{"product_id":"michigan-motorsports-camshaft-thrust-retainer-plate-kit-review","title":"Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate Kit - NonVVT LS","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Michigan Motorsports camshaft thrust retainer plate kit is assessed for LS builders and engine rebuilders who need a stronger, more serviceable alternative to the factory GM plate. The bottom line: this kit replaces GM part 12589016 with a heavy duty flat plate and includes the ARP 134-1002 bolt kit, making it the best straightforward upgrade for nonVVT Gen III\/IV LS engines that reduces the risk of stripped or seized fasteners and improves long term serviceability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirect Replacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fits and replaces GM 12589016 for a clean OEM fitment that makes installation straightforward on compatible nonVVT LS engines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy Duty Flat Plate:\u003c\/strong\u003e The flat style plate removes the weak countersunk torx geometry so bolts are far less likely to strip during disassembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes ARP Bolt Kit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplied ARP 134-1002 flathead bolts provide higher clamping force and resist loosening under sustained high RPM conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for NonVVT LS Engines:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0 and 6.2L nonVVT LS configurations so compatibility with common Gen III\/IV cores is clear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProven in Performance Builds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Used by professional LS builders for street, strip and endurance applications where strength and repeatable torque retention matter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kit is aimed at engine builders, performance enthusiasts and anyone doing a rebuild on a nonVVT LS1, LS2, LS3, LQ4 or LQ9 who wants to avoid fragile factory fasteners and improve long term serviceability. It is especially useful in high RPM or racing builds where bolt retention and ease of future disassembly are priorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include owners of VVT-equipped LS engines; this kit is not intended for VVT setups and the correct countersunk style must be used where variable valve timing components require the factory geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigher reliability than the factory countersunk design, reducing risk of stripped bolts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eARP 134-1002 bolts add proven clamping force for high RPM confidence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirect GM 12589016 replacement for easy fit and straightforward installation on compatible engines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrusted by professional builders for durability in performance applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot compatible with VVT LS engines, so buyers must confirm their engine type before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpgraded bolts and thicker plate may require careful torque procedures during installation to avoid installation errors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMichigan Motorsports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReplacement For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGM part 12589016\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded Hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eARP 134-1002 flathead bolt kit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible Engines\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNonVVT LS 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L (Gen III\/IV)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlate Style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeavy duty flat style retainer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypical Use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStreet, strip, endurance and engine rebuilds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Michigan Motorsports thrust retainer plate kit is a practical, value-minded upgrade for any nonVVT LS rebuild where durability and serviceability matter. It replaces the fragile factory countersunk design and adds ARP fasteners for peace of mind in high RPM and performance applications, making it a smart buy for builders who want a long lasting, easily serviced camshaft retainer solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this compatible with VVT LS engines?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. This kit is designed for nonVVT Gen III\/IV LS engines and is not suitable for VVT applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the kit include bolts?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The package includes the ARP 134-1002 flathead bolt upgrade for improved clamping force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this fit LQ4 and LQ9 engines?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It is listed as a direct replacement for common nonVVT engines including LQ4 and LQ9.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michigan Motorsports","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48121410552027,"sku":"B08LW4H26W","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71TbcOfoVJL._SL1500.jpg?v=1768329766","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/michigan-motorsports-camshaft-thrust-retainer-plate-kit-review","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}