Cam Job Recommendations

Has anyone here had a cam job done recently and can offer suggestions or recommendations, along with an approximate cost? I spoke with a shop yesterday that quoted me $9k, which seems outrageous! Maybe it’s just me, or my mind is still stuck in 2018 when prices weren’t so ridiculously high.

$9k is a complete joke, lol. It seems like they don’t really want to take on the job. I’d recommend finding someone you trust and buying the parts yourself.

The Stage 2 package from RPM is priced at $9k and includes headers, a cold air intake (CAI), a camshaft, springs, push rods, a new oil pump, a timing chain, an automatic transmission tune, and a chassis engine dyno tune.

I’m in the same boat; the last time I looked into this was when I installed a cam in my Corvette back in 2010. The cam kit cost around $500, if I remember correctly. I’m sure prices have increased significantly since then, but $9k is definitely outrageous. I haven’t done a cam swap on an SS, so I can’t say if 15 hours is a reasonable estimate. The Corvette was a hassle because you have to maneuver the power steering rack out, which involves dropping the subframe a bit to access the crank pulley. You pretty much have to remove everything from the front end to get the cam out, but I assume it’s similar with the SS.

I also love the sound of a cam lope, but I plan to go with headers, a cold air intake, and a tune for now, hoping that will hold me over until I can save enough for a Whipple supercharger.

I have a pretty big cam, especially for a boosted car, with a .633" lift and significant overlap/duration. I sacrificed some low-end power, but it works for me since I have a manual transmission. The engine occasionally misfires in the 1800-2200 RPM range under light throttle and has trouble starting when it’s hot, but it performs like a beast under wide-open throttle and sounds amazing.

$9k is an outrageous price for a cam swap—look for a better shop.

That sounds about right. Prices have gone up, and labor hours are currently quite high.