Best Cams for Small Chevy Dump Trucks

If you’re running a small Chevy dump truck—whether it’s a 3500HD, C/K series, or Silverado with a gas V8 under the hood—upgrading your camshaft is one of the most effective ways to boost performance. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads or just want more low-end torque and throttle response, the right cam can transform how your truck runs.

So what’s the best camshaft for a small Chevy dump truck? Let’s break it down based on engine type, driving style, and work demands.

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What to Look for in a Camshaft for a Dump Truck

When choosing a cam for a work-focused Chevy truck, you want to prioritize torque and drivability over high-revving horsepower. Here’s what matters:

✅ Low-End Torque

Dump trucks need grunt off the line, especially when loaded. Look for cams optimized for 1,500–4,000 RPM.

✅ Towing Performance

A camshaft designed for towing will improve throttle response, reduce strain, and improve load handling.

✅ Daily Drivability

You want a cam that works with stock or near-stock converters, idles smooth, and doesn’t require crazy tuning.

✅ Compatibility

Make sure the cam matches your engine specs, compression ratio, transmission, and whether you’re using stock or aftermarket heads.

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Best Cams for Small Block Chevy Dump Trucks (Gas Engines)

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1. Comp Cams Xtreme Energy 260H (Best for 350 SBC Towing Builds)

Why it’s great:
Perfect balance of mild performance, low-end torque, and daily drivability for small block Chevy trucks with a 305 or 350 engine.

Specs:

• Duration: 212/218 @ .050″

• Lift: .447″/.454″

• Lobe separation: 110°

• Works with stock converter

Best for: Small block 350 dump trucks that need a little more pull without losing idle smoothness or mileage

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2. Texas Speed Stage 1 Low Lift (Best for LS-Powered 5.3/6.0 Trucks)

Why it’s great:
Designed for daily-driven and towing LS-based trucks, this cam gives a torque boost and works with factory springs and converters.

Specs:

• Duration: 212/218 @ .050″

• Lift: .550″/.550″

• LSA: 112°

• No fly-cutting required

Best for: 4.8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L LS-powered Silverado or HD dump trucks (especially 2000–2018 models)

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3. Brian Tooley Racing (BTR) Truck Torque Cam (Best for Budget LS Builds)

Why it’s great:
Massive value for the price, this cam is known for increasing low-end torque and works well with stock components.

Specs:

• Duration: 202/210 @ .050″

• Lift: .511″/.512″

• LSA: 111°

• Strong torque from 1,500 RPM up

Best for: Fleet or work truck builds with LS engines that want torque without sacrificing driveability

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4. Lunati Voodoo 256/262 Hydraulic Flat Tappet (Best SBC Flat Tappet Option)

Why it’s great:
This cam is optimized for low-mid RPM power, great throttle response, and better fuel economy on older small block trucks.

Specs:

• Duration: 213/219 @ .050″

• Lift: .454″/.468″

• LSA: 112°

• Great with stock heads and converter

Best for: Older dump trucks running 305 or 350 small block with flat tappet setups

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5. Elgin E-1840-P (Best OEM+ Upgrade for TBI or Vortec 350)

Why it’s great:
A mild cam upgrade for throttle body injection (TBI) and Vortec 350s that works with factory ECM and stock valve train.

Specs:

• Duration: 194/204 @ .050″

• Lift: .398″/.442″

• Works great with stock ECU tuning

Best for: 1987–1995 TBI 5.7L trucks or 1996–2002 Vortec 5.7L dump trucks

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Best Cams by Engine Type

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Installation & Supporting Mods

Most cams listed above are drop-in friendly, but consider these upgrades for best results:

🛠 Supporting Upgrades:

• Valve springs (especially with .500”+ lift cams)

• Pushrods and lifters (if going aggressive)

• Timing set – always replace during a cam swap

• ECU tuning – especially for LS trucks

🔧 Pro Tips:

• Always degree your cam when installing

• Use assembly lube and follow break-in procedures for flat tappet cams

• Consider upgrading to electric fans and tuning shift points for max drivability

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Conclusion

The best cam for your small Chevy dump truck depends on your engine and how you use the truck. Whether you’re hauling gravel or towing equipment daily, the right cam upgrade can give you more torque, better throttle response, and smoother performance under load.

• Running a classic SBC 350? Go with the Comp Cams XE260H

• Driving an LS-powered 5.3 or 6.0? The Texas Speed Stage 1 or BTR Truck Torque Cam are hard to beat

• Working with a TBI or Vortec setup? The Elgin E-1840-P gives you power without upsetting the stock tune

Install it right, tune it well, and your dump truck will pull harder, run smoother, and work better than ever.