New Comp Cams HV Series Cams Improve LS Engine Performance

The LS engine was introduced in 1997 and ran through 2020.

No question, the LS can make ridiculous horsepower with modifications and power adders, but many of those changes are at the sacrifice of drivability and dependability. That is great if you want to go racing, but what about the person who just wants a little extra pep in the step of their LS-based daily driver? What does that person need to do to get some performance in their vehicle?

The good news is that you can make some significant extra ponies pretty easily with very few modifications. One of the best and most noticeable changes you can make is to upgrade the cam. With COMP Cams’ new HV Series cams engineered specifically for LS-based 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0-liter engines, you can expect gains where they are needed most, without worry. Engineers designed the cam packages to provide an upgrade in performance while still meeting the needs of a daily-driven vehicle. If you have an LS-based engine and want to step it up a bit without compromising streetability, read on.

COMP Cams’ new HV Series Cams provide increased horsepower and torque across the range with minimal tuning.

HV Series Cams for Full-Size Vehicles

Designed with the daily-driven full-size car, truck, SUV, or 4×4 in mind, HV Series cams retain excellent street manners with performance benefits across the board. No matter which of the three different cams in the series is chosen, you can expect excellent drivability and improved throttle response with minimal tuning. Note that the big cam is designed for and works best in the larger displacement (6.0 and 6.2L) engines. And they work with stock torque converters, so no additional upgrades are needed to the drivetrain. You will notice a deeper rumble with a more noticeable lope. It won’t rattle your teeth out of your head, but it will sound much better than the stock offering

If you’re looking for better off-the-line performance or even passing power while towing a trailer, these cams are an excellent choice with increased torque across the operating range. Significant improvements in horsepower can be expected, especially at peak RPM. Testing on a Gen 4 5.3-liter engine yielded horsepower gains of 69 horsepower at 6,000rpm for the small cam and 94 horsepower at 6,100rpm with the big cam. Torque numbers picked up between 29 to 34 lb-ft depending on the cam choice.

If you’re looking for some extra passing power, the HV cams are geared for you! (Photo: Austin Hammons)

The mildest cam is what COMP calls an “NSR” or “No Springs Required” cam, meaning it will work with the stock springs, although replacement is always recommended with higher mileage engines. The recommended spring upgrade is the Beehive (#26906-16) valve springs, which are required for the two bigger cams.

The HV Series Cams are available now. For those of you with a Gen 3 or 4 LS engine getting long in the tooth, these cams are a terrific option for a quick pick-me-up. Without giving up street manners, you can increase the torque and horsepower while sounding better than ever before. That sounds like a winning combination for little parlay.

To shop for HV Series Cams, click HERE!