The Texas Speed Gen V Chopacabra Truck Camshaft brings the loud, choppy idle of the original LS Chopacabra to Gen V L83 5.3L and L86 6.2L trucks and SUVs. The 214/228 duration, .582"/.582" lift and 108 degree lobe separation are built around the factory torque converter and factory pushrods, so the swap needs only valve springs and a phaser lockout to deliver an aggressive sound with good drivability.
Texas Speed measured gains of 58 horsepower and 22 lb-ft at the crank on a 5.3L and 59 horsepower and 12 lb-ft on a 6.2L with this camshaft. It is designed for stock compression, does not require a stall converter or rear gear change, and runs through a 1,200 to 6,500 rpm operating range. TSP-VS2227-16 valve springs and a cam phaser lockout are required, and a custom tune is needed after installation.
Specifications
- Duration at .050": 214/228
- Valve lift: .582"/.582"
- Lobe separation angle: 108 degrees
- Intake centerline: 108 degrees, +10% FPL as published by Texas Speed
- Engines best suited for: Gen V L83 5.3L and L86 6.2L
- Desired compression ratio: Stock
- Recommended valve springs: TSP-VS2227-16 (upgraded springs required)
- Pushrods: Designed to use factory pushrods
- Phaser lockout: Required
- Aftermarket stall converter required: No, factory converter friendly
- Upgraded rear gear required: No
- Operating range: 1,200 to 6,500 rpm
- Vehicle usage: Street performance, mid range
- Chop level: Choppy
- Tested gains: 5.3L +58 hp and +22 lb-ft; 6.2L +59 hp and +12 lb-ft (at the crank)
- Tuning: Custom tune required after installation
Note: A cam phaser lockout is required with this camshaft.
Vehicle Applications
Engine families covered: GM Gen V L83 5.3L and L86 6.2L. Vehicle list narrowed to 2014 to 2018 per Texas Speed's stated engine applications.
Cadillac Escalade
- 2014 Cadillac Escalade
- 2015 Cadillac Escalade
- 2016 Cadillac Escalade
- 2017 Cadillac Escalade
- 2018 Cadillac Escalade
GMC Sierra 1500
- 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet Suburban
- 2014 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2016 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2017 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
- 2014 GMC Yukon
- 2015 GMC Yukon
- 2016 GMC Yukon
- 2017 GMC Yukon
- 2018 GMC Yukon
Vehicle applications reflect the fitment published by Texas Speed & Performance for this part number. Confirm your engine and cylinder head configuration before ordering.
FAQ
What engines does the Texas Speed Gen V Chopacabra cam fit?
Texas Speed lists the Gen V Chopacabra for the L83 5.3L and L86 6.2L found in 2014 and newer GM trucks and SUVs such as the Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Escalade.
Do I need a torque converter or pushrods with the Chopacabra LT cam?
No. Texas Speed designed it to work with the factory torque converter and factory pushrods, so neither needs to be replaced for the swap.
What valve springs and other parts are required?
TSP-VS2227-16 valve springs are required, and a cam phaser lockout is required because the camshaft is run without variable valve timing. A custom tune is also required after installation.
How much power does the Gen V Chopacabra add?
Texas Speed reports gains of 58 horsepower and 22 lb-ft of torque at the crank on a 5.3L L83 and 59 horsepower and 12 lb-ft on a 6.2L L86. Results depend on supporting parts and tuning.
How choppy is the idle with this camshaft?
Texas Speed rates the chop level as choppy. The 108 degree lobe separation gives the mean, snarling idle the Chopacabra name is known for while keeping good street drivability through the 1,200 to 6,500 rpm range.
How does the Gen V Chopacabra differ from the LS Chopacabra?
The LS version (214/222 .550" lift, 108 LSA) is for Gen III and IV cathedral-port engines. The Gen V version runs 214/228 with .582" lift for the direct-injected L83 and L86 and adds the phaser lockout requirement.
