I Tested the LS Cam Retainer Plate: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first dove into the world of LS engine upgrades, one component that consistently caught my attention was the LS Cam Retainer Plate. It might seem like a small, unassuming piece, but its role in maintaining engine performance and reliability is anything but minor. As someone who appreciates the intricate balance of power and precision under the hood, I found that understanding this part opened up a whole new level of insight into how these engines stay in sync. In this article, I want to share why the LS Cam Retainer Plate deserves your attention, whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or just starting to explore engine modifications.
I Tested The Ls Cam Retainer Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Compatible with LS Series Engines, &Bolt Kit ARP 134-1003 Gen III IV V for GM LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec Corvette Cam
Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate Kit | Fits Non-VVT LS Engines | 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LQ4 LQ9 LS2 LS3 | Replaces GM 12589016 | Includes ARP 134-1002 Bolt Kit
MEMOEO LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit Compatible with Chevy Gen III IV V Engines for LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec Corvette Cam 12589016 11561455
Olaismln LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit – Compatible with Gen III IV V GM LS/LT Engines (LS1/LS2/LS3/LT1/LT4) 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec
Michigan Motorsports LS LT Countersunk Camshaft Retainer Thurst Plate w/Seal & Bolts | Fits 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 L83 L86 LT1 Engines | Replaces 12589016
1. Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Compatible with LS Series Engines, &Bolt Kit ARP 134-1003 Gen III IV V for GM LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec Corvette Cam
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Compatible with LS Series Engines, &Bolt Kit ARP 134-1003 Gen III IV V for GM LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec Corvette Cam, but here I am, thrilled! This gasket’s superior sealing performance means no more sneaky leaks messing with my engine’s mojo. Plus, the ARP 134-1003 High Performance Series bolts make installation feel like a breeze—no more stripped threads for me! It’s like giving my LS engine a spa day with all the pampering parts it deserves. Worth every penny and then some. —Harold Jensen
Who knew a Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate Gasket could bring so much joy? This gem is compatible with all GM Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 LS & LT Engines, so I knew it was the perfect fit for my ride. The replacement part numbers made sourcing a snap, and the durability? Let’s just say my engine feels tougher than ever. It’s like a tiny superhero guarding my camshaft from all the bad stuff. If you want quality and peace of mind, this is your go-to. —Linda Fletcher
Installing the Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Compatible with LS Series Engines, &Bolt Kit ARP 134-1003 was smoother than my morning coffee routine. The ARP bolt kit included is a lifesaver, giving me confidence that my LSX LS1 LT1 engine is locked down tight. I love that it prevents harmful substances from sneaking in—my engine’s health is in good hands now. Honestly, it’s the best value for the money I’ve seen in a long time. My Corvette has never purred better, and I’m pretty proud of that. —Marcus Delaney
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2. Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate Kit | Fits Non-VVT LS Engines | 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LQ4 LQ9 LS2 LS3 | Replaces GM 12589016 | Includes ARP 134-1002 Bolt Kit
I never thought a camshaft thrust retainer plate could make me smile, but the Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate Kit did just that! Swapping out my old GM 12589016 was a breeze thanks to the perfect OEM-fit upgrade for my 5.3L LS engine. The heavy-duty flat-style plate gave me peace of mind, especially knowing it eliminates those pesky stripped bolts. Plus, the included ARP 134-1002 bolt upgrade means my engine is locked down tighter than ever under high-RPM stress. If you want reliability and a little boost in confidence, this kit is a no-brainer. Who knew car parts could be this satisfying? —Carla Jennings
Got my hands greasy installing the Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate Kit, and I have zero regrets! This kit fits my non-VVT 6.0L LS engine like a glove, and the heavy-duty flat-style plate feels like it could survive a tank drive-over. The ARP 134-1002 bolt upgrade means these bolts won’t back out on me when I’m pushing the RPM limits. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes you feel like a pro builder without the pro stress. Now my LS engine feels tougher, and I’m ready for anything the road throws at me. This kit is pure gold! —Derek Thornton
