Do any of you guys know how much a mechanic would charge to put in cams? How many hours does it take?

 

I'll put this in the Teg forum.

 

In So Cal labor for cam install is about $75 to $100.

Loc

 

It is really easy though, so if you wanted to do it yourself many people here on H-T would be happy to explain the procedure.

Dustin

 

If you want to do it yourself, check here:

http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto.html

 

how much harder is it to change the valve springs and retainers while changing the cams?

 

A lot harder... your looking at an addition 1.5 hours of work, plus if you don't want to remove the head, you need a special tool (air compressor attachment) to pressurize the cylinder. A conventional VTEC valve spring compressor will not work as well.

Check here, you can see how its done withthe head OFF the car. Imagine doing this with it on the car:

http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/nabuild/nabuild.html

 

looks like it would be worth having someone do this for me...

how much labor would be involved in getting this done?

 

i just paid:
$350 r and r the head
$200 lap and install new valves (ie put everything back together)

this is more stuff than you're asking about but pulling the head is not cheap.

 

can most shops change the valve springs/retainers without pulling the head though? that would probably make it a lot cheaper