my friend wants go get a hotcam, and was wondering if he needs the whole kit. Could he just get the cam and put it in? what parts are absolutely needed?

 

If he wants the bare minimum, then he won't get the potential performance out of it. Bare minimum components include:

-Camshaft.
-Valve springs.
-Retainers and locks.
-Gaskets/coolant, oil/filters, miscellaneous.

Most people will replace the timing chain and valve seals for preventative purposes. He should simply save up and buy the hotcam kit.

Other things to consider:

-Rockers (1.6)
-PCM tune.

Does he have any other supporting modifications? Exhaust work? Intake modifications? There's more to a cam install than just sliding a new one in.