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.
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.
Gen IV LS — DOD/AFM
Gen V EcoTec3 — AFM
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
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.
Gen III LS Cam Swap Parts
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.
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.
| Category | Part | Brand | Part # | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camshaft | Chopacabra NSR Cam | TSP | TSPCHUPAC-NSR | 1 (choice) | No springs required |
| Camshaft | Truck Norris NSR Cam | BTR | BTR-TN-NSR | 1 (choice) | No springs required |
| Cam accessories | Camshaft Retainer Plate | GM | 12557583 | 1 | — |
| Cam bolts | Cam Retainer Plate Bolts | GM | 12589016 | 1 set | — |
| Cam bolts | Camshaft Bolts (3-Bolt) | GM | 11515758 | 3 | — |
| Timing | Timing Cover Gasket | GM | 12560226 | 1 | — |
| Gaskets/Seals | Front Crankshaft Seal | GM | 12585673 | 1 | — |
| Other Hardware | Crankshaft Balancer Bolt (TTY) | GM | 12557840 | 1 | One-time-use torque-to-yield |
| Gaskets | Water Pump Gaskets | GM | 12630223 | 2 | — |
| Gaskets | Valve Cover Gaskets | GM | 12637683 | 2 | — |
| Fluids | OEM Oil Filter | GM | 12690386 | 1 | — |
| Fluids | Dexos Engine Oil | — | — | Full refill | — |
| Fluids | DEX-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.
| Category | Part | Brand | Part # | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifters | LS7-Style Hydraulic Roller Lifters | Delphi/GM | DEL-25341990-16 | 1 set (16) | — |
| Hardware | Lifter Guide Bolts | GM | 12551163 | 4 | — |
| Hardware | Lifter Tray Guides | GM | 12589226 | 4 | — |
| Camshaft | Chopacabra NSR Cam | TSP | TSPCHUPAC-NSR | 1 (choice) | — |
| Camshaft | Truck Norris NSR Cam | BTR | BTR-TN-NSR | 1 (choice) | — |
| Cam accessories | Camshaft Retainer Plate | GM | 12557583 | 1 | — |
| Cam bolts | Cam Retainer Plate Bolts | GM | 12589016 | 1 set | — |
| Cam bolts | Camshaft Bolts (3-Bolt) | GM | 11515758 | 3 | — |
| Timing | Timing Chain | GM | 12646387 | 1 | — |
| Timing | Timing Chain Tensioner | GM | 12626407 | 1 | — |
| Timing | 3-Bolt Cam Gear (Non-VVT) | GM | 12586481 | 1 | — |
| Head gaskets | Cylinder Head Gaskets | GM | 12589278 | 2 | — |
| Hardware | Head Bolts, Long (TTY) | GM | 12622033 | 20 | One-time-use |
| Hardware | Head Bolts, Short (TTY) | GM | 12589227 | 10 | One-time-use |
| Intake gaskets | Intake Manifold Gasket Set | GM | 89060436 | 1 | — |
| Valley cover gaskets | Valley Cover Gaskets | GM | 89060413 | 2 | — |
| Gaskets | Valve Cover Gaskets | GM | 12637683 | 2 | — |
| Gaskets | Exhaust Manifold Gaskets | GM | 12617944 | 2 | — |
| Gaskets | Water Pump Gaskets | GM | 12630223 | 2 | — |
| Seals | Oil Pickup Tube O-Ring | GM | 12584922 | 1 | — |
| Gaskets | Oil Pan Gasket | GM | 12612350 | 1 | — |
| Seals | Front Crankshaft Seal | GM | 12585673 | 1 | — |
| Timing cover gasket | Front Cover Gasket | GM | 12630223 | 1 | As listed in source data |
| Oil pump | GM OEM Oil Pump | GM | 12612289 | 1 | — |
| Hardware | Crankshaft Balancer Bolt (TTY) | GM | 12557840 | 1 | One-time-use |
| Seals | Knock Sensor Seals | GM | 12573460 | 2 | — |
| Fluids | OEM Oil Filter / Dexos Oil / DEX-COOL | GM | 12690386 | Full 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.
