C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Recommendation for spring replacement on heads needed

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Old Aug 15, 2002 | 08:23 PM
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Default Recommendation for spring replacement on heads needed

What would you guys recommend I do? I am doing the hotcam install and am going with new springs and seals. Would it be better to just remove the heads and have a machine shop do the job (springs and seals)? Maybe becuase of the cost of the special tools that I would need to buy?

If the heads were to stay on, what special tools would I need to do the job? Spring compressor, etc. what?
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Old Aug 15, 2002 | 08:26 PM
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Default Re: Recommendation for spring replacement on heads needed (ericcer)

the manley springs TPIS sells are a great choice, comp cams also makes a nice dampened .550 spring. the hotcam springs are okay, but there are definatly better choices. also i'd probably lean tward the shop doing it, you need to make sure you get the right installed height and seat pressure.
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Old Aug 15, 2002 | 08:41 PM
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Default Re: Recommendation for spring replacement on heads needed (gtsyellow)

I was reading through the manual and they say just tighten down the LT4 rockers once the cam is in the correct position for that set of valves. Then rotate the crank again and tighten again. I did not see any reference to install height or seat pressure.

Why?
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Old Aug 15, 2002 | 09:12 PM
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Default Re: Recommendation for spring replacement on heads needed (ericcer)

When installing a new cam and springs you need to check for coil bind (and oil seal clearance) as well as correct pushrod length (by observing the roll pattern across the tip of the valve as the rocker arm moves through it's range of motion).

You will need a spring compressor, a method to hold the valve up, a set of calipers to measure install height (from install height and spring data you calcualte seat pressure) and possibly a set of spring shims. These tools are around $50 total cost.

I installed my ProMagnum RRs with heads on the engine; it's not realy a difficult job though takes some attention to detail.
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Old Aug 15, 2002 | 10:19 PM
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Default Re: Recommendation for spring replacement on heads needed (65Z01)

Looked at the manual again and noticed they are talking about the rocker installation only. The springs are already installed. Looks like removing the heads and taking them to a machine shop to set up is a good idea.
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Old Aug 15, 2002 | 10:43 PM
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Default Re: Recommendation for spring replacement on heads needed (ericcer)

It isn't difficult to change springs/seals; you just need some way to hold the valve up while doing it.

Compressed air is the easiest method, but I use the rope trick. I hand turn the crank till near a piston is near TDC (a screwdriver in the spark plug hole serves as a piston stop). Then I feed in a few feet of nylon rope and turn the crank till it won't move. The valves are now held by the piston and rope and you can realease tension on the spring to remove the keepers, etc.

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Old Aug 16, 2002 | 01:30 AM
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Default Re: Recommendation for spring replacement on heads needed (65Z01)

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