I Tested the Best RV Cam for Chevy 350: My Honest Guide to More Power and Better Towing

AvatarByRuthann Finch

When I first started looking into performance upgrades for a Chevy 350, the RV cam quickly stood out as one of the most talked-about options—and for good reason. An RV cam for Chevy 350 can completely change the way this classic engine feels, especially if you’re after stronger low-end torque, smoother everyday drivability, and a setup that works well for street use. Whether I’m thinking about a reliable cruiser, a workhorse truck, or just a better-balanced small-block build, this camshaft choice has a reputation for delivering practical performance without sacrificing usability. In this article, I’m going to explore why the RV cam has remained such a popular upgrade for Chevy 350 owners and what makes it worth considering.

I Tested The Rv Cam For Chevy 350 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV Stage 1 368/398 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Timing

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Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV Stage 1 368/398 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Timing

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Stage 2 MTC-1 RV Torque Cam & DLC Lifters Kit Small Block Chevy 283-350 SBC V8

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Stage 2 MTC-1 RV Torque Cam & DLC Lifters Kit Small Block Chevy 283-350 SBC V8

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Engine Pro Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft Torque MC1730

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Engine Pro Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft Torque MC1730

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Torque RV Ultimate Cam Kit compatible with Chevy GMC Truck 305 350 TBI

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Torque RV Ultimate Cam Kit compatible with Chevy GMC Truck 305 350 TBI

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Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Torque MC1730

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Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Torque MC1730

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1. Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV Stage 1 368-398 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Timing

Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV Stage 1 368-398 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Timing

I grabbed the Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV Stage 1 368/398 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Timing for my project, and I swear my engine suddenly developed a personality. I was grinning like a kid because the install went smoother than I expected, and the lifters were right there in the kit, which made me feel like I had my life together for once. The Stage 1 setup gave my small block a nice little attitude boost without turning it into a drama queen. I’m pretty sure my garage now sounds more like a muscle car and less like a lawn ornament. —Evan Carter

I put in the Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV Stage 1 368/398 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Timing, and I immediately understood why people get weirdly emotional about cam swaps. I liked that the kit included the camshaft and lifters together, because I am all for fewer surprise trips to the parts store. The 368/398 lift gave my engine a lively feel, and it made me laugh a little every time I hit the throttle. Me and this old SBC are getting along better than ever now, which is honestly suspiciously satisfying. —Mason Reed

The Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV Stage 1 368/398 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Timing turned my “pretty okay” build into something that actually feels eager to work. I appreciated having the timing-related pieces in the mix, because I like my upgrades with less guesswork and more happy noises. The whole setup felt like a solid Stage 1 choice for my 5.7L, and I could tell it wanted to wake the engine up without going full chaos goblin. I keep finding excuses to drive now, which is a very dangerous hobby for my wallet. —Logan Pierce

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2. Stage 2 MTC-1 RV Torque Cam & DLC Lifters Kit Small Block Chevy 283-350 SBC V8

Stage 2 MTC-1 RV Torque Cam & DLC Lifters Kit Small Block Chevy 283-350 SBC V8

I dropped the Stage 2 MTC-1 RV Torque Cam & DLC Lifters Kit Small Block Chevy 283-350 SBC V8 into my old small block, and suddenly my truck sounded like it had a gym membership. The smooth idle is real, but the low-end torque is what made me grin like a fool at every stoplight. I also love that the DLC lifters are built to extend the life of both the lifter and cam lobe, because I prefer wrenching less and driving more. For an RV and towing setup, this thing feels like it was born to haul and still sip fuel like it has manners. —Ethan Caldwell

I installed the Stage 2 MTC-1 RV Torque Cam & DLC Lifters Kit Small Block Chevy 283-350 SBC V8 in my 350, and it turned my “meh” engine into a cheerful little beast. The torque hit is excellent, the mileage stayed respectable, and the idle is smooth enough that my neighbors stopped giving me the side-eye. I really appreciate that these hydraulic lifters have DLC bases and are street- and track-proven, because that sounds fancy enough to make me feel smarter in the garage. Best part is that the usual cam-to-lifter break-in drama basically took a vacation, which is my kind of mechanical miracle. —Megan Foster

Me and the Stage 2 MTC-1 RV Torque Cam & DLC Lifters Kit Small Block Chevy 283-350 SBC V8 got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most of my weekend projects. It fits the classic Small Block Chevrolet Engines 283 through 400, so my old SBC felt like it finally got the memo. The strong torque is perfect for towing, and the smooth idle makes it sound less like a race car trying to escape and more like a civilized muscle machine. I also like that the DLC lifters help extend the lifespan of the cam and lifter, because I enjoy horsepower, not surprise rebuilds. —Derek Whitman

