labor

[1sickbird]

i asked don lee(performance tune-up) to install :
- TSP Ported LS6 Oil Pump
- Rollmaster Double-Roller Adjustable Timing Set
- Texas Speed TSP Camshaft, Crane Double Valve Springs,
Titanium Retainers, Hardened Spring Seats, GM Valve Seals,
Texas Speed & Performance Hardened Pushrods
- SLP 160º Thermostat
- ASP Racing 25% Underdrive Crank/Alternator Pulleys

he wants $900+

labor is expensive i'm thinking to do it myself just like i did my LT header.
you guys think i can do it ?

[raroZ28]

Def. try to do it yourself man. If you can do headers yourself, I think you have a good shot at doing that. Never blow money on something you can do yourself. At least try. Remember dude, it's all just nuts and bolts. No rocket science when it comes to an engine. We're all here for you if you run into a snag and need help. Good luck.

[94 formula]

Agreed...Do it yourself. I helped my brother do his cam install in his LS1 and its not bad at all. In all honesty I'd rather do that again than a set of LT1 headers. LS1's seem to be much easier to work on plus you can reuse many gaskets which will save you some money. Make sure to get the valve spring tool it makes getting them on and off so much easier especially the ones back under.

[Trash man]

i thought the motor had to be pulled to do the oil pump? i kno theres no way u can do mine without pulling the motor(i tried to replace my pan without sucess(sp?))

[94 formula]

i thought the motor had to be pulled to do the oil pump? i kno theres no way u can do mine without pulling the motor(i tried to replace my pan without sucess(sp?))

You can get to the LS1 oil pump through the timing cover its driven by the timing chain. And yes you can remove yours without removing the motor you have to take the motor out of its mounts and jack it up a few inches (be careful that you don't go to far and break anything and you can get the pan in and out much easier.

[Trash man]

thats what i did, no go, i had that motor high too, the back of the block was touching the firewall.

[smokeum99ta]

Theres no need jack up the engine to change oil pumps. Just loosen the oil pan bolts so that it comes down about 3/4". Its a PITA but thats how I do them. I have about 5 cam swaps under my belt with each one getting new chains and pumps. Make sure you have a magnet so when you drop that little 10mm bolt you can get it out of the pan.

Back to the original question. Yes I think you can do it. Just take your time. Give yourself a full weekend if this is your first time.You might want to look at www.ls1howto.com before you make your decision. JMX's write up is awesome, he covers everything you need to know about a cam swap. The only problem you might occur is with tools, hopefully you have what you need or your friends do. I just went out and bought the ones JMX recommended so I could make things alittle easier and make some beer money from my lazy friends. Good luck, If you have any questions just pm me and I will walk you though it.