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How much to install a cam?

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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 08:13 PM
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Default How much to install a cam?

How much should I be paying for a cam kit installation? It's a TR custom

grind with Comp 918 springs, titanium retainers and chrome moly pushrods with

all gaskets, front seal, and Harmonic Balancer bolt.

I've already paid $829.00 for the cam package and hate to think of paying

the prices of an install that I have been quoted. The norm seems to be 900-1,800 dollars with NO tune. This seems ridiculous, but, is it? I thought

maybe 750-800 with a good dyno tune would be about right.
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 08:25 PM
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I,ve seen fro $300 to $700 or so. $900 is just outrageous
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 08:27 PM
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750-800 without a tune seems about right. You should really look into doing it yourself. Your first time it will probably take you a good full weekend to do the cam and springs.
www.ls1howto.com has a good write-up on cam/spring installs. You just need a few special tools (torque wrench, balancer puller, spring tool,etc.).
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 08:52 PM
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most shops around me charge 300-600 for install no tune.
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 09:08 PM
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Default GM Book Time???

I appreciate all of you helping with me with this. Anyone know what the actual GM book time is for a cam install ... versus the actual install time?
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 10:16 PM
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probably alot...Im sure most GM Dealership tech's dont know the tricks of the trade & would pull the heads to take the cam out...cuz most of your quotes sure sound like SBC cam swap prices.
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 10:20 PM
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I got my cam done along with valve springs and pushrods for $350. The tune was another $425.
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 10:39 PM
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Hell, I wouldn't pay more than $300 for a cam/springs install. Actually, I wouldn't pay anything and do it myself. It's actually not that hard to do, even the springs that some people avoid doing themselves at all costs are not that bad if you have the right tool.
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 11:07 PM
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400 with tune
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by JEB99TA
I appreciate all of you helping with me with this. Anyone know what the actual GM book time is for a cam install ... versus the actual install time?
Book time with valvesprings is 13.5 +/- hours, going rate is 84/hour here in AZ. Thats using ALLData. My personal rates are lower than that, but the going rate in AZ is about 800ish for cam and springs, not including fluids and gaskets
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Old Jun 4, 2004 | 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by foff667
probably alot...Im sure most GM Dealership tech's dont know the tricks of the trade & would pull the heads to take the cam out...cuz most of your quotes sure sound like SBC cam swap prices.
Most GM techs know the tricks, however they have a service manual to follow, and if the car had a problem and the service manager found out they cut corners or used "tricks" im sure he would no longer be working for GM...
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Old Jun 5, 2004 | 12:09 AM
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$600 For Cam And Valvespring Swap. $350 For Lifetime Unlimited Ls1 Edit Tune. $100 Hr For Dyno Use.
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Old Jun 5, 2004 | 12:30 AM
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I charge 150 for a cam and 250 for cam/springs. Then your looking at anther 3-500 for someone to tune it unless you buy a $500 dollar copy of edit.
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Old Jun 5, 2004 | 12:33 AM
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install yourself - <200 bucks worth of tools
500 for tune
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