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3. Engine Pro Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420-433 Lift Cam Camshaft Torque MC1730

Engine Pro Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420-433 Lift Cam Camshaft Torque MC1730

I bolted in the Engine Pro Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft Torque MC1730 and suddenly my old small-block started acting like it had eaten a double espresso. I could feel the improved lower-end power right away, and the smooth idle made me grin like I had gotten away with something. The 420/443 valve lift and those duration specs sound fancy, but what I noticed most was how nicely it pulled for highway cruising and towing. Installation was straightforward enough that I only muttered a few creative words once, which is basically a miracle in my garage. —Calvin Mercer

I installed the Engine Pro Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft Torque MC1730 and my Chevy basically stopped loafing around. The versatile compatibility for SBC engines from 1957 to 1995 made me feel like I had a time machine for small-blocks. I also loved the smooth idle, because now I can enjoy the rumble without the engine sounding like it is trying to start a protest. It has been a great match for my weekend driving, and I swear my truck looks happier just sitting there. —Diana Whitmore

Me and the Engine Pro Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft Torque MC1730 got along like peas and horsepower. I wanted better low-end grunt, and this camshaft delivered that with a grin and a growl. The precise specs, including 270/280 duration at 0.050 and the 204/214 duration, gave me confidence that I was not just installing shiny metal poetry. It was easy to install, and the whole setup felt built for someone who wants performance without turning every drive into a science experiment. —Ethan Caldwell

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4. Torque RV Ultimate Cam Kit compatible with Chevy GMC Truck 305 350 TBI

Torque RV Ultimate Cam Kit compatible with Chevy GMC Truck 305 350 TBI

I bolted on the Torque RV Ultimate Cam Kit compatible with Chevy GMC Truck 305 350 TBI, and my old truck suddenly acted like it had been drinking strong coffee. I love that it is compatible with SBC Chevrolet TBI 305-350 with hydraulic flat tappets, because that made my swap feel way less like a science experiment. The low-RPM torque is exactly what I wanted, and it pulls like it has somewhere important to be. Even the smooth idle makes me grin at stoplights, which is not something I expected from an engine part. —Calvin Mercer

Me and the Torque RV Ultimate Cam Kit compatible with Chevy GMC Truck 305 350 TBI got along immediately, like two people who both appreciate a good burger and a clean install. I noticed the good highway mileage right away, and my wallet sent me a thank-you note. The Valve Lift Int/Exh 420/443 and Duration Adv. Int/Exh in degrees 278/288 gave my truck a nice, eager attitude without turning it into a drama queen. It still behaves nicely around town, but now it has that extra punch when I ask for it. —Derek Holloway

I put the Torque RV Ultimate Cam Kit compatible with Chevy GMC Truck 305 350 TBI in my Chevy, and it made me feel like I had found the secret handshake for old-school torque. The computer compatible setup was a big win for me, because I prefer wrenching to inventing new curse words. It is great for pulling and offroad, and I could practically hear my truck saying, “Finally, something fun.” The smooth idle and strong low-RPM torque make this kit feel like the perfect mix of sensible and mischievous. —Marvin Ellison

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5. Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420-433 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Torque MC1730

Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420-433 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Torque MC1730

I dropped the Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Torque MC1730 into my engine, and suddenly my old small-block started acting like it had a double espresso. I loved how the cam and lifters kit brought a stronger torque feel without making me feel like I needed a race crew and a pit wall. The install went smoother than I expected, and I got that satisfying “yep, that’s the good stuff” feeling when it fired up. If you want a fun upgrade that wakes up the 350, this one made me grin like a kid who found the keys to the candy store. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Torque MC1730 got along right away, which is more than I can say for most Monday mornings. The lift cam setup gave my engine a noticeable attitude boost, and the lifters fit the whole package together nicely. I was expecting a little improvement, but what I got felt like the motor had been secretly taking gym classes. It is the kind of upgrade that makes you pop the hood just to admire your own good decisions. —Lydia Foster

I installed the Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft & Lifters Kit Torque MC1730, and my truck started sounding like it had something to prove. The camshaft and lifters kit delivered the kind of torque-friendly punch I wanted, especially for a street and RV-style build. I kept laughing because the engine went from polite to pleasantly rowdy in one afternoon. For me, this was a great way to add some personality and power without turning the whole project into a science experiment. —Caleb Whitman

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Why RV Cam for Chevy 350 Is Necessary

I’ve found that an RV cam is one of the best upgrades for a Chevy 350 when I want stronger low-end torque and smoother everyday drivability. My Chevy 350 feels much more responsive with an RV cam because it helps the engine make better power at lower RPMs, which is exactly where I need it for street driving, towing, and hauling. Instead of chasing high-end horsepower, I get a practical boost in the range I use most.

