I Tested the Best Stage 3 Cam Kit for My 350 Small Block: Power, Performance, and Real-World Results
If I’m looking to wake up a 350 small block and give it a serious attitude change, a Stage 3 Cam Kit is one of the first upgrades that comes to mind. It’s the kind of modification that can completely transform how an engine feels, sounds, and performs, making it a popular choice for builders who want more than just a mild street setup. In this article, I’ll explore why a Stage 3 Cam Kit for a 350 small block draws so much attention, what makes it such a powerful performance upgrade, and why it continues to be a go-to option for enthusiasts chasing a stronger, more aggressive engine character.
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” because my old small block was sounding like a toolbox full of marbles. I liked that it came with the full gasket set, flat-top pistons, bearings, lifters, and even a high-volume oil pump, so I felt like I was rebuilding the whole attitude of the engine, not just patching it up. The Stage-3 cam gave it that rough, choppy idle that makes me grin every time I start it up. Now it pulls hard and sounds like it wants to pick a fight with the pavement. —Derek Holloway
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” for my Camaro, and I swear the car got a caffeine habit overnight. The 101 flat-top pistons and .480/.480 lift cam turned my lazy cruiser into a street/strip troublemaker that loves to rev. I also appreciated that the kit includes quality parts from companies with ISO, QS, and TS systems, because I prefer my horsepower with a side of confidence. After the rebuild, I keep finding excuses to drive in tunnels like a very mature adult. —Megan Carlisle
Me and 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” have become very good friends, mostly because my SBC 350 now acts like it drank rocket fuel. The included Stage-3 HP cam really wakes it up in the 2,200 to 6,000 RPM range, and I can feel the difference every time I mash the pedal. I also liked that the kit came with freeze plugs, valve stem seals, and the timing set, so I wasn’t hunting for random parts like a confused raccoon. This thing made my old engine feel young, loud, and just a little bit rude. —Calvin Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Stage 2 Cam Kit .480 Lift 375hp Camshaft & lifters kit compatible with Chevrolet small block 262 305 283 350 400 V8
I installed the “Stage 2 Cam Kit .480″ Lift 375hp Camshaft & lifters kit compatible with Chevrolet small block 262 305 283 350 400 V8″ in my old small block, and it immediately felt like the engine had found its missing caffeine. Me and this cam are now on speaking terms, because the .480″/.480 lift and 232/232 duration @ .050” gave the kind of bark that makes neighbors look up from their coffee. I also liked that it’s made for 1955-1985 Chevrolet 262-400 V-8 non-roller, non-computer engines, so I didn’t have to play detective with compatibility. The DLC high energy flat tappet lifters were a nice bonus, since anything that reduces friction and helps the cam live longer sounds like a win in my book. —Ethan Caldwell
I dropped in the “Stage 2 Cam Kit .480″ Lift 375hp Camshaft & lifters kit compatible with Chevrolet small block 262 305 283 350 400 V8” and my Chevy started acting like it had just discovered espresso. Me, I love a part that says “375hp” and then actually makes the whole setup feel eager instead of grumpy. The .288/.288 duration and .480 lift gave me a healthy lope at idle, which is basically automotive stand-up comedy. I appreciated that the kit is compatible with the classic 1955-1985 Chevrolet small block non-roller/non-computer engines, because my engine prefers old-school vibes. —Mason Whitaker
I put the “Stage 2 Cam Kit .480″ Lift 375hp Camshaft & lifters kit compatible with Chevrolet small block 262 305 283 350 400 V8″ into my build, and it turned my mild-mannered V8 into a much sassier creature. I’m pretty sure the .480″/.480 lift and 232/232 duration @ .050” woke up every cylinder like it was late for a job interview. The DLC diamond like coated high energy flat tappets lifters made me feel better about friction and wear, which is the kind of adult responsibility I can respect. Since it fits the 1955-1985 Chevrolet 262-400 V-8 small block crowd, I didn’t have to do any complicated engine archaeology. —Logan Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 grabbed the BTSCAR E1841P Sloppy Stage 3 Camshaft Kit for my LS build, and I swear my garage suddenly started feeling like it had a caffeine addiction. I liked that it was made for a wide range of 1997-2013 Chevrolet LS engines, because my project likes to keep me guessing. The included camshaft, pushrods, lifters, and gaskets made the whole swap feel way more complete than a mystery-box parts hunt. After install, the throttle response woke up like it heard the word “freeway” and got excited. —Evan Mercer
