442—
GasketsWater Pump GasketsGM126302232—
SealsOil Pickup Tube O-RingGM125849221—
GasketsOil Pan GasketGM126123501—
GasketsOil Cooler Adapter GasketGM126113841—
Oil pumpGM Oil PumpGM126122891—
HardwareCrankshaft Balancer Bolt (TTY)GM125578401One-time-use
SealsKnock Sensor SealsGM125734602—
FluidsOEM Oil Filter / Dexos Oil / DEX-COOLGM12690386Full refill—

Not included: valve spring upgrade, chromoly pushrods, valve stem seals, long tube headers.

Full Performance Valvetrain (Recommended While Accessible)

Everything above, plus a non-NSR cam and a matched valvetrain. Exact spring and pushrod part numbers are application-specific and were not itemized in the source data — use these generic descriptions to size the kit, and confirm exact parts before ordering.

CategoryPartQtyNotes
Valve springsMatched Valve Spring Kit1 setVerify by application
PushrodsChromoly Pushrods, Precision Length16Verify by application
Valve sealsValve Stem Seals16Verify by application
All Full Top End items aboveCarried Over——

Optional Performance Upgrade — Full Performance Build

Everything above plus Speed Engineering long tube headers and a catless Y-pipe. Brand/part numbers for the exhaust were not listed in the source data — verify by application.

Recommended Parts & Optional Upgrades Available (Options Reference)

Choices seen on this platform's build sheet.

  • Camshaft: TSP Stage 2 High Lift Truck Cam (212/218 duration, .600/.600 lift, 112 LSA) Optional
  • Camshaft: TSP Stage 2 Truck Cam — Rect Port (220/232 duration, .600/.600 lift, 112 LSA, for 6.0/6.2 rect port) Optional
  • Camshaft: TSP 6.2 Chopacabra Cam (LS3/L92) — specs: verify by application Optional
  • Lifters: same lineup as 98–06 (GM LS7 12499225 included; Johnson 2110R; Johnson ST2126LSR; Morel 5290; COMP tie-bar) App-Dependent
  • Valvetrain: COMP .680 Springs, PAC-1237X, PAC-2568, TSP 7.400–7.600 Chromoly Pushrods, Straub SBR-346-1370 Trunnion Kit, TSP LT Trunnion Kit, TSP LS3 1.72 Ratio Roller Rockers, TSP Rocker Package w/ Trunnion Optional
  • Oil pump: 12710303 included; Melling High Volume; Melling M10295 High Pressure Optional
  • Timing: Rollmaster IWIS C7R, Katech KAT-7636, Rollmaster LS3 Single Roller Set 58X, Performance 4X LS Billet Timing Set Optional
  • Exhaust: Speed Engineering Shorty (99–13), 1-3/4" Long Tube (07–13), 1-7/8" Long Tube (07–13) Optional
  • Intake: GM NNBS Cathedral Port Intake Manifold (12638038) Optional
  • Supporting: ACDelco Iridium Plugs (41-162 / 19417055), Plug Wire Heat Shields (19329681), ACDelco Plug Wires (9748HH / 88862385), Valve Cover Bolt w/ Grommet (12577215), Water Pump Bolts (12551926), Coolant Temp Sensor (12608814) Recommended While Accessible

Parts That Do Not Interchange With Other Generations

The non-DOD lifter trays, DOD/AFM block-off plugs, and non-VVT front timing cover used here are Gen IV-specific and do not fit Gen III (no DOD system) or Gen V (different lifter and valley-cover design).

Tune / Calibration Requirements

A DOD/AFM delete requires the calibration to stop commanding cylinder deactivation and to match the non-VVT hardware if converted. See DOD/AFM Delete Tune and DOD vs AFM Explained.

2014–2018

Gen V EcoTec3 AFM Delete Parts

View Complete Kit →

Engines: 5.3L L83, 6.2L L86 EcoTec3. These are Gen V LT-family engines, not Gen III/IV LS engines. Vehicles: Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Escalade, High Country, Denali, Camaro SS (2016+).

Platform note: Gen V L83/L86 applications use the same LS7-style lifter design as Gen III/IV builds — LS7-style lifters are correct for these engines. The valley cover/VLOM must still be replaced with a non-DOD valley cover, the VVT cam phaser must be locked, and direct injection requires DI-specific calibration. On many vehicles the AC condenser must be removed for cam access (R-1234yf recharge required).
Data status: The specification sheet supplied for this generation was incomplete. The table below lists only the confirmed line items from that sheet. Levels 2/3 and the full parts configurator for Gen V are not yet available and will be added once the complete data is provided — see the Cam Kit Builder below for live, in-stock part options in the meantime.

