cam swap questions??
12-15-2006, 12:48 PM
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cam swap questions?? okay so im getting ready to buy a cam from my 2001 trans am...im either going w/ the t228 or the torque v2 cam...more than likely the t228 though...but i got a quote for installation from a place call CPR...anyone in the columbia SC area may be familiar...they want 400 for cam install only...and 850 labor for cam and valvespring!! 
thats if i provide the parts...and and ADDITIONAL 130 dollars for dyno tune...im torn i want to do this cam swap SOOO bad...but $1,580 is a LOT...i have about 1300 dollars so if thats an average price i guess ill just suck it up but i wasnt expecting that....if anybody knows of a good fair priced place in SC please fill me in!!
thats if i provide the parts...and and ADDITIONAL 130 dollars for dyno tune...im torn i want to do this cam swap SOOO bad...but $1,580 is a LOT...i have about 1300 dollars so if thats an average price i guess ill just suck it up but i wasnt expecting that....if anybody knows of a good fair priced place in SC please fill me in!! 
12-15-2006, 01:46 PM
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forget about swapping the cam only. your stock springs can't take the lift and will snap. have you read any of the sticky's at the top of this section? done any searching on the topic?
12-15-2006, 01:51 PM
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Johnny D, do it yourself:
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23
and a bunch of pictures with a little list of parts to help:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2048825/6
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23
and a bunch of pictures with a little list of parts to help:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2048825/6
12-15-2006, 03:17 PM
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dont feel to confident doing it myself...i would really love to find somebody who knows what they are doing to do if for me...but CPR is the only place around here i can find...and they want 850 for labor 
12-15-2006, 05:39 PM
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ive done a cam swap on an 85 305 grand prix couple years ago never done a swap in a ls1 but ill be doing mine a little nervous about it but theres only one way to learn.
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12-15-2006, 07:29 PM
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you could go to the Regional forum and then click on Southern Members and ask if there is anybody in your area of Columbia South Carolina that would like to help you do a cam swap! You might get someone that could help you and make a friend too.
12-15-2006, 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by SSippi
you could go to the Regional forum and then click on Southern Members and ask if there is anybody in your area of Columbia South Carolina that would like to help you do a cam swap! You might get someone that could help you and make a friend too.
don't do this yourself. you have to much money invested in this car to do a virgin cam swap! there is a reason they were charging 850 for cam and springs. it takes time and some expertise. wait untill you have the money or find help as suggested.
12-15-2006, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by willyfastz
$850 seems really hih to me, I normally charge $350 to do a cam and springs install.
12-15-2006, 08:44 PM
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I did a heads and cam / Trans swap recently. To think that only a year ago i PAID someone to change my rocker arms.. 
Take your time, follow the guides and you'll be able to do it no problem! 
Take your time, follow the guides and you'll be able to do it no problem!
12-25-2006, 10:43 PM
#13
Originally Posted by Krab
Exactly what I was thinking. I usually throw in the oil pump/timing chain install for that price too though... What can I say, I'm a sucker for charging fellow F-body owners. I would not pay $850 for a cam/spring swap, that's way too much cash for the swap.
12-27-2006, 12:43 AM
#15
It's not bad at all if you have the time, tools and a garage to do it in. Take your time and use JMXs HowTo. If you do the work yourself the $850.00 you save in labor will be more than enough to buy all the tools and parts you don't already have, but need to get the job done and still have enough money left over for the tune. Then you can start doing cam swaps for other people.
12-27-2006, 10:34 AM
#16
DO IT YOURSELF!!! Can you work a ratchet? Can you read and follow directions?
Its one of trhe easiest thinsg you'll do. Your just replacing parts. Its not like you need to think or be a mechanic. Your tool for doing the valve springs will make all the difference in the world. I rent out the lifter rods, crane dual spring tool and air compressor fitting for the cylinder to keep the valves up for $40 for as long as you need them. Within reason of course.
There are plenty of people here to help you if you get stuck. Hardest part of the whol operation is removing the underdrive pulley. Rent a decent puller and its a peice of cake.
I was quoted all kinds of money to do the swap. Mechanics can be a shady group. If they know your in a bind and have to use them they will rob ya blind!
Its one of trhe easiest thinsg you'll do. Your just replacing parts. Its not like you need to think or be a mechanic. Your tool for doing the valve springs will make all the difference in the world. I rent out the lifter rods, crane dual spring tool and air compressor fitting for the cylinder to keep the valves up for $40 for as long as you need them. Within reason of course.
There are plenty of people here to help you if you get stuck. Hardest part of the whol operation is removing the underdrive pulley. Rent a decent puller and its a peice of cake.
I was quoted all kinds of money to do the swap. Mechanics can be a shady group. If they know your in a bind and have to use them they will rob ya blind!
