Kuma

Hi,

I bought the LT4 top end package recently. I would like to do the install myself but unfortunately I live in a condo complex where we're not allowed to work on our cars (this old dude in the building next to me keeps writing me up ). (and it's a pretty big fine whenever we do). The other option for the install would be to park the TA in a nearby abandoned parking lot for 5 nights or so while I do the install. I wish I had a garage!

Anyway, I was thinking about having it professionally done instead. I'm wondering if this is a good idea tho--esp. at a by the hour price. What do you guys think? Any advice?

Thanks...

Rob

BigBlue95Z

Might as well take the fine. The labor to get it done is gonna be more!

Wild1

Step by step it isn't that difficult. But labor will run 14-16 hours at $40-60 per hour based on where you live.

BUBBA

The question is whether or not you can afford to have it done by a Pro.

I have all my work done my professionals. Of course there are never any quarantees that they won't mess it up either, but these cars can be a bitch to work on.

Unless you REALLY know what you are doing and have a good safe place to work on it, I'd definitely go pro.

You could also ask if there is anyone on this board who has a place where you can work and who also knows what the hell they are doing.JMHO

Kuma

Paying pros to do it would be ideal, and idea how much?

well that would be ideal. The fine's probly gonna be only $25, $50 at worst if I can finish within 4-5 days.


I would love to do this myself--half the reason I got it is so I could do it myself and learn from the experience, since I missed taking shop class in catholic school but of course that was years ago...

what do you guys think about the abandoned lot idea? It's within easy walking distance, but I'm worried bout cops and vandals.

Aggie7732

Man, it sounds like you really need to find somebody who has a garage you can use or rent. Maybe offer them like 50 or 100 bucks a week.

Also, you're probably going to need power for lights and what not. I don't think you're going to find any outlets in abandoned fields.

my $.02,

-Sean

94 CAMRO Z28

I say either take the fine or park it at a friends house or old parking lot. Doing a head/cam swap isn't really all that hard at all. It can be time consuming but if you have a friend to help you and you come on here and ask questions every time you get stuck, its not so bad at all. My guess is you would be looking somewhere around $750-900 to have someone at a shop do this for you. Take your $50 fine, spend $200 on tools, gaskets, and a manual, and do it yourself is what I say!

Good luck
Aaron

Wild1

I agree... it isn't that difficult if you go step by step. http://www.streetillusionsracing.com...ll/Cam/cam.htm I wouldn't do it in a lot... pay the fine and get dirty.

Kuma

OK, I'm gonna give this a shot in the coming weeks, soon as I have pocket ported and polished these heads. After all I got all the tools and stuff...

I just don't wanna get stuck in the middle of the install but that install guide looks real good. Anything similar for heads? I have the helms shop manual but at times it doesn't seem to explain everything fully in layman's terms...it assumes you already know to do a lot of things I think.

So probably what I'll do is like you said and just swallow the fine but savor the 800 bucks I save and put it towards a rebuild and supercharger.

Wild1

Thats part of the tricky situation I'm in too. If I build the top end yet prepare for a blower, then I should port more on the exhaust side of the heads and install a blower cam. If I build the bottom end for a blower, I should have the rotating assembly balanced with 8.5:1 or 9:1 blower pistons.

If you build N/A, then you will have to pull the engine apart again for a blower (heads for porting the exhaust, blower cam, and balance for blower pistons...)

You're at the stage where you'll need to choose one way or another.

Phatcaprice

This is appauling! Not the LT4 conversion, but the rules by which you live. WTF? You can't work on YOUR CAR?!?! What about changing oil?

I would say that the fine would be a lot cheaper than a pro install. Not only that, if you don't have a garage, you should find one to use temporarily. You don't need power tools, but you'll love 'em.

Wild1

Yeah, associations (home) really suck. Where I'm at, there isn't enough room in the garage, so we have to park the car 1/2 in and out then lower the garage door so that it is a few inches above the roof or hood. Then, if you can't see what I'm doing from the street, even though one end of the car is sticking out, then I'm ok.

Here, it is a warning then a $300 fine. In your case, the fine is relatively low... take the fine, get the tools, and do it yourself.

Kuma

My situation would be alright if it weren't for this old guy on the condominium association board that patrols around looking for trouble...I think it gives him a sense of power or something. Anyway, as y'all say, it's a low fine. $300! That's terrible! Where do you live that you get such a fine? At least you have a garage though...

Wild1

I live in Kalifornia where there laws are based on "what if's..". Good luck on your venture. Ask questions at any time. There are a lot of good people here who can assist you with your project.