just for example:
Thunder racing "Custom" Cam, pushrods, Comp 918's - $600.00
that's all you really need, unless you are talking about a radical cam

 

Hmmm, with a cam, Id highly recomend a dyno tune, or at least a street tune, all the mail order tunes Ive seen with cams (from many different tuners) leave much to be desired. As far as what youneed youre looking at

Cam $400
Springs $200
Push rods $100
Gaskets $ ??? I always reuse the stockers
MISC. $100
Consider about $600-$800 for labor and youre still only half way to the quote. I definatly recomend finding a shop with GEN III experience (most SBC guys are just too ignorant with the new engines) but cant help with a shop in southern Cali. Im sure someone will be able to though.

 

The cam swap on the LSx engine couldn't be easier from the mechanics point of view considering that the neither the intake, heads or exhaust have to be removed. Even following the shop manuals method it would be hard to drag the job out to 18 hours as you were told. If you're installing a cam with lift numbers high enough to require a spring change that does add time, but the trucks are a lot easier to work on than the F bodies or vettes. The trucks don't have the clearance issues on the rearmost cylinders that the cars do. Even at the going rate of $65/hr that equates to 10 hours labor for what it looks like most people are paying. A cam swap doesn't take 10 hours even with changing 16 springs. As was already recommended get someone with LSx SPECIFIC experience and you should find the price will come down. Your first question to the mechanic is: "Will you be removing the heads or intake"? If the answer is yes get in your truck and leave. I have two Silverados and I've done CNCed heads with cam, R lifters, hardened Prods, Pro Mag 1.85 rollers and Pacesetter Long Tubes with OR Y pipe on them both. The sound that engine makes when you turn the key after turning all the wrenches yourself: Priceless! That deal from Thunder Racing for cam, rods and springs @$600 is sweet. Now find someone local to do the labor for $400 and you can come in at around $1K. At $1K you might actually be able to afford the gas prices in Calif.

 

cam-400
springs-160
rods-100
retainers-160(probably not included cuz not needed)
timing chain-90(same as above)
tune-500 for REAL dyno tune(not predator crap)
new gaskets-50

realistic high priced labor-750 i dont know the rep of this shop but if you wanna read about a shop that has alot of nice fast cars look at MTI. they have a very clean and VERY reputable shop especially if you ware walking in there with your C6 and 80 grand for the devil ray conversion and they charge 750 for labor. max. even with all those parts, including the ones they probably dont even give you, and the tune you are looking at about 1400 in labor. IF they threw in a pair or miled or port and polished heads with your deal then it would make more sense as being a sweet deal.