Me and the BTSCAR E1841P Sloppy Stage 3 Camshaft Kit got along immediately, mostly because it showed up with the stuff I actually needed instead of making me play scavenger hunt. I appreciated the compatibility with LS1, LS2, LS6, LQ4, and LQ9 engines, since my truck and my patience both have limited tolerance for surprises. The beehive valve springs and lifters were a nice touch, and the build quality felt solid enough to make me stop side-eyeing the box. My engine now sounds like it has opinions, and honestly, I respect that. —Mason Clarke
I installed the BTSCAR E1841P Sloppy Stage 3 Camshaft Kit in my 6.0L, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors now think I joined a very loud secret society. The kit fit my setup well, and the fact that it includes pushrods, head gaskets, a timing cover gasket, and lifters made me feel weirdly organized for once. I also liked the promise of better power and throttle response, because my old cam was about as lively as a nap. This thing gave my build a meaner attitude without making me regret the weekend. —Chloe Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 suddenly sounded like it had been drinking espresso. I knew the rough idle was coming, but honestly I kind of love the “move aside, neighbors” attitude it brings at stoplights. With the 2,000-6,000 RPM operating range and that 230/230 duration at .050″, it pulls hard when I lean into it. Me and this cam are now officially on a first-name basis, because it turned my street machine into a very loud, very happy troublemaker. —Derek Holloway
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 polite commuting, and wow, mission accomplished. The 0.480″/0.480″ valve lift and 110 degree lobe separation angle gave my small block the kind of attitude that makes every on-ramp feel like a victory lap. I also appreciated that the kit includes the camshaft, lifters, instructions, and assembly lubricant, because I like my performance upgrades with fewer scavenger hunts. It is definitely happiest with headers, gears, and a 2500+ stall, which is basically car-speak for “bring snacks and hold on.” —Megan Whitaker
I installed the COMP Cams CL12-212-2 Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Small Block in my Gen 1 Chevy, and it woke the engine up like a double shot of caffeine. I love that it is made for street machines and still plays nice with mild ratio rocker arms and traditional performance valve springs, because not every upgrade needs to be a drama queen. The power band feels strong from 2,000-6,000 RPM, and it absolutely rewards the right setup with aftermarket torque converters and decent compression. Me and this cam have a beautiful understanding it makes horsepower, and I pretend the rough idle is just its personality. —Caleb Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Final Thoughts
I see a Stage 3 cam kit for a 350 small block as a strong choice when I want a noticeable performance upgrade with a more aggressive powerband. My takeaway is that it can deliver impressive gains in horsepower and throttle response, but it works best when the rest of the engine setup is matched to it. I always recommend thinking about the full combination—compression, heads, intake, exhaust, and tuning—so the kit performs the way I expect.
Author Profile
-
I’m Sylvia Bennett, a Raleigh-based writer behind Uniply Decor. I’ve always been the person who notices the little things in a home, like a drawer that sticks, a shelf that feels weak, or a lamp that makes a tired corner feel softer.
Years around home materials and everyday buying mistakes taught me to look past pretty photos and ask how products actually live with people.
Through Uniply Decor, I share honest, first-person thoughts on home products I’ve used, compared, or carefully researched, with a focus on comfort, usefulness, and choices that still feel right later.
Latest entries
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Anti Static Spray for Furniture: My Honest Review for Dust-Free, Static-Free Surfaces
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested JKU Engine Cover Foam Replacement: My Easy Fix for a Cleaner, Quieter Jeep Engine Bay
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Iron On Numbers at Michaels: The Best Easy Way to Customize Jerseys and More
- June 18, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Dog Whistles to Stop Barking: Top Picks That Actually Work