The Texas Speed LS Truck NSR Cam Kit, short for No Springs Required, packages a factory-spring-compatible camshaft with the gaskets and hardware needed to install it in a 4.8L or 5.3L cathedral-port LS truck engine. Choose the torque-focused NSR RV camshaft or the aggressive-sounding NSR Chopacabra. Both run .495" intake and exhaust lift so compatible factory GM valve springs, pushrods and torque converter stay in place.
The NSR RV (208/216, 110 LSA) is Texas Speed's modern take on the classic RV cam, built for low-end and midrange torque in towing, off-road and daily-driven trucks with a smooth idle and an estimated gain of up to 40 hp. The NSR Chopacabra (214/222, 108 LSA, 106 ICL) keeps the signature choppy idle with a tested gain of more than 60 hp, a 1,200 to 6,500 rpm range and a 9.5:1 or higher compression recommendation. Existing springs must be inspected for wear and pressure before reuse, and tuning is required. A rocker trunnion upgrade is optional.
Specifications
- Application: 4.8L and 5.3L cathedral-port LS truck engines
- Camshaft: Texas Speed NSR RV or NSR Chopacabra selected at ordering
- NSR RV 4.8L/5.3L: 208/216 duration at .050", .495"/.495" lift, 110 LSA, 107 ICL, smooth mild idle, estimated gain up to 40 hp
- NSR Chopacabra 4.8L/5.3L: 214/222 duration at .050", .495"/.495" lift, 108 LSA, 106 ICL, aggressive choppy idle, tested gain of more than 60 hp
- NSR Chopacabra recommended compression: 9.5:1 or higher; operating range 1,200 to 6,500 rpm
- Valve springs: Compatible factory GM springs reused; no spring upgrade required
- Torque converter: Factory converter friendly; rear gear upgrade not required
- Included hardware: TSP front cover and camshaft gasket kit, GM LSX harmonic balancer bolt, TSP LS cam retainer plate and bolts, ARP LS1 cam bolt kit, Cometic LSx center-bolt valve cover gaskets (qty 2)
- Optional: TSP rocker arm trunnion upgrade kit
- Tuning: Required
Kit Includes
- Texas Speed NSR camshaft (selected at ordering)
- TSP front cover and camshaft gasket kit (TSP-FrontCoverGasketKit-PK)
- GM LSX harmonic balancer bolt (GM-12557840)
- TSP LS camshaft retainer plate and bolts kit (TSP-CP9016)
- ARP LS1 cam bolt kit (ARP-134-1003)
- Cometic LSx center-bolt valve cover gaskets, qty 2 (COM-C5170)
Ordering Options
Select the camshaft from the Camshaft option: NSR RV for low-end torque and a smooth idle, or NSR Chopacabra for stronger performance and a choppy idle. Texas Speed offers its rocker arm trunnion upgrade kit for LSX and Gen V LT as an optional add-on; it is not included unless selected.
Note: Factory valve springs must be inspected for wear, damage, proper installed height and adequate pressure before reuse. Old, weak or high-mileage springs should be replaced before running the new camshaft. Piston-to-valve and other valvetrain clearances should be checked before final assembly.
FAQ
What does NSR mean on the Texas Speed cam kit?
NSR stands for No Springs Required. The NSR camshafts run .495" lift so they operate with compatible factory GM valve springs, eliminating the spring upgrade normally needed for a cam swap.
What is included in the Texas Speed LS Truck NSR Cam Kit?
The kit includes your choice of NSR RV or NSR Chopacabra camshaft, a TSP front cover and cam gasket kit, a GM harmonic balancer bolt, a TSP cam retainer plate with bolts, an ARP cam bolt kit and two Cometic valve cover gaskets.
Which engines does the NSR cam kit fit?
The camshafts offered in this kit are for 4.8L and 5.3L cathedral-port LS truck engines. Texas Speed also describes 6.0L NSR grinds, but they are not among the choices on this kit.
Should I choose the NSR RV or the NSR Chopacabra?
Texas Speed recommends the NSR RV for towing, off-road use, daily driving and a smooth idle, and the NSR Chopacabra for stronger performance with an aggressive, choppy idle from a 4.8L or 5.3L.
Does the NSR Chopacabra need a stall converter or new pushrods?
No. Texas Speed describes it as factory converter friendly with no rear gear upgrade required, and the .495" lift works with the factory springs and pushrods in a properly configured engine.
Is tuning required with an NSR camshaft?
Yes. Texas Speed states camshaft tuning is required and will vary by vehicle and engine combination.
