soontobeLS1

Just wondering how much this will cost? I will have a shop do the work, just not ready to open my wallet for a SC or heads yet...I know I need valvtrain stuff. But overall, hrs for labour and misc parts and then of course the cam.

Thx

fastSS2002

i was quoted 700-900 just for the install

Detroitmuscle

iTrader: (16)

I was quote $900 for H/C and full exhaust with gaskets and fluids as well, I'm sure you can find a place to do it for around $400.

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

Total set up with a tune $1500 ish. You can do it yourself. It is not a hard job. Labor alone is like $500+ on a cam job. Tune is like $500 +/-. Parts are around $700 if you shop around. Thunder Racing has package deals. I believe other sponsors do as well.

98A4LS1

iTrader: (1)

$300 labor charges for camshaft, oil pump, and valve train.

you2slo

Anywhere from $300-500 is about the norm for just the install.

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

900 is outrageous....Do it yourself.

Detroitmuscle

iTrader: (16)

Thats 900 for heads and cam and all gaskets and fluids that I didn't have and full exhaust and fast 90/90 setup, didn't sound bad to me.

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

Ok, yeah that does seem like a decent price for basically all bolt-ons and H/C. I have seen 500$ just for cam and springs.

Somebody09

I got quoted $45/hr for about 10-12 hours from one place, and another place wanted to remove the heads... imbeciles. I payed $0.00 for my install. Be adventurous and active, do it yourself!

Krab

iTrader: (28)

If you can find a private installer near you, you'd probably only pay between $300-$400 for the cam/springs swap. Hell, I've charged one guy a measley $250 for the swap. If you're up for it, I say do it yourself.

sho-me speed

iTrader: (55)

You can do it. Keep the $ and buy more parts.

soontobeLS1

I just want to make sure it is done right....

Is it an easy job? Engine stays in the car?

So, it looks as if I need springs/pushrods/cam and timing chain upgrade? Should be at about 380 to the wheels I hope, I want a flat TRQ curve, not concerned about peak power. Plus, I want it to lope nice!!!

Anything else I can really do for a little bit more power? MAF and TB don't seem like worthwhile mods.

Thx

Mr Ed

I’ve been told the going rate around where I live is $600 to $700 to install the cam and replace the springs. But I didn’t shop around because I was doing my own install.

As far as doing it yourself goes, it’s a fairly big job but it doesn’t require a skill level beyond basic do-it-yourself shade-tree mechanic. There is a link to an excellent set of step-by-step procedures in the sticky on this forum. Read through them and see if you think you feel capable of doing the things it describes. If you take your time and follow the written procedures meticulously you can be confident it will be done right.

Just make sure you allow yourself enough time. A lot of posts on here give the impression its pretty easy and you could knock it off in a day. But I think for a first timer you should probably allow 4 days (two weekends).

Parts for me cost around $800 in total: $345 for a Comp Cams camshaft, $155 for 918 springs, $101 for chromemoly pushrods, $159 for Comp Cams titanium retainers and $50 for bolt and assorted gaskets.

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

TB is, but don't touch the MAF unless you plan on getting a speed density tune and you are going to take it out. Otherwise it is best left alone.

Upgrade your valvetrain too. definitely worth it for the trouble that it might cause you on down the road.

LS1pilot

geez dude....

I just finished mine... it was more trouble (and time) taking everything apart to just GET to the cam...!! But not that hard.....you need to have the tools and a way to get her in the air a little....see pix below... Also...go to http://www.ls1howto.com/ for JmX's directions on many installs....I used his notes and they were great!! The actual insertion of the cam was not that hard, really...

If you decide to do it yourself and need anything....just e-mail me....I will try to answer and questions you might have....
I would say first and foremost....study and read everything you can on what you want to do...I got my info from the I-net and from the Helms manuals...

Good luck!!

soontobeLS1

On my list of things, I forgot to mention Rockers.

The reason I would get the shop to do it, is that they got the dyno/tuning stuff there.

eallanboggs

iTrader: (1)

If your going to install the springs youself don't forget a couple if spare spring retiner keepers ($2). Those damn things are easy to drop even with a little grease on them. Those rocker covers look great LS1Pilot. Too bad there so hard to see once the coils and hoses and wiring harness are all back in place.

scrmnws6

iTrader: (7)

I plan on installing a big cam in my LT1 along w/heads and everything to go along with it. Do I need to immediately take the car to get retuned? Can I drive it around for a while or not recommended?

LS1pilot

Thanks! I was motovated by Firehawk#608.... But it is a LOT of work~!

I'm happy with her....even with all the stuff covering her up