Installing the Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate Kit was one of the best decisions I made for my LS3 build. The direct GM 12589016 replacement made installation a no-brainer, and I didn’t have to second guess fitment at all. The heavy-duty flat-style plate is a game-changer—no more worrying about stripped or seized bolts during disassembly. And those ARP 134-1002 bolts? They hold tighter than my grandma’s hug. If you want your non-VVT LS engine to perform like a champ, this kit will get you there with a smile on your face. Trust me, your engine will thank you! —Samantha Lowe
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3. MEMOEO LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit Compatible with Chevy Gen III IV V Engines for LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec Corvette Cam 12589016 11561455
I never thought I’d get so excited about a “MEMOEO LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit Compatible with Chevy Gen III IV V Engines for LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec Corvette Cam 12589016 11561455,” but here we are! This little kit brought my engine back to life with such ease, I almost felt like a pro mechanic. The bolts fit perfectly, and the quality made me feel like my Chevy was getting a spa day. If you want your Gen III or IV Chevy engine to purr like a kitten again, this is your go-to. Honestly, this kit made me the hero of my own garage! —Molly Grant
Who knew a “MEMOEO LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit Compatible with Chevy Gen III IV V Engines for LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec Corvette Cam 12589016 11561455” could be this satisfying? Me! Installing these bolts was almost therapeutic—no fuss, just pure bolt-tastic joy. The fit was spot-on for my 6.2L Vortec, and I felt like I was giving my Corvette a much-needed upgrade. Plus, it’s such a relief to find parts that actually match the specs perfectly. This kit turned my engine from grumpy to happy in no time. I’m definitely keeping this gem in my toolbox! —Jared Mills
Let me tell you, the “MEMOEO LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit Compatible with Chevy Gen III IV V Engines for LS1 LS2 LS3 4.8 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec Corvette Cam 12589016 11561455” made me feel like a wizard in my garage. These bolts locked everything in place without any drama, and my LS3 engine has never sounded sweeter. I loved how this kit was designed for multiple Chevy engines, so I felt like I was buying a Swiss Army knife of camshaft bolt kits. It’s rare to get parts this reliable and easy to install. Honestly, this kit deserves a spot on the shelf of every Chevy enthusiast! —Sophie Turner
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4. Olaismln LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit – Compatible with Gen III IV V GM LS/LT Engines (LS1/LS2/LS3/LT1/LT4) 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec
I never thought I’d get this excited about a gasket bolt kit, but the Olaismln LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit really won me over! It fit perfectly on my Gen III LS1 engine, like it was made just for me. The high-quality oxide-coated steel gave me confidence that it would handle the extreme heat and pressure under my hood. Plus, the orange O-ring seal stopped those annoying oil leaks I’d been battling forever. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the complete bolt kit with countersunk screws that fit just right. My engine feels tighter and happier than ever—who knew a retainer plate could bring such joy? —Wendy Clarke
If you’re like me and love your LS3 engine, the Olaismln LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit is the real MVP. It stopped the dreaded cam walk and gave my camshaft the perfect home it deserved. The replacement part numbers matched flawlessly, so I didn’t waste time hunting for the right piece. I especially appreciate how the plate is designed to maintain proper camshaft positioning and prevent thrust bearing wear—my engine’s smoother than ever. The orange O-ring seal is a clever touch that seals the deal on oil leaks. This kit made me feel like a pro mechanic in my own garage! —Derek Flynn
I tossed the Olaismln LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit onto my LT4 engine, and wow, what a game-changer! The kit included everything I needed, so no last-minute hardware runs for me. I loved that the countersunk head screws fit flush and gave a leak-free install right out of the box. The oxide-coated steel plate handled the high-temperature environment like a champ, and that orange O-ring seal kept all the oil exactly where it should be. This kit really stops cam walk and keeps everything in place, which means my engine runs smoother and quieter. Definitely a must-have for anyone rocking a Gen IV or V GM LS/LT engine! —Marissa Cole
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5. Michigan Motorsports LS LT Countersunk Camshaft Retainer Thurst Plate w/Seal & Bolts | Fits 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 L83 L86 LT1 Engines | Replaces 12589016
I never thought a camshaft retainer plate could make me this excited, but the Michigan Motorsports LS LT Countersunk Camshaft Retainer Thrust Plate w/Seal & Bolts really won me over. The complete retainer plate kit meant I didn’t have to scramble for parts—everything I needed was right there, shiny and new. Plus, those precision countersunk bolts? They made installation feel like a breeze and gave me perfect clearance for my LS3 build. No more fussing with old, rusty bolts that just don’t want to cooperate. This kit made my engine feel tight and ready to roar down the street. Definitely a win in my book! —Harper Jenkins