Full Top End Build (Complete Kit, Confirmed Required Parts)

CategoryPartBrandPart #QtyNotes
Delete liftersGen V Non-DOD Lifters (Set of 16)GM126989461 setLS7-style lifters are correct for this application
DOD delete hardwareGen V Lifter Guides / TraysGM126989474—
Valley coverNon-DOD Valley Cover (VLOM Delete)GM126457251Mandatory
Valley cover gasketValley Cover GasketGM126570931—
CamshaftTSP Gen V Chopacabra CamTSPTSP-GENV-CHUPAC1 (choice)Gen V-specific — not interchangeable with LS Chopacabra cams
CamshaftBTR Gen V CamBTRBTR-GENV-CAM1 (choice)Gen V-specific
Cam accessoryCamshaft Retainer PlateGM125864811As listed in source data
Cam boltsCamshaft Retainer BoltsGM126373841 set—
VVTCam Phaser Bolt (VVT)GM126463881—
VVTVVT Phaser Lockout KitCOMP CamsVerify by application1Mandatory on Gen V
TimingTiming ChainGM126463861—
TimingTiming Chain TensionerGM126463871—
HardwareCylinder Head Bolts, Full Set (TTY)GM126220331 setOne-time-use
Head gasketsCylinder Head Gaskets, MLS Gen V—Verify by application2—
Intake gasketsIntake Manifold Gasket SetGM126263541—
GasketsExhaust Manifold GasketsGM126179442—
GasketsValve Cover GasketsGM126197872—
Timing cover gasketFront Timing Cover GasketGM126492501—
SealsFront Crankshaft SealGMVerify by applicationVerify by applicationSource data was cut off at this line item
This list is not yet complete — balancer bolt, oil pump, knock sensor hardware, fluids, and the full "not included" notes for Gen V were part of the missing data and are intentionally left off rather than guessed. It will be filled in once the full specification sheet is available.

Parts That Do Not Interchange With Other Generations

The non-DOD/VLOM-delete valley cover and the Gen V-specific camshafts listed above are not interchangeable with Gen III or Gen IV LS parts. LS7-style lifters, however, are correct across Gen III, Gen IV, and Gen V (L83/L86) applications.

Tune / Calibration Requirements

Gen V engines use direct injection and require DI-specific calibration in addition to the AFM-delete and VVT-lockout changes. See Build Your Tune for Gen V-specific tuning.

Don't Get Caught Short

Parts People Forget

These small items stop a job cold when they're missing from the order. Only shown where it actually applies to a given platform.

!

One-Time-Use Balancer BoltA torque-to-yield bolt that should not be reused. All three platforms.

!

Front Crankshaft SealCheap insurance any time the balancer or timing cover comes off. All three platforms.

!

Cam Retainer Plate & BoltsEasy to leave off a cam-only swap order. All three platforms.

!

Water Pump GasketsOften disturbed during timing cover work. Gen III & Gen IV.

!

Timing/Front Cover GasketNeeded any time the cover comes off. All three platforms.

!

Oil Pickup Tube O-RingSmall, cheap, and frequently missing from DIY orders. Gen III & Gen IV.

!

Oil Pan GasketNeeded if the pan is disturbed for oil pump access. Gen III & Gen IV.

!

Head BoltsOne-time-use TTY bolts — included in DOD-delete and Gen V AFM-delete kits, and in the Gen III complete top-end kit.

!

Intake & Exhaust GasketsEasy to forget when focused on the cam itself. All three platforms.

!

Valve Cover GasketsNeeded any time the covers come off for valvetrain work. All three platforms.

!

Oil, Filter & CoolantA full refill is part of the job, not an afterthought. All three platforms.

!

Correct Valley Cover / DOD-Delete HardwareThe non-DOD valley cover and block-off hardware are platform-specific. Gen IV & Gen V.

!

Correct Cam Sprocket / Phaser HardwareVVT phaser bolts and lockout hardware on Gen IV/V builds are easy to leave off. Gen IV & Gen V.

!

Required TuningA cam, DOD/AFM delete, or VVT change without a matching calibration is an incomplete job. All three platforms.

Step 4

Complete Matched Kits

Prefer everything sourced correctly the first time? These three kits are personally selected by J.R. Jones Racing LLC to match each platform's real requirements — every gasket, seal, and bolt included. You can also use this guide to source parts yourself, or use the builder below to customize a kit.

