Hadn't thought about swapping the tone ring. Good info.
I really think the VVT motors as the factory builds them depend on the cam phasing to make them shine. Take that away and they don't work nearly as well. At that point, better to buy a cam that is designed to be locked and remove the VVT option. And at that point it really is just an '08 and older G3 with an Eagle head swap and a much more expensive cam.
At least I am pretty sure the VVT cam prices are much higher than the early motor cams. Certainly more expensive once you add in the $300 VVT lockout kit.