| Category | Part | Brand | Part # | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camshaft | Chopacabra Cam (Full/Non-NSR) | TSP | TSPCHUPAC-FULL | 1 (choice) | Duration/lift/LSA: verify by application |
| Camshaft | Truck Norris Cam (Full/Non-NSR) | BTR | BTR-TRUCK-NORRIS | 1 (choice) | Duration/lift/LSA: verify by application |
| Valve springs | PAC Racing Beehive Valve Springs | PAC | PAC-1219 | 1 set | — |
| Pushrods | 5/16" Chromoly Pushrod Kit | TSP | TSP-7xxx-16 | 1 set | Matched to cam lift |
| Valve seals | GM OEM Valve Stem Seals | GM | 12482063 | 16 | — |
| All complete-kit items above | Carried Over | — | — | — | Full parts list above still applies |
Not included: long tube headers, catless Y-pipe.
Optional Performance Upgrade — Long Tube Headers
| Category | Part | Brand | Part # | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exhaust | Long Tube Headers | Speed Engineering | Verify by application | 1 set | Vehicle-specific |
| Exhaust | Catless Y-Pipe | — | Verify by application | 1 | — |
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.
Gen IV LS DOD Delete Parts
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.
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.
| Category | Part | Brand | Part # | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delete lifters | LS7-Style Hydraulic Roller Lifters (Set of 16) | Delphi/GM | DEL-25341990-16 | 1 set | — |
| DOD delete plates | DOD/AFM Block-Off Plugs | TSP | TSP-DODPlug | 8 | — |
| DOD hardware | Valve Lifter Guide Bolts | GM | 12551163 | 4 | — |
| DOD hardware | Lifter Tray Guides | GM | 12589226 | 4 | — |
| Camshaft | Chopacabra NSR Cam | TSP | TSPCHUPAC-NSR | 1 (choice) | — |
| Camshaft | Truck Norris NSR Cam | BTR | BTR-TN-NSR | 1 (choice) | — |
| Cam accessory | Camshaft Retainer Plate | GM | 12557583 | 1 | — |
| Cam bolts | Cam Retainer Plate Bolts | GM | 12589016 | 1 set | — |
| Cam bolts | Camshaft Bolts (3-Bolt) | GM | 11515758 | 3 | — |
| Timing | Timing Chain | GM | 12646387 | 1 | — |
| Timing | Timing Chain Tensioner | GM | 12626407 | 1 | — |
| Timing | 3-Bolt Cam Gear (Non-VVT) | GM | 12586481 | 1 | — |
| Timing cover | Non-VVT Front Timing Cover (L96-Style) | GM | 12633906 | 1 | Required to eliminate VVT solenoid |
| Timing cover gasket | Engine Front Cover Gasket | GM | 12630223 | 1 | — |
| Seals | Front Crankshaft Seal | GM | 12585673 | 1 | — |
| Head gaskets | Cylinder Head Gaskets | GM | 12589278 | 2 | — |
| Hardware | Head Bolts, Long (TTY) | GM | 12622033 | 20 | One-time-use |
| Hardware | Head Bolts, Short (TTY) | GM | 12589227 | 10 | One-time-use |
| Intake gaskets | Intake Manifold Gasket Set | GM | 89060436 | 1 | — |
| Valley cover gaskets | Valley Cover / Lifter Oil Manifold Gaskets | GM | 89060413 | 2 | — |
| Gaskets | Valve Cover Gaskets | GM | 12637683 | 2 | — |
| Gaskets | Exhaust Manifold Gaskets | GM | 12617944 | 2 | — |
| Gaskets | Water Pump Gaskets | GM | 12630223 | 2 | — |
| Seals | Oil Pickup Tube O-Ring | GM | 12584922 | 1 | — |
| Gaskets | Oil Pan Gasket | GM | 12612350 | 1 | — |
| Gaskets | Oil Cooler Adapter Gasket | GM | 12611384 | 1 | — |
| Oil pump | GM Oil Pump | GM | 12612289 | 1 | — |
| Hardware | Crankshaft Balancer Bolt (TTY) | GM | 12557840 | 1 | One-time-use |
| Seals | Knock Sensor Seals | GM | 12573460 | 2 | — |
| Fluids | OEM Oil Filter / Dexos Oil / DEX-COOL | GM | 12690386 | Full 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.
| Category | Part | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve springs | Matched Valve Spring Kit | 1 set | Verify by application |
| Pushrods | Chromoly Pushrods, Precision Length | 16 | Verify by application |
| Valve seals | Valve Stem Seals | 16 | Verify by application |
| All Full Top End items above | Carried 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.
