I'm about to swap a cam into my L98 with 90,000 miles. I just called up a shop and, call me crazy, but i don't think $500 labor + $300 cam is worth 30 HP. O yeah and the motor's not even in my car, it's sitting on a pallet! Should the swap actually take 8 hours?????? I thought that roller motors didn't have to have bearings and lifters replaced with only 90,000. Do they?

 

They don't "have" to, but a shop will more than likely want to just to cover their butts. I.E. less 'call-backs'. After all, that's the goal of every shop.

If the engine's not installed, you should do it yourself, if you're physically able to. It's not very difficult. About 80% of the people here have done it, and another 10% can (no comment on the other 10% ).

Bring #1 piston to TDC on the compression stroke.

Remove valve covers.

Remove intake manifold.

Loosen rocker arms and remove pushrods.

Remove lifters.

Remove oil pan.

Remove harmonic damper.

Remove timing cover.

Remove 3 bolts off the cam sprocket, then remove it and the timing chain.

Going SLOW and EASY, remove the camshaft.

Installation is reverse of removal.

Do a search on how to set the cam timing using "the dots", how to adjust lash on a hyd. cam, and how to drop in the distributor.

 

Yeah, by all means do it yourself. There is SO much less risk in swapping a roller than a flat tappet. And having the motor out of the car is a bonus. With the money you save, you can buy an engine stand and an excellent tool kit!