is $1000 right to put a cam in ???? I was told over 10 hours of labor for cam alone!! I had another thread similar earlier but needed some feedback asap on this as I have a guy waiting to sell me some things. In addition to cam i was looking at headers y pipe valve springs retainers. I was thinking maybe 10 hours for the whole operation.....I'm a little confused

 

From what I've seen a shop will quote you really high if they don't do them often. In which case, you probably don't want them touching your car anyways. You should just do it yourself, you'll save a lot of money and gain a lot of knowledge. I know of shops around here that charge around 600. I'm in Northern Va btw.

I've done a cam install b4 and it's not that bad. You just have to take your time and if your not sure about anything at all, don't do it. Just post the question up here and someone will help you.

 

Most places charge $300-$500 for cam alone. There probablly going by the book, which is very high. I agree on the do it yourself. It isn't hard and all the info is avalible here.

 

I've never worked on a car before I got my ls1. I got it around March of last year. I've done several things, however, I just got finished doing my cam swap last friday and it took 4-5 hours w/o a spring swap (already had a cam w/~8k on it) It's definatly not a 1000 job. Maybe 600.

 

What part of Missouri are you in?

 

im right outside of st louis, I was thinking more along the 400-500 also. He is a friend of mine who does work for me after hours at the shop where he works, I get the feeling the owners of the shop arent experienced with doing performance things. I would love to work on the car myself but I only know about the parts and what is good and not, I have no experience doing any work (although i did my own intake, I was proud of that). My dad bought the car for me and is a little weird about me doing stuff to it because its still under extended warranty. If you have any helpful tips etc I appreciate it

 

too bad you weren't located near chicago, I would have done it for about 1/2 that. and had it back to you within a day.

 

Here's a link to a place with good install prices; 'course it's in Baltimore, MD, so it's just for comparison:

http://www.fbodycentral.com/oscommer...30ea70e55ad9ab

I think they want something $700 to do a cam swap...

 

www.fcct.net they only charged me a total of 1100 in labor including changing, my dampner which broke, my oil pump, my timing chain, heads, cam. Those guys there are so damn cool

 

Run....anyone who wants to charge $1000 is either a ripoff artist or clueless.

 

Don't fool around with anyone who doesn't know the LSx motors like the back of his hand for two reasons: 1. A knowledgable guy will be quicker and cheaper, and can show you the ropes so you can learn. 2. He won't screw you by making a critical error.

 

I know shops here in NC that specialize in LS1s that will do cam/springs/pushrods/timing chain/oil pump swap for $400. $1000 is insane.

 

Check in your local forum and see who is reccomended in your area. Ave cam install around here is $550, same price for header install. Someone who has done it before can probably do it in 6 hours, if first time could take 10+.

 

Damn, with that price it must come with a ****-job. I was planning to try it on my own but MTI had a special, pretty much was paying for parts with there special last October. Go to ls1howto.com, step by step process. Goodluck

 

My friend on here BLKWS and I have done over 40 cam/spring swaps for peeps around the ATL and we charge 400.00 and its a 5 hour turnaround.

 

does that include other "services"?

Just kidding. But yeah, that is HIGH.

 

$1000 sounds about right for a cam swap on an LT1, since you have all sorts of trouble with the oil pan gasket and must remove the heads. But on an LS1 it is really pretty ez. Maybe 5-6 hours if you have a lift and all the tools and have done it before.

Perry

 

Need a camshaft installed in your late model Camaro, Corvette or Firebird? At Exotic Performance Plus we charge $350.00 in labor to install a camshaft. You will get your car back in a clean condition, with the work professionally done.

Camshaft and Valvesprings installation labor is only $475.00 Bob

 

^^^^^ nice sales pitch