So I guess the main question is, how many of you guys have done cams/springs/retainers, and not had the head out to send to a machine shop for proper seating of the springs. I'm trying to figure out if its ok just do the cams and everything else without ne work done to the head. The cams I've picked are GSC S2. Ne input will be greatly appreciated.

I had my S2s/springs/headstuds installed with the head still on the car. Done by a professional and have had no problems (knock on wood). Been over a year now.

thank you for ur quick input, the shop i called said they would only do it if they could pull the head and send it to a machine shop so the springs could be compressed correctly?

they are just lazy and dont want to do it themselves. It does require special tools and a bit of time.

Yes it can be done with the head on the block.

Sounds like the shop you spoke with just want to cover their bases.

Also if the head is pulled, the valves, seats and guides can be checked.
That could be a good thing if you have 100k+ on the head.

Yes you can install cams & springs with no other modifications. This install can also be done without taking the head off. I do most of my cam & spring installs this way. If you do take the head off, have it ported you will thank me later

once again thank all of u for the input, car just turned over 80k, and had never had nething major done at all to it before i got it. well looks like ill go with the s2's and the FP black is goin to be ordered very soon as well, look for sum good safe numbers on stock bottom end.

Im curious what shops are charging to do that install.

i'm not goin to call them out on here, but ill pm you if u really wanna knw lol

probably a lot more then he paid for the actual cams/springs lol

Shoot me a pm. Its not that big of a job if you have the right tools.