How long will it take to change out camshaft?

Fixing things that aren't broken can lead to refixing something that is now broken.

Just my 2c

Run it like it is and do what Sean said. You'll spend more money but have less headache and you can have piece of mind that your fresh engine is good to go.

 

I ended up doing what the others are talking about, its costing way more $$ and taking a lot longer but... i can still enjoy my car that doesn't really have any problems and put together the engine that i really wanted all along. That being said it is more money, but i bet you'll end up spending more money then your thinking when you add up the cam, lifters, gaskets, instalation fee, timing gear set and other miscellaneous things the biggest cost difference will be machine work.

 

I would say get an engine from Jim at trishield(owner of v8buick.com) but that might delay him more from my engine but I think he says about 6 thou for a 350hp 350 with 400 ft torque

 

Thanks for all the ideas. My cousin give me some ideas some i decided to run it by you guys and see what you think. Idea 1 is to install a HEI distributor, full exhaust and headers, and a new camshift. How much more HP would that give me? Idea 2 is to but a 5.3 motor for around $600 and put in there. What are you all opinion on his idea?

 

Impossible to say, because we don't know how many horsies you have now; or how finely-tuned the engine is already.

First Guess: Not as much improvement as you'd like, depending on the condition of what you have. If the ignition, exhaust, and camshaft you've got are completely wiped-out, the improvement could be spectacular. If the ring seal or valve seal you have now is completely wiped-out, the improvement could be...none.

Going to change the transmission, too? Or are you planning to buy an adapter plate? What motor mounts? How are you going to account for the miles of extra wiring required by the ECM, sensors, and under-dash diagnostic link? Drive-by-wire throttle body? Are you going to install an in-tank fuel pump, or an inline pump suitable for fuel injection? This is going to get complex in a hurry.

The LS-series engines are wonderful powerplants. I don't think they belong in older vehicles--but I saw a Chevelle with a damned Duramax diesel, by comparison an LS wouldn't be so bad.

 

if you a an H or X pipe in with a good 2 1/4 or 2 1/2 with headers, a 212 cam and proper tuning and a convertor that will stall 2000-2200 with that combo(advertised stall is what a big block chevy will stall at) and a 3 series gear I think you will be quite impressed.

 

Could I have some head work done to add more HP?

 

Add bigger valves you can get from ta performance and some port work gain some potential power

 

I think we are all trying to tell you the same thing, "there is no such thing as a free lunch." Every choice will lead to a whole lot of other things. You need to evaluate where you car is now, what are the priorities for making it a safe, reliable vehicle and then start thinking about what kind of performance you want. It also sounds like there is a lot you need to learn about this hobby. Great, the journey is the best part. But you really need to do a pro and cons thing, then map out a plan to get to where you want to go. Just throwing parts at 40 year old cars is a good way to burn a lot of money, do things twice and not be happy with the results.

 

There is nothing wrong with my motor now. It runs fine. I just want to add more horsepower.

 

Have you confirmed that with actual diagnostic testing?

Compression test
Leak-down test
Cylinder balance test
Tailpipe emissions test

Poor compression/excessive leakage will hamper all efforts to improve power with cam and bolt-ons.

 

I haven't ran any test on it. I'm just basing it off of me driving it every day.