Valve springs
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Gilbert AZ
Valve springs
I know there's been a few posts about roller rockers. I've read all of them that I've come across.
I'm installing the 1.6 rockers in my LT1.
Now I know it's highly recommended to install the LT4 valve springs when making this change.
So do I need just the springs? can I use all other stock parts or do I need more? Like shims and whatnot.
Also I'm looking into F/I later down the road when the SPS turbo kit gets good Cali carb #'s.
At what HP would it be a good idea to install a torque converter or maybe the Rear End? I don't plan on going over 450HP at the wheels, so would I be ok with stock Auto trans and rear end ratio?
I'm installing the 1.6 rockers in my LT1.
Now I know it's highly recommended to install the LT4 valve springs when making this change.
So do I need just the springs? can I use all other stock parts or do I need more? Like shims and whatnot.
Also I'm looking into F/I later down the road when the SPS turbo kit gets good Cali carb #'s.
At what HP would it be a good idea to install a torque converter or maybe the Rear End? I don't plan on going over 450HP at the wheels, so would I be ok with stock Auto trans and rear end ratio?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 707
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From: Syracuse Utah
Definately replace the springs with LT4 springs, definately replace the oil seals. GM has the parts and they are cheap.
It's always a good time to change the TC and rear end. You didn't mention your current ratio but 3.54s are popular. I went to 3.07s from 2.59s because I wanted to keep up the gas milage.
It's always a good time to change the TC and rear end. You didn't mention your current ratio but 3.54s are popular. I went to 3.07s from 2.59s because I wanted to keep up the gas milage.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Gilbert AZ
I planned on replacing the Valve cover gaskets and all that and changing the oil after in case any crap falls in the oil during the job. Do I need just the springs though? that's my question. Is there any attaching parts with the springs that I should replace. i.e. shims.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 707
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From: Syracuse Utah
By valve seals, I mean the valve stem seals not the valve cover gasket.
Springs are GM part #12551483. GM recommends spring seats 10212809 and retainer 10212808 to provide an installed spring height of 1.780". The new valve seals are just good preventative maintance for a mere $16 while your in there.
Springs are GM part #12551483. GM recommends spring seats 10212809 and retainer 10212808 to provide an installed spring height of 1.780". The new valve seals are just good preventative maintance for a mere $16 while your in there.
Last edited by Hotred94; Jan 7, 2008 at 09:47 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Gilbert AZ
Ahh... sorry about that. when you said valve seal I thought you mean the valve cover seal(gasket).
That's the information I was looking for there.
So the seat and retainer is suggested along with the springs.
Thanks man.
I didn't even think about messing with the valve stems. In fact I'm a bit wary of doing the job for fear of dropping one.
I haven't done a rocker or valve job before.
Should be fun. (<--- by fun I mean frustrating)
That's the information I was looking for there.
So the seat and retainer is suggested along with the springs.
Thanks man.
I didn't even think about messing with the valve stems. In fact I'm a bit wary of doing the job for fear of dropping one.
I haven't done a rocker or valve job before.
Should be fun. (<--- by fun I mean frustrating)
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 285
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From: San Diego CA
LT-1 and LT-4 valve springs are the same height so shims are not needed. Scoggin Dickens (SDP) also has good prices. The LT-4 springs are little smaller in diameter (.00x if memory is intact 
).
Good to know your going to replace the valve keepers (retainers) with new ones.
As long as you are already there you might want to do what some of the other CF folks mentioned and replace the valve guide seals.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE 5.7L 350cid V8 MFI (P) : Engine : Valve Stem Seal Set Related Parts
Item Price Core Total
FEL-PRO Part # SS72861
LT-1 engine; Premium valve stem seals incl.
$14.04 $0.00 $14.04
CORTECO Part # 10293 {Engine Valve Stem Seal Set}
Positive Type,
$14.11 $0.00 $14.11
Good luck with the install
).Good to know your going to replace the valve keepers (retainers) with new ones.
As long as you are already there you might want to do what some of the other CF folks mentioned and replace the valve guide seals.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE 5.7L 350cid V8 MFI (P) : Engine : Valve Stem Seal Set Related Parts
Item Price Core Total
FEL-PRO Part # SS72861
LT-1 engine; Premium valve stem seals incl.
$14.04 $0.00 $14.04
CORTECO Part # 10293 {Engine Valve Stem Seal Set}
Positive Type,
$14.11 $0.00 $14.11
Good luck with the install
Last edited by gslotman; Jan 9, 2008 at 02:33 PM. Reason: inserted seal Part #'s
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 89
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From: Gilbert AZ
Awesome. Thanks for all the help guys.
I thought about dampers, I've seen a few people do it. Does it effect the spring at all? by that I mean get in the way of its movement?
Or is the damper small enough that it's pretty much just there as a fail safe?
I thought about dampers, I've seen a few people do it. Does it effect the spring at all? by that I mean get in the way of its movement?
Or is the damper small enough that it's pretty much just there as a fail safe?
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,339
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From: port charlotte fl
Fail safe.If you look at them after they have been used you rarely see any signs of contact.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Gilbert AZ
As for torque converters. I've been shopping around and Ecklers has one that seems pretty good. Any suggestions?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 707
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From: Syracuse Utah
Pete K, here on the forum, sells a really good 9.5 inch TC, custom setup for your car. Contact him for details. The 3.07 will give a good compromise between increased power and decent mileage. Some people prefer the 3.54s for more acceleration.