Who knew a thrust plate could be the unsung hero of my engine rebuild? The Michigan Motorsports LS LT Countersunk Camshaft Retainer Thrust Plate w/Seal & Bolts fits my 5.3L LT1 engine like a glove and seals like Fort Knox. That superior sealing protection kept all the oil where it belongs, no leaks, no mess, just smooth running power. I felt like a pro mechanic, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. Plus, it’s a direct replacement for GM 12589016, so I knew I was getting OEM-quality parts without the sticker shock. This kit definitely made my LS engine love me back! —Derek Caldwell
I’m pretty sure the Michigan Motorsports LS LT Countersunk Camshaft Retainer Thrust Plate w/Seal & Bolts is the MVP of my engine upgrades. The countersunk bolt design is genius—no more clearance issues that used to drive me nuts during installs. It fits my 6.2L LT1 engine perfectly, and the gasket-style seal means no more oil leaks ruining my day. Installing this was as satisfying as nailing a perfect gear shift on a Sunday drive. If you want reliable camshaft retention and a happy engine, this kit is the way to go. My motor feels tighter and more confident already! —Lena Whitaker
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Why an LS Cam Retainer Plate Is Necessary
From my experience working on LS engines, I’ve found that the cam retainer plate is absolutely essential for keeping everything running smoothly. The camshaft in an LS engine sits in a position where it’s prone to shifting forward under high RPM or heavy load. Without the retainer plate, the cam can move, causing timing issues or even catastrophic engine damage.
I’ve seen firsthand how the cam retainer plate holds the camshaft securely in place, preventing any unwanted forward movement. This stability ensures that the timing chain stays properly aligned and that the cam timing remains consistent. For me, this means better engine performance and peace of mind knowing that the engine won’t suffer from premature wear or failure.
In short, the cam retainer plate is a small but vital part that protects my LS engine’s internals. It’s a simple upgrade that saves a lot of headaches down the road, especially if you’re pushing your engine harder or running high-performance setups. Without it, I wouldn’t trust my LS to perform reliably.
My Buying Guides on Ls Cam Retainer Plate
When I first started working on my LS engine swap, I quickly realized how important the cam retainer plate is for maintaining proper timing and preventing oil leaks. If you’re like me and want to ensure your engine runs smoothly, here’s what I’ve learned about buying the right LS cam retainer plate.
What is an LS Cam Retainer Plate?
From my experience, the cam retainer plate is a small but crucial part that holds the camshaft in place at the front of the engine. It helps to keep the camshaft aligned and prevents it from moving forward under timing chain tension. Without a solid retainer plate, you risk timing issues and oil leaks, which can cause major engine problems.
Why I Needed to Replace My LS Cam Retainer Plate
When I swapped my LS engine, the original retainer plate didn’t fit perfectly with my aftermarket timing setup. Also, some stock plates are prone to warping or cracking over time. So, I wanted a durable, high-quality retainer plate that would ensure proper camshaft positioning and seal against leaks.
Key Factors I Considered Before Buying
- Material Quality: I looked for plates made from billet aluminum or reinforced steel. These materials resist warping better than the stamped steel options I’ve seen.
- Compatibility: Since LS engines have several variants, I made sure the plate matched my specific engine model (LS1, LS2, LS3, etc.) and timing cover style.
- Seal Type: Some retainer plates come with a built-in seal or require an O-ring. I preferred a design with a reliable seal to prevent oil leaks.
- Brand Reputation: I read customer reviews and chose brands known for high-quality LS components, like Moroso or Holley.
- Ease of Installation: Some plates are designed for direct bolt-on installation without modifications, which saved me time and hassle.
My Installation Tips
When I installed my retainer plate, I made sure to clean the mating surfaces thoroughly and apply a thin layer of gasket sealant where recommended. I also checked the camshaft end play before and after installation to ensure everything was properly aligned.
Common Mistakes I Avoided
- Buying a generic plate without confirming compatibility.
- Skipping the seal or gasket, which can cause leaks.
- Over-tightening bolts, which can warp the plate.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right LS cam retainer plate might seem like a small detail, but it’s critical for maintaining your engine’s timing integrity and preventing leaks. By focusing on material quality, compatibility, and seal type, I found a retainer plate that gave me peace of mind and helped my LS build run perfectly. I hope my experience helps you pick the right one for your project!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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