I am going to be changing my head gasket on my 06 and while I'm at it I am going to O ring the head/valve job and of course going with head studs. Now what's the opinion on cam swaps? Is it worth it? I tow VERY HEAVY alot and I play hard even more. So do I do a cam swap while I'm at it? What are the real world bennies of a cam swap?
thanks guys,
Topper

 

For what you say you are doing, definitely worth the effort and $$$.

 

main benefits are faster turbo spool and lower egt's. definately help out turbos with larger turbine housing and wheels like your silver 62

 

If you are going to have all that work done to the head may as well do the full package I say. Already that far into it and you will have some down time anyways, may as well good use of your time.

 

The difference isn't completely night and day, but the truck runs much smoother, spools faster and harder. I definately like mine though, and would reccomend it. Lowered my egts in the neighborhood of 100deg or so at max.

 

Id do it again in a heart beat!!!

 

If it was my money I would have twins on a truck used for towing before I put money into a cam and swap. Pretty rare that the stock cam really limits many engines. Will it help........yes, but the impact that the money shows is pretty low compared to other avenues open to spend it on IMO.
That said if your bent on changing it, picking the right cam for the job is key.
For towing (more critical with an auto) your not going to want a cam that moves your peek rpm up to the twilight zone. I have had both an H2 and a tow grind from Piers and they were two completely different animals. Both fantastic products but made for different applications.
Might want to toss on a set of valve springs while the head off also especially if your swapping the cam with something more aggressive.

 

Agree with all said above, but hard to pass up doing the the cam when the head is off.
Better breathing is always desirable.
Bigger impact on an auto than a manual tranny.
For towing AND playing hard...H2 is probably the best compromise, IMO.
I'd do the valve springs also..... and twins when you can.

RJ