How much would labor be on replacing the cam in our cars? I can't do it myself because I am a total beginner at cars right now and not ready to take the engine out and stuff. Any ideas on labor cost? I know the cam is only around $100 its the labor that is a b***h. Any estimates will be appreciated.

 

You don't have to take the cam out of the car to install the cam, my GUESS and it's a complete guess would be at least 6 hrs of labor for a shop.

 

I am doing the same thing right now and finding it to be the perfect opportunity to get rid of what the computer doesn't require(it's anLG4). Also to clean up that nasty engine compartment and go back in with some performance parts and chrome. If one understands the mechainics of engine repair, especially cam/crank/ ignition timing and can be organized upon dismantling, then they stand a good chance of a do -it -yourself cam swap. Also more importantly, knowing what cam specs you need to go with whatever else you plan on doing.

 

It won't be cheap. I can do one in 4 hours, but a shop will probably charge 6 or 8. Call around and ask, but I doubt you'll find a place that will do it for less than 4 hundred or so.

Suffice it to say probably more than it's worth. Start working on your car yourself. Start small, and eventually when you're ready, do the swap yourself.

 

I have to agree with Jester. I started with changing a distributor cap because I couldn't get my mechanic friend to do it.

Then came a chip, underdrive pulleys, runners exhaust. pretty soon you get caught up in it and you get some confidence.

Besides a cam probably wouldn't work that great until you did some more intake/exhaust mods.

 

Get your hands dirty and learn a little about the car. Maybe you'll find that the cam swap wasn't as hard as it sounded at first. Find a friend who's done this kinda stuff before!

$500.00 is about what they will charge for labor.