Apart from the actual heads and cam, what components do i need to do the install. gaskets? valve springs? rockers? if someone oculd help me out with this I'd much appreciate it. I'm trying to price out a heads/cam swap.

 

Generally if you do heads, the springs/locks/retainers will come with them. That said...

2 head gaskets $75
1 intake gasket $20
1 timing cover gasket $15
2 water pump gaskets $3
1 oil pan gasket $30 (get the felpro blue one)
3 timing cover seals (all different sizes of course) $ ?? Don't remember
2 exhaust gaskets $ Don't remember, had spares
Antifreeze $10
5 quarts of oil and a filter $10 (cheap oil since you're changing it after 100 miles anyway)
4 seals for the water crossover tube $6/each

May be a good idea to replace your timing chain if it's stretched too much, so figure in another $30

Plus your gasket sealers, thread locker, and thread sealant.

You also may want to invest in a good set of head bolts, ARP makes a set that will set you back about $55 bucks.

Also, you may want to upgrade your rocker arms and pushrods/guide plates, but you didn't specify.

 

are all gaskets made equal or are there specific brands that are worth having?

 

No, all gaskets aren't made equal. But, for what you're doing... Fel-pro would be the way to go.

It may be cheaper to contact Combination Motorsports about a head/cam swap gasket kit. It has all the gaskets you need to do the job.

CM-LT1GSHCS LT1 Camshaft & Cylinder Head Swap Gasket Package

Fel-Pro Intake Gaskets, Fel-Pro Timing Cover Gasket, Opti Seal, Crank Seal, Water Pump Drive Seal, GM Coolant Crossover Seals (4), GM Throttle Body Gasket, GM EGR Gasket, GM LT1 Head Gaskets, Fel-Pro Exhaust Header Gaskets

$116.26

If you talk to Brian or Seth, they'd probably swap in the Fel-pro head gaskets for a few bucks if you asked nicely. Even if you didn't, the GM gaskets aren't bad.