1999–2006 GM LS Cam Swap Kit – OEM Engine Refresh Kit w/ Texas Speed NSR Cam – 4.8 5.3 6.0 Silverado Sierra Tahoe
1998/1999–2006 · Gen III LS

1999–2006 GM LS Cam Swap Kit – OEM Engine Refresh Kit w/ Texas Speed NSR Cam – 4.8 5.3 6.0 Silverado Sierra Tahoe

$2,300.00 In Stock

Cam-only-compatible NSR cam swap kit for the Gen III platform — no DOD/AFM hardware to delete on this generation.

2007–2013 GM LS Complete Cam Kit – OEM Refresh w/ Texas Speed NSR Cam
2007–2013 · Gen IV LS

2007–2013 GM LS Complete Cam Kit – OEM Refresh w/ Texas Speed NSR Cam

$2,741.88 In Stock

Complete DOD-delete kit with non-VVT front cover conversion and full gasket/seal set.

2014–2018 GM Gen V Complete Cam Kit – OEM Refresh w/ Texas Speed Cam
2014–2018 · Gen V EcoTec3

2014–2018 GM Gen V Complete Cam Kit – OEM Refresh w/ Texas Speed Cam

$2,172.20 In Stock

Gen V-specific AFM-delete build — correct non-DOD lifters, VLOM-delete valley cover, and VVT lockout, not LS parts.

Step 5

Build Your Own Kit

Pick your generation and engine, review the required base kit, then customize with upgrades and add-ons. Live pricing, real Shopify checkout.

JRJ / GM engine parts builder

GM Cam &DOD/AFM Delete Kits.

Build a generation-matched cam swap, DOD delete or AFM delete kit for your GM engine. Start with the base kit, then review available upgrades, parts and tuning options.

Gen III / Cam swapGen IV / DOD deleteGen V / AFM delete
Find your platform
GM Gen IV LS engine illustrating one of the kit builder’s supported engine platforms
Select your generation and engine below to build your parts list.
Choosing A Cam

Common Cam Directions

The right cam depends on your goals, your existing valvetrain, and your vehicle's gearing and converter. This is a starting point, not a spec sheet — final spring, pushrod, converter, gearing, and tuning requirements depend on the exact cam and vehicle combination.

NSR / Factory-Spring Cam

Designed to work with factory valve springs on supported platforms — the basis for a cam-only swap where lifters are healthy.

Mild Daily-Driver Cam

A step up in sound and low-end response while staying easy to live with day to day.

Larger Performance Cam

Requires matched springs and pushrods — moves outside factory-spring-safe territory.

Truck Norris

A named BTR camshaft offered on multiple platforms in this guide — see the platform tables above for the exact part number for your generation.

Truck Norris Cam Tune

Chopacabra

A named TSP camshaft offered on multiple platforms in this guide — see the platform tables above for the exact part number for your generation.

Chopacabra Cam Tune

Stage 2-Style Cam

A larger truck-cam option available on the 98–06 and 07–13 platforms — see each platform's options list above.

Stage 2 Cam Tune
Application-specific Gen V cams (TSP Gen V Chopacabra, BTR Gen V) are separate parts from their LS-platform namesakes — do not cross-shop Gen V and LS cam part numbers.
Don't Skip This

Tuning Is Part Of The Job

A cam swap, DOD/AFM delete, VVT change, injector change, or major airflow change requires the calibration to match the hardware. The physical kit does not include a tune unless the specific product listing says so.

FAQ

Cam Swap & DOD/AFM Delete Questions

What parts do I need for a 5.3 cam swap?

It depends on your generation. A 1998/1999–2006 5.3L LM7/L59 can qualify for a cam-only NSR cam swap with just the camshaft, retainer plate/bolts, timing cover gasket, front crank seal, balancer bolt, water pump and valve cover gaskets, and fluids. A 2007–2013 or 2014–2018 5.3L always requires the complete parts kit — non-DOD/non-AFM lifters, the correct valley cover or block-off hardware, head gaskets and head bolts, and a full gasket/seal set. See the platform tables above for exact part numbers.

Can I swap a cam without changing lifters?

Only on the 1998/1999–2006 Gen III platform, and only when the existing lifters are healthy and the cam is an NSR-style cam designed for factory springs. On 2007–2013 and 2014–2018 platforms, lifter replacement is always part of the DOD/AFM-delete kit — there is no simplified cam-only kit option on those generations.

What's included in a complete DOD/AFM delete parts kit?

A complete DOD/AFM delete kit for 2007–2013 or 2014–2018 platforms includes a full set of non-DOD lifters and trays, the correct valley cover or block-off hardware, head gaskets and head bolts, timing components, a full gasket/seal set, and fluids — see the platform tables above for the exact parts list and OEM numbers.

Do I need valve springs for a Truck Norris or Chopacabra cam?

