Is it worth the 80$ to buy a skunk 2 or AEM cam gear off ebay. and just by installing it do you gain hp? or does it have to be tuned by a tuner? If so what kind of tuning would i need done? How much would this tuning cost? thanks...ya i know im not the most eduactated but that is why im asking for help...still in HS. Also whats a better cam gear...skunk 2 or AEM...

I drive a 97 civic hx
cai,headers,exuast...plan on doing a mini mi swap with a port and polished d16y8 head.

 

you don't really need cam gears, unless you have aftermarket cams to go with them

 

i've seen cases where an adjustable cam gear made about 2hp on a d16 with a stock cam, but that was dyno tuned.

 

If you want get the AEM, the timing marks are more accurate, and then save up for cam, springs and retainers and put it all together..

 

how much hp would you get out of putting together out of a cam,retainer,cam gear, and springs..then tuned? assuming we get aftermarket everything?

 

with what you mentioned above Ferby, and w/ Dyno tuning you could probably warrant 10+ HP.... w/ just the cam gear not much, as w/ the SOHC you will only be helping on the bottom end or on the top end of he RPM band.
Unlike w/ a DOHC you can then adjust the intake and exhaust cams.
Good luck man...