SKU #: CC-C.343.S-S3 MPN #: C.343.S-S3

Colt Cams Stage 3-5 Camshaft 98.5-07 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins

$551.65$649.00
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Description
Take your Cummins performance build to the next level with the Colt Cams Camshaft. Developed through extensive research and development, including dyno testing of more than 50 combinations of cam durations, lobe separations, and installation centerlines, this performance camshaft is optimized for Cummins engines. Starting off, let's go over the Stage 3 "Big Stick" camshaft which is designed to deliver strong mid-range torque and horsepower while maintaining excellent low-end response and drivability. Its 181° intake and 210° exhaust profile provides increased cam lift and optimized valve timing for a performance upgrade that works well in both street and performance-oriented Cummins applications. The Stages 4 and 5 both build on the proven Colt Cams Stage 3 "Big Stick" profile with a larger exhaust profile designed to improve exhaust flow. This makes it an excellent choice for Cummins engines running large single turbos or compound turbo systems, where improved exhaust flow can help maximize the performance of the overall combination. Stage 3 "Big Stick" Features 181° intake / 210° exhaust profile 0.280" intake cam lift 0.307" exhaust cam lift 106° lobe separation angle Drop-in installation on most engines Strong low-end response and drivability Increased mid-range torque and horsepower Average reported 2–3 MPG fuel economy improvement 30–35% reported reduction in smoke output Approximately 200°F reported EGT reduction Reliable performance up to 4,000 RPM Stage 3 Specifications Intake Duration: 181° Exhaust Duration: 210° Intake Cam Lift: 0.280" Exhaust Cam Lift: 0.307" Lobe Separation Angle: 106° Valve Clearance: No* — always verify before installation RPM Rating: 4,000 RPM Stage 4 Camshaft Features 181° intake / 218° exhaust profile 0.280" intake cam lift 0.323" exhaust cam lift 107.5° lobe separation angle Drop-in installation on most engines Larger exhaust profile than the Stage 3 "Big Stick" Ideal for large single and compound turbo applications Designed to improve exhaust flow Can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce smoke output Designed to help lower EGTs Reliable performance up to 4,400 RPM Stage 4 Specifications Intake Duration: 181° Exhaust Duration: 218° Intake Cam Lift: 0.280" Exhaust Cam Lift: 0.323" Lobe Separation Angle: 107.5° Valve Clearance: No* (always verify before installation) RPM Rating: 4,400 RPM Stage 5 Camshaft Features Designed for 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins B-Series engines 199° intake / 218° exhaust profile 0.296" intake cam lift 0.323" exhaust cam lift 108° lobe separation angle Designed for high-performance Cummins applications Engineered through extensive dyno testing and R&D Reliable performance up to 5,000 RPM Valve clearance required for installation Stage 5 Specifications Intake Duration: 199° Exhaust Duration: 218° Intake Cam Lift: 0.296" Exhaust Cam Lift: 0.323" Lobe Separation Angle: 108° Valve Clearance: Required RPM Rating: 5,000 RPM Installation & Break-In This camshaft is designed as a drop-in installation on most engines, with no modifications normally required. Colt Cams recommends upgraded valve springs for engines that will operate above 3,000 RPM. Always turn the engine over by hand before starting it and verify proper timing and valve clearances. For initial break-in, apply cam lube to the cam lobes, lifter faces, distributor gears, and oil pump gears. Oil the bearing journals and lifter barrels before assembly. Colt Cams recommends running the engine at approximately 1,800–2,000 RPM for 18–20 minutes. A zinc additive is also recommended for initial break-in to provide additional anti-scuff protection. Important: Always verify valve clearances before installing any camshaft. Upgraded valve springs are recommended for operation above 3,000 RPM.

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Take your Cummins performance build to the next level with the Colt Cams Camshaft. Developed through extensive research and development, including dyno testing of more than 50 combinations of cam durations, lobe separations, and installation centerlines, this performance camshaft is optimized for Cummins engines.

Starting off, let's go over the Stage 3 "Big Stick" camshaft which is designed to deliver strong mid-range torque and horsepower while maintaining excellent low-end response and drivability. Its 181° intake and 210° exhaust profile provides increased cam lift and optimized valve timing for a performance upgrade that works well in both street and performance-oriented Cummins applications.

The Stages 4 and 5 both build on the proven Colt Cams Stage 3 "Big Stick" profile with a larger exhaust profile designed to improve exhaust flow. This makes it an excellent choice for Cummins engines running large single turbos or compound turbo systems, where improved exhaust flow can help maximize the performance of the overall combination.