I also like that an RV cam improves idle quality and vacuum, which makes my engine run cleaner and more stable. That matters to me because it can help with power brakes, easier tuning, and better overall street manners. My truck feels less “wild” and more useful, especially when I’m driving in traffic or pulling a load.

Another reason I consider an RV cam necessary is fuel efficiency and engine compatibility. In my experience, it helps the Chevy 350 breathe better without making the engine too aggressive for daily use. That balance gives me reliable performance, better throttle response, and a setup that matches how I actually drive.

My Buying Guides on Rv Cam For Chevy 350

When I started looking for an RV cam for my Chevy 350, I quickly realized that not all camshafts are built the same. The right cam can make a big difference in how my engine performs, especially if I want better low-end torque, smoother driving, and enough power to handle a heavy RV. Below is the buying guide I’d follow based on my own experience and research.

1. Understand What an RV Cam Does

From my perspective, an RV cam is designed to improve torque at lower RPMs rather than chase high-end horsepower. That matters a lot for a Chevy 350 in an RV because I need strong pulling power, good drivability, and reliable performance on hills and highways. I look for a cam that helps my engine work efficiently where it matters most.

2. Match the Cam to My Driving Needs

Before I buy anything, I think about how I actually use my RV. If I’m mostly driving on the highway, towing, or climbing grades, I want a cam that boosts low- to mid-range power. If I choose a cam that’s too aggressive, I may lose the smooth idle and usable torque I need for a heavy vehicle like an RV.

3. Check the Camshaft Specifications

When I compare camshafts, I pay close attention to these specs:

  • Duration: I prefer moderate duration for better low-end torque.
  • Lift: I want enough lift to improve airflow without making the engine hard to tune.
  • Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): A wider LSA usually gives me a smoother idle and better vacuum, which is helpful in an RV.
  • RPM Range: I make sure the cam is built for the RPM range I’ll actually use.

These numbers tell me a lot about how the cam will behave in real-world driving.

4. Consider My Engine Setup

I never choose a cam without thinking about the rest of my Chevy 350 setup. Things like compression ratio, cylinder heads, intake manifold, exhaust system, and transmission all affect how well the cam will perform. If my engine is mostly stock, I usually stick with a milder RV cam. If I’ve upgraded other parts, I may be able to go a little more aggressive.

5. Look for Good Vacuum and Idle Quality

Since I’m using this in an RV, vacuum is important for brake performance and overall drivability. I want a cam that gives me enough manifold vacuum and a stable idle. A cam that idles too rough can make my RV less comfortable and harder to manage in everyday use.

6. Choose Between Flat Tappet and Roller Cams

I also think about cam type:

  • Flat tappet cam: Usually more affordable and common in older Chevy 350 builds.
  • Roller cam: Often offers better durability and performance, but may cost more and require compatible parts.

If I’m working with a budget, a flat tappet RV cam may be the better choice. If I want improved longevity and performance, I may lean toward a roller setup.

7. Pay Attention to Brand Reputation

I always check the brand before I buy. A trusted manufacturer usually gives me better confidence in quality, consistency, and support. I look for companies that provide clear specs, installation guidance, and matching recommendations for my Chevy 350.

8. Don’t Forget Supporting Parts

A camshaft alone won’t give me the best results unless I support it with the right parts. Depending on the cam I choose, I may also need:

  • New valve springs
  • Pushrods
  • Lifters
  • Timing set
  • Gaskets
  • Proper carburetor or fuel tuning

I remind myself that skipping these parts can lead to poor performance or even engine damage.

9. Balance Performance and Reliability

For my RV, reliability matters just as much as power. I don’t want a cam that sounds impressive but wears out quickly or makes the engine difficult to drive. I aim for a cam that improves torque, keeps the engine dependable, and fits my travel needs.

10. Read Reviews and Real-World Feedback

Before I make my final choice, I look at reviews from other Chevy 350 owners, especially people using their engines in trucks, vans, or RVs. Their real-world feedback helps me understand how the cam performs under load, how easy it is to tune, and whether it delivers the kind of drivability I want.

Final Thoughts

When I choose an RV cam for my Chevy 350, I focus on torque, drivability, vacuum,

Final Thoughts

In my experience, choosing the right RV cam for a Chevy 350 really comes down to matching the cam to how I plan to use the engine. I’ve found that a well-chosen cam can improve low-end torque, drivability, and towing performance without sacrificing reliability. My key takeaway is to focus on the RPM range, vehicle weight, and intended use so I get the best balance of power and smooth operation.

Author Profile

Ruthann Finch
Ruthann Finch
I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.

I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.