I just got a new cam, comp custom grid, and i need to know how much of a PITA is it to put in, i have to put new springs on too to handle the lift. what is needed and about how long will it take to put in???

 

PITA level is a relative thing. I've done two cam swaps now and I would give it a 5 on a scale of 10 using the national PITA standard meter. Biggest PITA of the install is swapping the springs with the heads on the motor. A good spring compression tool will lower the PITA meter in this area. What you need, in addition to cam and springs.

1. Gasket set, (timing cover, water pump seal, water pump gasket, opti seal, crankshaft seal, intake gasket) and you might consider an oil pan gasket because you really need to lower the pan to install the timing cover correctly. It can be done without tearing the existing gasket, but you have to be careful. I would also recommend buying at least two water pump seals. This seal should be put on after replacing the TC cover. There is a special procedure to ensure that it doesn't rip, do a search on this board and you'll find the exact procedure. It may seem like a small thing but the seal can be a major, 9 on the PITA meter, PITA.
2.Special tools, puller for front hub and balancer. A good 3 jaw works pretty well, just make sure that you hook it up to the balancer correctly, (ShoeBox Site). A hub installation tool is also nice but you can get away with using 7/16-20 bolts that are longer than the stock crankshaft hub bolt, about three inches long will work well. Spring compressor, the type that can remove springs while the head is on the car, the better the quality, the easier it will be. Shoebox used one that I liked but couldn't find it locally.
3. Get some RTV for the intake manifold.
4. I would recommend replacing the timing set, but again not everyone agrees that this is necessary.
5. Go to Shoeboxe's site and print out his instructions. His fastener torque specs are worth their weight in gold alone.
6. Beer.
7. Friend. Four hands are often better than two, and if he is a good friend he can bring you a number 6 when you need it.
8. Three 5/16 bolts to use as a "cam handle".

Mark and bag or use some manner of identifying removed parts. This is especially important for your valve train components, rocker arms, pushrods, and lifters. Take your time, since this is I assume your first one, allow two days, especially considering that it is a common practice to allow the intake manifold RTV to set over night. I personally yank the radiator and condensor, which will of course result in having to recharge the AC system, not totally necessary, but I like having the extra room and find it very handy to be standing in the engine bay when I'm removing or replacing springs.

Go to Shoeboxes site, most of what I've said can be found there. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be successful and when you're done you'll know a whole lot more about your motor than you do now.