COMP Cams Gen IV 5.3L GM LS DOD Premium Kit

End AFM Lifter Failures for Good with the Complete Drop-In DOD Delete Solution

If your Gen IV 5.3L GM LS engine has been plagued by the notorious Displacement on Demand (DOD) or Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter collapse, the COMP Cams 5552-KIT Premium DOD Delete Kit is the definitive fix. Unlike patch jobs or partial kits, the 5552-KIT gives you every single component needed to fully remove the DOD system from your engine in one comprehensive package, restoring full 8-cylinder power at every RPM and eliminating the root cause of one of GM's most well-documented engine failures.

What Makes the 5552-KIT the Premium Choice

COMP Cams offers DOD delete kits at multiple levels. The 5552-KIT is the Premium tier, meaning it includes the complete set of gaskets, seals, and hardware alongside the lifters and trays. You will not need to source a separate head gasket set, exhaust gaskets, valley cover, timing cover seal, or water pump gasket. Everything is included so you do not make a second trip to the parts counter mid-job.

The standard or basic kit requires you to gather multiple additional components. The 5552-KIT eliminates that entirely. For shops and enthusiasts who want one part number and a clean, fully-documented install, COMP Cams 5552-KIT is the answer.

What's Included

• 16 OE-style drop-in DOD delete lifters (no machining required)
• Lifter trays (retention trays for all 16 lifter bores)
• Head gaskets and head bolt kit
• Exhaust manifold gaskets
• Harmonic balancer bolt
• LS3-style valley cover (replaces the DOD solenoid-equipped OEM cover)
• Timing cover gasket and seal
• Water pump gaskets

Note: A non-DOD/AFM camshaft is not included and must be purchased separately. COMP Cams offers compatible non-DOD camshafts for Gen IV 5.3L applications. ECU/PCM tuning to disable DOD/AFM in the engine computer is also required after installation.

Why DOD/AFM Fails and Why You Need a Delete

GM's Displacement on Demand (DOD) system, also marketed as Active Fuel Management (AFM), deactivates four of the eight cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel economy. The system relies on special switching lifters that collapse on command via oil pressure routed through solenoids in the valley cover. These lifters are prone to catastrophic failure, especially as mileage accumulates or when oil change intervals are stretched. A failed DOD lifter can destroy the camshaft lobe, contaminate the oil with debris, and in severe cases, require a full engine rebuild.

The COMP Cams 5552-KIT replaces all 16 switching lifters with solid, OE-style non-collapsing drop-in lifters. The LS3 valley cover eliminates the DOD solenoids entirely. Combined with a non-DOD camshaft and a proper ECU tune to disable AFM in the computer, the result is an engine that operates on all eight cylinders all the time, eliminating the failure mode entirely.

Installation Instructions

Professional installation by a qualified engine builder or shop is strongly recommended. This is a major engine disassembly job requiring significant mechanical experience, proper torque specifications, and engine assembly tooling.

1. Drain engine oil and coolant. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the intake manifold, valley cover, and associated DOD solenoid wiring harness.
3. Remove the cylinder heads (head gaskets will be replaced with the new set included in the 5552-KIT).
4. Remove the timing cover to access the camshaft. Remove and replace the camshaft with a compatible non-DOD/AFM unit (sold separately).
5. Remove all 16 original DOD switching lifters and lifter trays from the lifter bores.
6. Install the new COMP Cams OE-style lifters and retention trays from the 5552-KIT into the lifter bores. No machining is required.
7. Install the new LS3-style valley cover from the kit, eliminating the DOD solenoid ports.
8. Reinstall the cylinder heads using the new head gaskets and head bolt kit from the 5552-KIT. Torque to OEM specifications in the proper sequence.
9. Install the new timing cover gasket and seal, timing cover, and harmonic balancer. Use the new harmonic balancer bolt from the kit and torque to spec.
10. Reinstall the water pump using the new water pump gaskets from the kit.
11. Reinstall the intake manifold and all associated components.
12. Refill engine oil and coolant. Reconnect the battery.
13. Have the ECU/PCM professionally tuned to disable DOD/AFM in the engine management software. Failure to tune will result in fault codes and potential drivability issues.

Always refer to the factory service manual for torque specifications and detailed assembly procedures for your specific vehicle.

Product Specifications

This Part Fits

This kit fits all Gen IV 5.3L GM LS engines equipped with DOD/AFM. Engine codes include LMG, LY5, LH6, LC9, LMF, and LS4. Verify that your specific vehicle is equipped with DOD/AFM before ordering.

