How long does it take to install a cam, and how hard is it to do? How much power can i expect to get out of a mild cam, and does it effect gas mileage?

 

According to Alldata is should take the average properly trained technician 13.6 hours to change out the cam. If you only change the cam, the power increase won't be all that great. To get the full effect you need heads, intake system, exhaust system, and camshaft matched to work with and augment each other. The old proverb "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link" is very applicable to engine building.

 

should it really take that long if you have worked on lt1s before and know what your doing ?

 

To remove and install a camshaft is an understatement on most cars and especially on an LT1

It takes quite some time, and some important steps,it must be very clean, must have proper tools and equipment, and a lot of time, especially if you plan to do it right and upgrade the proper parts.

here is a helpful page http://shbox.com/ci/cam_removal.html

afteryou'vesafely got it alltore apartyoullget the "while im at it" bug, it is a good thing.

i wouldnt recommend running the stock water pump on a more aggressive cam, as it puts a lot of strain especially on stock cam bearings. so youll need a electronic water pump, you'll needa stronger timing set, pushrods (chromoloy) rockers, strong springs, stronger 7/16th studs,guide plates, valve seals(in most cases). Of course you'll have to get a brand new opti,just to make sure everything is tip top.

youll need a good set of headers, good intake system, new wires/plugs/filters, all new fluids for break in, higher stalltq converter, better ratio rearend, and a good tune with all mods accounted for.

this is a good guide for the install http://shbox.com/ci/cam_install.html.