A complete engine strip is not required to replace the cams but best to remove the engine to do the job.
Heads have to come off as well as the complete front end, so easier with the engine out and if you are stripped that far, then you are just as well pulling the pistons and crank and doing a refresh.
Alex.
Heads off ? surly not, AFAIKS its just the front covers to get at the timing chains,sprockets etc, and just cam bearing caps etc, otherwise it would mean head of in order to replace lifter buckets, should the clearances need attention.
yep it is head off irrc when mine was done .