Why COMP Cams

COMP Cams has been the benchmark for American performance valvetrain components since 1976. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, COMP Cams engineers and manufactures camshafts, lifters, springs, pushrods, and complete valvetrain systems used by professional racers, engine builders, and enthusiasts across every form of motorsport. The 5552-KIT reflects that heritage: every component is engineered specifically to address the documented weaknesses of the GM DOD/AFM system with parts built to exceed OEM specifications.

When you choose the COMP Cams 5552-KIT, you are not buying a collection of generic parts assembled into a box. You are buying a system that was designed, validated, and backed by one of the most respected names in the performance aftermarket. COMP Cams' limited warranty provides additional peace of mind on all kit components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the COMP Cams 5552-KIT require a tune?
Yes. ECU/PCM tuning to disable DOD/AFM in the engine management system is required. Without a proper tune, the engine computer will attempt to activate the DOD system, which will set fault codes and may cause drivability problems. A professional tuner with experience on GM LS platforms is strongly recommended.

What is the difference between the 5552-KIT and the basic DOD delete kit?
The COMP Cams 5552-KIT is the Premium tier kit. It includes all gaskets (head gaskets, head bolts, exhaust gaskets, timing cover gasket and seal, water pump gaskets), the LS3 valley cover, harmonic balancer bolt, lifters, and lifter trays. A basic or standard kit typically includes only the lifters, trays, and valley cover, requiring you to source all gaskets separately. The 5552-KIT is the complete solution in one part number.

Will the 5552-KIT fix the AFM lifter tick on my 5.3L Silverado?
Yes. The ticking or tapping sound associated with AFM/DOD lifter failure is caused by a collapsed or partially failed switching lifter. The 5552-KIT removes all 16 original DOD switching lifters and replaces them with solid OE-style drop-in lifters that do not collapse. Once installed with a compatible non-DOD camshaft and a proper tune, the DOD lifter tick will be eliminated.

Does the 5552-KIT come with a camshaft?
No. The COMP Cams 5552-KIT does not include a camshaft. You must purchase a compatible non-DOD/AFM camshaft separately. COMP Cams offers a full range of Gen IV 5.3L camshafts designed to work without DOD. The camshaft must be a non-DOD profile, as the original DOD camshaft has dedicated lobes for the collapsing lifters that are not compatible with solid lifters.

Do I need to machine the block to install the 5552-KIT lifters?
No machining is required. The COMP Cams 5552-KIT uses OE-style drop-in lifters designed to fit the standard lifter bore diameter of Gen IV 5.3L GM LS blocks. This makes installation significantly more accessible compared to some aftermarket solutions that require lifter bore machining.

Which engines does the COMP Cams 5552-KIT fit?
The 5552-KIT fits all Gen IV 5.3L GM LS engines equipped with the DOD/AFM system. Specific engine codes include LMG, LY5, LH6, LC9, LMF, and LS4. These engines were installed in Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, and Chevrolet Avalanche from 1999 through 2013.

Can I install the 5552-KIT myself or do I need a shop?
Professional installation by an experienced engine builder or automotive shop is strongly recommended. This job requires removing the cylinder heads, timing cover, and camshaft, as well as proper torque procedures for head bolts and other critical fasteners. It is a major engine disassembly job. Improper installation can result in serious engine damage. If you have advanced engine-building experience and the appropriate tooling, DIY installation is possible, but this is not a beginner-level job.

Will the 5552-KIT improve power and performance beyond just fixing the DOD problem?
The primary function of the 5552-KIT is to eliminate the DOD/AFM system and its associated failure modes, restoring reliable full 8-cylinder operation at all RPM ranges. Power improvement depends heavily on the camshaft selected to accompany the kit. Pairing the 5552-KIT with a performance-oriented non-DOD COMP Cams camshaft can yield meaningful power gains in addition to the reliability benefits of the delete. Consult COMP Cams' application guide or a professional tuner to select the right camshaft for your power goals.

Is the 5552-KIT compatible with supercharged or forced-induction 5.3L builds?
The 5552-KIT lifters and gaskets are compatible with forced-induction applications in terms of fitment, but camshaft selection becomes critical for boosted builds. The head gaskets included in the kit are OEM-replacement spec. High-boost builds may require upgraded head gaskets and head studs beyond what is included. Consult with an engine builder familiar with boosted Gen IV LS applications before ordering.