It depends on which version of the cam. The NSR versions of these cams are designed to work with factory springs on supported platforms. The full/non-NSR versions require a matched valve spring kit and chromoly pushrods. Check the specific cam listing for your platform.

Can I use LS7 lifters in an L83 or L86?

Yes. LS7-style lifters are correct for L83 and L86 Gen V applications, the same as Gen III/IV LS platforms.

What is the difference between DOD, AFM, and VVT?

DOD (Displacement on Demand) and AFM (Active Fuel Management) are earlier and later GM names for related cylinder-deactivation strategies; the exact hardware and implementation vary by engine. DFM is a newer, more flexible cylinder-deactivation strategy. VVT (Variable Valve Timing) is a separate system that adjusts cam phasing, though some engines have both. See DOD vs AFM Explained for the full breakdown.

Do I need a new oil pump during a cam swap?

Not always. The OEM oil pump is listed as a required part in the complete DOD-delete/lifter-replacement kits in this guide. An upgraded high-volume or high-pressure pump is an optional performance upgrade, not a requirement, unless your specific combination calls for it.

Do I need a tune after a cam swap?

Yes. Any cam change, DOD/AFM delete, or VVT change requires the calibration to be updated to match the new hardware. See Build Your Tune.

What parts are commonly forgotten?

The one-time-use balancer bolt, front crankshaft seal, cam retainer plate and bolts, water pump and timing cover gaskets, oil pickup tube O-ring, oil pan gasket, head bolts (included in DOD-delete and full top-end kits), intake/exhaust/valve cover gaskets, fluids, and the correct valley-cover or DOD-delete hardware are the items most often left off a parts order. See the Parts People Forget section above.

Can J.R. Jones Racing LLC verify my kit by VIN?

Yes — use the VIN Decoder or RPO Code Lookup to confirm your exact engine, or add your VIN in the Cam Kit Builder above so it's attached to your order for verification.

Does a DOD-delete kit include every gasket and bolt?

The complete kits listed on this page are built around the required-parts lists shown in the platform guides above — every gasket, seal, and bolt needed for that kit. Always confirm exact contents on the live product listing before ordering, since options and included items can change.

Can I build my own kit instead of buying the complete package?

Yes. This guide is written so you can source the parts yourself using the part numbers listed, use the Cam Kit Builder to customize a kit with live pricing, or buy one of the three complete matched kits. All three paths use the same underlying parts knowledge.

J.R. Jones Racing LLC tip jar and beer fund
Free Technical Resources

Did This Guide Help You Build The Right Parts List?

We create free parts guides, repair information, and tuning resources to help GM owners avoid ordering the wrong components. If this page saved you time or money, you can buy us a beer and help support the next guide.

Choose A Custom Amount

Connected to the catalog

Matched cam, delete, and engine-refresh packages

Confirm the generation and installed hardware before combining a parts kit with the correct tuning path.

Build Your Tune

Select the vehicle and camshaft, choose the tune type, then add only the modifications supported by that path.

Device required for remote tunes and downloadable files: You must have an HP Tuners MPVI2, MPVI3, or MPVI4 supported for your vehicle. J.R. Jones Racing LLC does not currently support RTD or TDN devices. RTD/TDN support is planned for the future. Check device requirements. Need an interface? You can add an HP Tuners MPVI4 to your tune at the bottom of this builder if you would like to purchase one through J.R. Jones Racing LLC. Vehicle credits are sold separately.
Build Your Tune Package
Verified Vehicle Match

Doing an engine swap? Choose the original year, make, and model for your engine and PCM. Select “Swap Tune” below to enter the vehicle it’s going into.

Choose Your Path Choose Your Tune Type

Full Custom and Base support listed modifications. Downloadable .HPT files cover only an exact supported cam or delete calibration with no modification add-ons. FIRSTTUNE20 is not valid on downloadable or pre-written .HPT files.

Modifications & Options
Choose tune type first
HP Tuners Credits are sold separately at HPTuners.com.
Your Tune Match
Choose year, make, model, engine, and cam selection.
Price Breakdown
Complete your vehicle selections—
Total
Select Vehicle
HP Tuners MPVI4 vehicle interface

Need an HP Tuners interface?

Purchase an MPVI4 below to include it in the same order as your tune. Vehicle credits are sold separately.

View MPVI4 Details
Final Build Summary
Vehicle
Not selected
Engine
Not selected
Transmission / Drivetrain
Not provided / Not provided
Cam
Not selected
Tune Type
Not selected
Modifications
None Selected
Blowers
LSA: No; Hellcat: No
Package subtotal
Select vehicle

Before tax, shipping and any checkout discounts.

Loading the secure vehicle configurator…