Gen V EcoTec3 AFM Delete Parts
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+).
Full Top End Build (Complete Kit, Confirmed Required Parts)
| Category | Part | Brand | Part # | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delete lifters | Gen V Non-DOD Lifters (Set of 16) | GM | 12698946 | 1 set | LS7-style lifters are correct for this application |
| DOD delete hardware | Gen V Lifter Guides / Trays | GM | 12698947 | 4 | — |
| Valley cover | Non-DOD Valley Cover (VLOM Delete) | GM | 12645725 | 1 | Mandatory |
| Valley cover gasket | Valley Cover Gasket | GM | 12657093 | 1 | — |
| Camshaft | TSP Gen V Chopacabra Cam | TSP | TSP-GENV-CHUPAC | 1 (choice) | Gen V-specific — not interchangeable with LS Chopacabra cams |
| Camshaft | BTR Gen V Cam | BTR | BTR-GENV-CAM | 1 (choice) | Gen V-specific |
| Cam accessory | Camshaft Retainer Plate | GM | 12586481 | 1 | As listed in source data |
| Cam bolts | Camshaft Retainer Bolts | GM | 12637384 | 1 set | — |
| VVT | Cam Phaser Bolt (VVT) | GM | 12646388 | 1 | — |
| VVT | VVT Phaser Lockout Kit | COMP Cams | Verify by application | 1 | Mandatory on Gen V |
| Timing | Timing Chain | GM | 12646386 | 1 | — |
| Timing | Timing Chain Tensioner | GM | 12646387 | 1 | — |
| Hardware | Cylinder Head Bolts, Full Set (TTY) | GM | 12622033 | 1 set | One-time-use |
| Head gaskets | Cylinder Head Gaskets, MLS Gen V | — | Verify by application | 2 | — |
| Intake gaskets | Intake Manifold Gasket Set | GM | 12626354 | 1 | — |
| Gaskets | Exhaust Manifold Gaskets | GM | 12617944 | 2 | — |
| Gaskets | Valve Cover Gaskets | GM | 12619787 | 2 | — |
| Timing cover gasket | Front Timing Cover Gasket | GM | 12649250 | 1 | — |
| Seals | Front Crankshaft Seal | GM | Verify by application | Verify by application | Source data was cut off at this line item |
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.
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.
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
$2,300.00 In StockCam-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
$2,741.88 In StockComplete 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
$2,172.20 In StockGen V-specific AFM-delete build — correct non-DOD lifters, VLOM-delete valley cover, and VVT lockout, not LS parts.
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.
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 TuneChopacabra
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 TuneStage 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 TuneTuning 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.
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.
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Choose A Custom AmountConnected 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.
Matched Parts Kit
GM Cam Swap Parts List & DOD/AFM Delete Kit Guide
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
OEM Engine Refresh Kit · GM LS Truck Platform GM LS Cam Swap Kit 1999–2006 This is a complete OEM-based GM LS cam swap...
Matched Parts Kit
GM Cam Swap Parts List & DOD/AFM Delete Kit Guide
2007–2013 GM LS Complete Cam Kit – OEM Refresh w/ Texas Speed NSR Cam
DOD Delete + OEM Engine Refresh · Gen IV LS Platform 2007–2013 GM LS DOD Delete Cam Kit 5.3 / 6.0 This is a...
Matched Parts Kit
GM Cam Swap Parts List & DOD/AFM Delete Kit Guide
2014–2018 GM Gen V Complete Cam Kit – OEM Refresh w/ Texas Speed Cam
AFM Delete + Gen V Engine Refresh · EcoTec3 Platform 2014–2018 GM Gen V AFM Delete Cam Kit 5.3 / 6.2 This is a...