Stage 3 "Big Stick" Features

  • 181° intake / 210° exhaust profile
  • 0.280" intake cam lift
  • 0.307" exhaust cam lift
  • 106° lobe separation angle
  • Drop-in installation on most engines
  • Strong low-end response and drivability
  • Increased mid-range torque and horsepower
  • Average reported 2–3 MPG fuel economy improvement
  • 30–35% reported reduction in smoke output
  • Approximately 200°F reported EGT reduction
  • Reliable performance up to 4,000 RPM

Stage 3 Specifications

  • Intake Duration: 181°
  • Exhaust Duration: 210°
  • Intake Cam Lift: 0.280"
  • Exhaust Cam Lift: 0.307"
  • Lobe Separation Angle: 106°
  • Valve Clearance: No* — always verify before installation
  • RPM Rating: 4,000 RPM

Stage 4 Camshaft Features

  • 181° intake / 218° exhaust profile
  • 0.280" intake cam lift
  • 0.323" exhaust cam lift
  • 107.5° lobe separation angle
  • Drop-in installation on most engines
  • Larger exhaust profile than the Stage 3 "Big Stick"
  • Ideal for large single and compound turbo applications
  • Designed to improve exhaust flow
  • Can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce smoke output
  • Designed to help lower EGTs
  • Reliable performance up to 4,400 RPM

Stage 4 Specifications

  • Intake Duration: 181°
  • Exhaust Duration: 218°
  • Intake Cam Lift: 0.280"
  • Exhaust Cam Lift: 0.323"
  • Lobe Separation Angle: 107.5°
  • Valve Clearance: No* (always verify before installation)
  • RPM Rating: 4,400 RPM

Stage 5 Camshaft Features

  • Designed for 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins B-Series engines
  • 199° intake / 218° exhaust profile
  • 0.296" intake cam lift
  • 0.323" exhaust cam lift
  • 108° lobe separation angle
  • Designed for high-performance Cummins applications
  • Engineered through extensive dyno testing and R&D
  • Reliable performance up to 5,000 RPM
  • Valve clearance required for installation

Stage 5 Specifications

  • Intake Duration: 199°
  • Exhaust Duration: 218°
  • Intake Cam Lift: 0.296"
  • Exhaust Cam Lift: 0.323"
  • Lobe Separation Angle: 108°
  • Valve Clearance: Required
  • RPM Rating: 5,000 RPM

Installation & Break-In

This camshaft is designed as a drop-in installation on most engines, with no modifications normally required. Colt Cams recommends upgraded valve springs for engines that will operate above 3,000 RPM. Always turn the engine over by hand before starting it and verify proper timing and valve clearances.

For initial break-in, apply cam lube to the cam lobes, lifter faces, distributor gears, and oil pump gears. Oil the bearing journals and lifter barrels before assembly. Colt Cams recommends running the engine at approximately 1,800–2,000 RPM for 18–20 minutes. A zinc additive is also recommended for initial break-in to provide additional anti-scuff protection.

Important: Always verify valve clearances before installing any camshaft. Upgraded valve springs are recommended for operation above 3,000 RPM.

Vehicle Fitment
1998.5 - 2007 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins
WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm - P65Warnings.ca.gov
About Colt Cams

Colt Cams develops high-performance camshafts and valvetrain components for diesel enthusiasts who demand more from their engines. With a focus on performance-driven camshaft profiles for Cummins and Ford Powerstroke engines, Colt Cams combines extensive research and development with real-world dyno testing to create camshafts designed around the needs of today's diesel performance builds.

Rather than simply modifying existing camshaft profiles, Colt Cams has invested heavily in developing application-specific grinds. Their research has included dyno testing more than 50 combinations of camshaft durations, lobe separations, and installation centerlines to determine profiles that deliver meaningful improvements in airflow, efficiency, drivability, and performance.

Performance Camshafts for Cummins & Powerstroke

Colt Cams offers performance camshafts for some of the most popular diesel platforms, including 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins, 4BT Cummins, 7.3L Powerstroke, and 6.0L/6.4L Powerstroke engines. Whether you're building a daily-driven truck, tow rig, work truck, or dedicated performance engine, Colt Cams offers profiles ranging from mild drop-in upgrades to aggressive competition-oriented camshafts.

Popular Cummins options include the Stage 3 "Big Stick," Stage 4, and Stage 5 camshafts. The Stage 3 "Big Stick" is designed to provide strong mid-range torque and horsepower while maintaining low-end response and drivability, while the more aggressive Stage 4 and Stage 5 profiles are designed for higher-performance applications.

Engineered for Real-World Performance

A camshaft is one of the most important components in determining how an engine breathes and where it makes power. Colt Cams focuses on optimizing valve timing to improve the movement of air and exhaust gases through the engine. Depending on the application and camshaft profile, these improvements can contribute to better turbocharger response, reduced exhaust gas temperatures, improved efficiency, and increased power potential.

Colt Cams also pays close attention to durability. Their performance camshafts are engineered for demanding diesel applications, with profiles developed around the specific characteristics of each engine platform rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.