Thanks for all the advice guys!

I guess what I will do is get a late LS1 or early LS6 cam, and when I take it all apart, I will check the gaskets to see if they are still good.
Should all of the gaskets be good, even the intake manifold and valve cover gaskets?

And hit man, my time is very valuable, I work 50+ hours a week, and then have other things to do... but this is something I really want to do. I enjoy all things automotive, and learning more about them. I actually want to put the cam in and feel the sense of accomplishment that I took the motor halfway apart and put it pack together.

Also, I figure I can get at least 15 hp or so, so why not?

BTW... how long should this take for a first timer?

-Derek

 

Well the intake manifold doesn't have to come off! yay. lol

If you install it yourself, then I don't see it being too big of an ordeal then you can also get to know your vehicle too. I'd budget 4-8 hrs depending on if you are installing valve springs also.

I'd consider a new timing chain and oil pump also depending on milage.

 

Hitman, at what mileage would you recommend a new timing chain and oil pump if doin' a cam swap?

 

I have ~75K and plan to replace both when I do my cam swap here around late summer.

I'd probably keep them stock if you are under like 50K mi...

 

I may go ahead and replace the oil pump, but I will just check the play in the timing chain first. I'm still getting good oil pressure though, and it definately jumps when I floor it.

Some1 on FSC explained to me how I could do it without taking the intake manifold off (which would cut the install time in half I bet), but I didn't really understand how I was gonna hold the lifters off the cam lobes without removing them?

Please explain, and thanks for the help!