BrendanB Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Anyone on here know what the average cost of a new cam install is for an LS1? I'm thinking about buying one this summer for my '00 Trans Am, and would more than likely have the work done at IPS, where my car's been worked on before. Seems like a good way to make easy power and torque, just iffy on the price of install Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Well parts will vary depending on the size of the cam and how many things you feel need replaced. The absolutly needed parts are the cam, pushrods, valve springs, and gaskets. The springs can vary some based on the cam, bigger more aggressive cams will need stiffer somewhat more expensive springs. Then there are the optional parts that would be a good idea for a higher mileage car or for added piece of mind, oil pump, lifters (but would require head removal), timing chain. If it were me I'd put a fresh timing chain, and oil pump in as these are very important and not too expensive parts. Cam $400 Valvesprings $200-$400 Pushrods $125 Timing Chain $125 Oil Pump $125 Gaskets/Fluids $200+/- As for labor you're on your own, I've never paid for work. This is all off the cuff so its just meant to be close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not Brian Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 fifteen hundred to run nines moving to tech Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littleguy Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 I would think most shops would charge you for between 9 to 12 hours of labor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BStowers023 Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Valve springs don't cost $300-450 lol, more like $180-$300. PRC .650 dual springs with seals and retainers cost $270 on WS6store if I remember correctly and those are pretty top of the line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Valve springs don't cost $300-450 lol, more like $180-$300. PRC .650 dual springs with seals and retainers cost $270 on WS6store if I remember correctly and those are pretty top of the line. Fine, I'll give you $180 Comp 918s, but an aggressive cam would need more then PRD .650" lift dual springs, ever priced Comp 921s? or the newer 928s? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BStowers023 Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 What do you consider an "agressive cam" for an LS1? Specs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 What do you consider an "agressive cam" for an LS1? Specs? 24x duration or bigger, LSr cam lobes or any cam lobe that has a fast ramp rate. Just because it has under .650" lift doesn't mean those basic dual springs are going to control it very well. You actually go really aggressive and spring pressures and coil bind come into play, but I doubt the OP really wants to get this that far off topic, so just let it go bud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWW$HEEET Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 1500 to go 9's. I like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboNova Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 I'm installing a cam in a ls2 gto right now for someone. I could start a side business installing them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboNova Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Buddy got a quote from performance Theory before ips bought then out. There estimate was 3400 no oil pump but included injectors Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Buddy got a quote from performance Theory before ips bought then out. There estimate was 3400 no oil pump but included injectors Injectors brings up a good point, just about anything more then a mild cam will need some bigger fuel injectors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrendanB Posted February 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 So basically anywhere from $1500-$2000 for a mild (daily driver) type cam, valves, springs, etc, and tune, plus labor? I'm looking for a decent power gain, hopefully 40-50rwhp if that helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99crb600 Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Ls1tech.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 Beast Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 This is basically the Ohio Chapter of LS1tech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twistedfocus1647545489 Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 I don't have an LS1, but I totally agree with Cordell on the valve springs. Don't get caught up on lift alone. In any case, make sure you get the proper recommended springs for the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboNova Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Yes around 2k plus labor is fair to say. If you do injectors,oil pump, timing chain , cam, pushrods, spring kit, gaskets, fluids, balancer bolt and don't forget a tune on top of all that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 Beast Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Short term goals? Long term goals? Budget? Purpose for mods.. racing, sound and appearance, gas mileage, everyday fun.. all of the above? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BStowers023 Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Short term goals? Long term goals? Budget? Purpose for mods.. racing, sound and appearance, gas mileage, everyday fun.. all of the above? I was going to ask the same, but he didn't ask for cam selection advice so I assumed he knew what type of cam he wanted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrendanB Posted February 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Short term goals? Long term goals? Budget? Purpose for mods.. racing, sound and appearance, gas mileage, everyday fun.. all of the above? All of the above lol, and just a cam that's daily useable all year round, but relatively cheap. I'm hoping to budget 1500-1700 or so if that helps narrow it down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 All of the above lol, and just a cam that's daily useable all year round, but relatively cheap. I'm hoping to budget 1500-1700 or so if that helps narrow it down Sounds like you should be looking for a cam in the 22x duration range, .500-.560 lift, you may want to check out Thunder Racing's line of cams. I really liked my 224-112 cam when I had it, it used basic Comp 918 springs, and provided a nice bump across the RPM band. A buddies full bolt-on 6 speed car made just over 400 to the wheels, and needed a set of injectors. http://www.thunderracing.com/shop-by/vehicle/1998-2002-LS1-F-Body/Cylinder-Heads-and-Valvetrain/Camshafts/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Brendan - If you are able shoot me a call 740-657-3278 or I can PM you my cell even if you like. I have a good bit of information I can provide you and try and help save you additional money! Regards Brandon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrendanB Posted February 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Sounds like you should be looking for a cam in the 22x duration range, .500-.560 lift, you may want to check out Thunder Racing's line of cams. I really liked my 224-112 cam when I had it, it used basic Comp 918 springs, and provided a nice bump across the RPM band. A buddies full bolt-on 6 speed car made just over 400 to the wheels, and needed a set of injectors. http://www.thunderracing.com/shop-by/vehicle/1998-2002-LS1-F-Body/Cylinder-Heads-and-Valvetrain/Camshafts/ What kind of power gains did you get with that cam?/What else does it need than is provided in the package (minus injectors and a tune)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagner Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Good stuff here, better than dealing with all the d-bags on ls1tech... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 What kind of power gains did you get with that cam?/What else does it need than is provided in the package (minus injectors and a tune)? I honestly couldn't tell you on my car, it was just street tuned. The same cam in my buddies car picked up about 40 horse. Cam package, gasket set, injectors, tune, and I'd do a fuel pump just for safety. Should get most cars over 370 wheel with bolt-ons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.