Its referred to as a somewhat stock'ish cam because it doesn't have that stupid loud almost sounds like it's misfiring lobe sound that the others cams tend to have and it's characteristics can be easily referenced to a stock'ish type set up. Now that doesn't mean that it's a stock cam in any way because you will easily be able to tell difference as opposed to a stock cam'd car. No you don't necessarily need a tune hell I ran untune with it for awhile. I'm idled at around 750 or so now and was around 1k prior to tuning for it. Your saying doing all this work.. look at is as maintenance.. lim, vc gasket, coolant elbows should always be done. Replacing whats probably worn out valve springs. Timing cover gasket will sometimes leak.. inspecting your dampner and timing chain should be done as well if your wanting to lessen the chance of those going out and damaging things in the motor. Your really have to ride in a car that has the VS cam and you'll appreciate it. To many guys have the mentality to go big or go home well.. guess what it's still a fwd 6 banger 4 speed car so that mentality doesn't apply to every situation.