Let'* say I want to get a VS cam ... hypothetically.

Supposedly one can use this on a stock valvetrain. I don't now how effective that would be on a car like mine with almost 105K miles.

What would I need to get with this: 105# springs and retainers, new timing chain and tensioner, what else?

Do I need to tune for this cam or will my DHP 1.0 be good for it?

Your DHP would be fine with it. It'* not a very radical cam, and if it was designed to run with stock valvetrain components you probably won't set a check engine light with it.

In my opinion, 105# springs aren't even necessary... go with the 90# LS6 springs if anything. I found a full set of them for $30 on Ebay, so you can get them fairly cheap. Make sure you get the LS6 retainers as well, because if you use stock retainers with LS6 springs you'll have something like 115# of seat pressure instead of the advertised 90#.

Like you said, snag a new timing chain as well. They might try to sell you a Rollmaster, but that might be a little overkill. I think a stock chain will hold up just fine with 90# springs. It'* what I have been using, although I'm switching to a Rollmaster so I can change my cam timing. Also, don't forget a timing chain dampener!

You would also need all the gaskets (front cover, water pump, valve covers, etc.) and assembly lube to do this job, as well as things like rocker arm bolts if you have stock torque-to-yield bolts installed currently. There are a bunch of little things that add up, but it'* worth it in my opinion. To hear your engine lope a little at idle makes you smile all over!

Springs wise, you may want to go with 105#'*. I've read that they are actually easier on the timing chain/tensioner than the LS6 90#ers. I think it'* because the 90#ers have a higher # rating as they are compressed.

The thing about 90# springs is they don't fit well on the 97 heads. I'd have to go to 105#.

Big news has you covered
The only thing you might want to add in the pcm is higher shift points, the vs cam shouldnt set any codes.
you will want to do a case learn after the swap as well.
Also you need to pull the dampener, so you will need the special tool as well.

Here'* a link to a good cam swap with pics, explains a lot and has part #'* for gaskets and such.
http://70.82.38.236:9000/caminstall.htm

That'* good info. Like I said this is hypothetical. I'm weighing my options for summertime.

I've never heard anything about this..... is it common knowledge? I hope my donor heads that are on the car aren't '97s, because they have 90# springs currently installed.

From what I hear it'* hit or miss with the 97 heads. Sometimes they fit, sometimes they don't.

I've heard that too, I wanna say I've heard it for 98'* also but I don't know if that has any truth to it for the 98'*.

95naSTA is pretty much right in what he said; take a look..... (taken from Intense'* website)
#90 LS6
Installed load is 90 pounds at 1.800", 115 pounds at 1.720", and 300 pounds at 1.230".

#105
Installed load is 105 pounds at 1.800", 127 pounds at 1.720", and 293 pounds at 1.200".

So you can see the LS6 spring starts to catch up fast and then surpass the #105 spring. I would go with the #105 if you do decide to go with the VS.

If you are upgrading springs anyway, then using milled retainers would give you enough clearance to run a more agressive cam than the VS. Maybe some more bang for your buck. With any aftermarket cam a stronger timing chain is recommended.