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Old Jan 3, 2026 | 07:47 AM
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Default Cam change

I know there have been numerous threads on this topic, but:
im considering a cam swap (Texas speed 224R) and I have a few questions, concerns before moving forward:
is it worth doing just the cam, and not upgrading the heads also?
what’s entailed in a cam swap ( do I need to replace lifters, pushrods, etc…)
any idea of average labor/tuning cost for a cam only swap?
current configuration is a 2000 6 speed, long tube headers, fast intake, B&B cat back, last Dino tune made 365 at the rear wheels, I’d like to get to 400 RWHP

Thanks for any and all input
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Old Jan 3, 2026 | 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Leo001
I know there have been numerous threads on this topic....
Yes......20 years worth .....
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Old Jan 3, 2026 | 02:52 PM
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It may help to understand what the OP is going to do with the car, what engine (assuming LS1?) it is he is working on, and consequently, what heads he's talking about.....
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Old Jan 3, 2026 | 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Leo001
I know there have been numerous threads on this topic, but:
im considering a cam swap (Texas speed 224R) and I have a few questions, concerns before moving forward:
is it worth doing just the cam, and not upgrading the heads also?
what’s entailed in a cam swap ( do I need to replace lifters, pushrods, etc…)
any idea of average labor/tuning cost for a cam only swap?
current configuration is a 2000 6 speed, long tube headers, fast intake, B&B cat back, last Dino tune made 365 at the rear wheels, I’d like to get to 400 RWHP

Thanks for any and all input
You will need to do valve springs and retainers and verify valve to piston clearance to do that cam right, so it is quite a bit more than just a cam swap.
And, yes, I would do new lifters, like some LS7 lifters, and check to make sure the pushrod length checks out, and maybe think about new rocker arms too since it will be all apart.
A nice set of CNC ported heads along with the cam setup would get you probably in the 80-100+ RWHP range.
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Old Jan 3, 2026 | 08:54 PM
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Originally Posted by grinder11
It may help to understand what the OP is going to do with the car, what engine (assuming LS1?) it is he is working on, and consequently, what heads he's talking about.....
currently stock LS1 (other than headers, intake and exhaust) will be used as a weekend fun car.
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Old Jan 3, 2026 | 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Yes......20 years worth .....
yes, I know, but, I like to know exactally what’s involved before I undertake a project, and this fourm is a fantastic source of 1st hand knowledge and experience. It’s so beneficial to have the resources to make informed decisions rather than trial and error.
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