I've definitely tried fighting GM. Unless you're first owner or have done extensive business with a specific dealer, they aren't doing a damn thing for you. They already have excuses lined up when you "bring it to their attention." Either you abused your vehicle (enigne), used armorall (dash crack), left it parked in the sun (chrome flashing on door handles), etc etc etc. They just pass the blame. They made a shit product and refuse to back their mistake. Hate that you were in a back against the wall situation.
992dr,
What part of NC are you in? I'm in Winston-Salem. I worked with Martin @ Tick Performance to buy all the parts for the "build". Their located in Mount Airy and are one of the best (if not the best) GM performance shops in the country. Nothing but positive experiences from them on my end.
Parts list:
AFM/DOD delete kit
VVT delete kit
LS7 lifters
Brian Tooley Valve Springs
SNS Stage 1 Cam
New pushrods
New OEM Head bolts
LS2 Timing Chain w/ tensioner
OEM Head Gasket kit
LS6 Oil Pump (I think I bought the ported one, but can't remember)
Pacesetter Long Tube Headers
Borla ProXS 40359
New Plugs
New Plug Wires
All accessory belts
Other small parts/various gaskets (Valve Cover gaskets, etc)
You don't have to do the VVT delete, I just went that route because 1.) Tick has a solid lineup on proven non VVT cams & 2.) more new parts I won't have to worry about anytime soon.
I have a good buddy who did the build for me. He's worked on my LS1 240SX, 300ZX TT, and SR20 240sx project. I'm a graduate student and travel weekly for my job so I didn't have the time commitment to do this project myself. I'd estimate this a solid two days worth of work. Maybe three. Don't forget you need to get the ECU tuned as well. I took mine up there for a basemap just so it could run and drive without tearing anything up until I could get on their tuners schedule. If I could do it again, I'd add a stall and shift kit to the parts list.
I'm currently fixing all the other small problems with the Tahoe to get it ready for sale. Cracked dash, dead switches, peeled door handles (interior & exterior). I'll create a thread as a journal for those doing the same. I'll be sure to put any great advice from my mechanic that would be helpful to others.
Some helpful threads:
http://www.silveradosierra.com/how-to-articles/how-to-delete-your-afm-dod-and-or-vvt-t71745-20.html
http://www.ls2.com/forums/showthread.php/659175-Removing-DOD-hardware-amp-fitting-a-larger-camshaft