can a cam be installed in an ls1 in a day for a first timer ??? ill be having a friend help me along with my dad who used to rebuild sbc 350s all the time ...... and im also getting the crane spring tool which seems like it should cut the spring changing time in half

 

Yes. Ive done them in under 3 hours. Heres some info for you.
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23

 

It can be done easily, but you dont want to have to rush it just to make sure youve met your time limits.

If you have the best available tools at your disposal, then it cuts a fair whack of time off.
Get a good quality puller for the crank balancer. I had a cheaper version and it belt like a banana.
I also used two different types of Spring compressors.
The first was a leverage type bar made by Crane. Worked well but couldnt get to one spring due to the fuel line. Then borrowed a different type which screws down the spring.Much better to sue and much faster. I think Snap On sells them.
Take your time and check everything twice.

If you start early and take it in a methodical approach you'll get it done in the day, no probs.

 

Who made that LS1howto site? It focking rocks!

 

JMX he's a member/moderator here.

 

I would not limit myself to one day, I too have been building cars for years(numerous 8 and 9 second cars) and my best friend is a ASE master tech at a local dealership and is their 4.8,5.3,5.7,6.0 specialist.....He knows these engines in and out. Changing cam, springs, and timing chain/oil pump it takes us bout 8 hours. Now that is taking it on at a steady but careful pace. We dont like to scratch or dirty up someones or my own engine bay or parts....... . Not being offensive to anyone, but I realistically cant see anyone doing that job in less than six hours, and thats hauling ***. If someone can do it in less, then i really dont wont them workin on my car in a hurry.....

 

Set aside a hole day when doin it, you do not wanna rush it, just make sure you take take your time and follow the directions on ls1howto.com

 

Buy some extra valve retaining clips. I sent on flying across the garage on a saturday and spent 4 hrs looking for it. You won't be able to get one anywhere other than a dealer. None of the auto parts stores stock it. It's def worth the $2.00.

 

If it's the first time you're doing a cam swap in an LS1, plan for at least a full weekend. Like stated above, this isn't something you want to rush. That's how things get broken. But to answer your question, no. A first timer cannot do a full cam swap in one day.

 

Like others said, there is no way you will be able to do this in one day if it's your first time AND you are changing springs. I know others say they can do it in 3 or 4 hours but they have probably done this a ton of times before and are not changing springs or the timing chain. Just take your time and plan for a full weekend.

 

Great Advise here, I had to run out to get two after they flew somewhere, found them under the car about 3 hours later.