When it comes to building a street-driven LS engine that sounds as mean as it performs, few camshafts strike the balance better than the Rattler series from Howards Cams. Designed for enthusiasts who crave the iconic choppy idle but don’t want to sacrifice true performance, the Rattler series delivers both bark and bite. Whether you’re putting together a daily driver with an edge or a rowdy street/strip machine, these cams give LS builders a lot to like.

Sound With Substance

Plenty of cams promise that nostalgic “thump” at idle, but not all of them back it up with real gains. Howards Cams designed the Rattler series to avoid that compromise. These hydraulic roller camshafts are engineered specifically for street performance, giving LS engines improved throttle response, more torque through the midrange, and a deep, lopey exhaust note that turns heads.

That signature sound isn’t just for show. The Rattler cams are designed to work best with free-flowing dual exhaust setups that do not use an H- or X-pipe. According to Howards Cams, crossover pipes may add a touch of top-end power, but they tame the aggressive sound that defines the Rattler series. For those prioritizing tone, a true dual system without a crossover is the way to go.

Options For Every LS Build

The Rattler lineup includes several grinds tailored for different LS-based applications and performance goals. The entry-level Rattler cam is ideal for high-performance street setups and works fine with a stock torque converter, though it performs best with at least a 1,800 rpm stall and a gear upgrade. It’s a solid choice for cruisers who want an aggressive idle without diving deep into supporting mods.

Stepping up to the Big Mama Rattler, you get a noticeably lumpier idle and a cam better suited for street/strip hybrids. This cam needs a bit more from the rest of the build, including 9.0:1 compression, a stall converter rated at 2,500 rpm or higher, a quality intake setup, and headers or a performance exhaust system. With the right combination, Big Mama brings a lot of attitude and serious street presence.

At the top of the range is the Big Daddy Rattler, a cam with a rough idle and rowdy street manners that demands real commitment from the rest of your LS build. It requires 9.5:1 compression, a 2,800+ rpm converter, and matched intake, gearing, and exhaust components. The Big Daddy is all about pro street vibes, perfect for weekend warriors who live for late-night cruises and strip passes.

LS Fitment and Performance

Howards offers Rattler series cams for both cathedral and rectangular port LS heads, with grinds that match Gen III and Gen IV architecture. One example is the hydraulic roller Rattler camshaft for 1997+ LS engines (P/N 111925-12), which operates from 2,200 to 6,500 rpm. It features a duration of 227°/233° at .050″, lift of .600″/.600″, and a 108° lobe separation angle. This cam offers a strong lopey idle and is compatible with aftermarket valve springs and upgraded pushrods, important considerations for long-term reliability and top-end stability.

Builders using this cam can expect an aggressive tone at idle, enhanced midrange torque, and strong upper RPM power that makes it ideal for naturally aspirated setups or mild nitrous builds. When paired with proper tuning and supporting components, it delivers that trademark Rattler growl with real performance to match.

The Bottom Line

Howards Cams Rattler series is for LS builders who want their engine to sound the part, and actually perform. From the mild streetable Rattler to the take-no-prisoners Big Daddy, these cams give you options tailored to your compression, gearing, and driving goals. The distinctive idle lets everyone know there’s something serious under the hood, and the gains in throttle response and horsepower back it up.