What do I need besides Valve Springs?

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Nov 29, 2004 | 07:33 PM

Trizney

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Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2001

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From: Austin TX

What do I need besides Valve Springs?

I bought some new LT4 springs.

What else do I need? Seats, retainers, locks? Or are the locks and retainers the same thing? If you have GM Part numbers, that would be good.

Nov 29, 2004 | 07:41 PM

Corvette Kid

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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die

St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07

I used the LT1 retainers and locks when I was using LT4 springs.

Nov 29, 2004 | 07:48 PM

CFI-EFI

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2000

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From: The Top of Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trizney

I bought some new LT4 springs.

What else do I need? Seats, retainers, locks? Or are the locks and retainers the same thing? If you have GM Part numbers, that would be good.

Same thing, as WHAT???

RACE ON!!!

Nov 29, 2004 | 09:14 PM

Trizney

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 895

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From: Austin TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by CFI-EFI

Same thing, as WHAT???

RACE ON!!!

This is the first time messing with valve components other then pushrods and RRs. So, I wasn't sure about what parts were called what. I looked up some pics, and I know what the locks and the retainers are.

Are Valve seats similar to the retainers, just they go under the spring? I don't remember seeing anything under the spring other then the head.

Do the locks and retainers weaken?

Nov 29, 2004 | 10:22 PM

ZD1

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 1,146

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From: Albuquerque NM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trizney

1st here's the order
Valve locks
^
Valve Retainer
^
Valve - Spring(s)
^
Hardened SPRING Seat (not valve seat)
^
Cylinder head

2nd, I hate to tell you but the LT4 springs are pretty soft and are made to work with very light components (valves are 10-20% lighter as well as a light retainer). Before you go to all this trouble, look into or give Comp cams a call for a spring that will fit your current retainer. You may also want to find out the stock LT1 size (inside diamater) even before giving them a call. Going to a stiffer spring will help valve float and will net HP in your upper RPM band.

They also make beehive and conical springs that are effectively larger but do not require machining the heads.

If there are people who read this that totally disagree with me, I have a never used set of LT4 springs, retainers, and locks for sale!!!!!!!!!!!

Nov 29, 2004 | 10:24 PM

ZD1

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2000

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From: Albuquerque NM

I am also assuming you have picked a method for keeping the valves from dropping into the cylinder bore .... ?????

Nov 29, 2004 | 11:03 PM

Trizney

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 895

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From: Austin TX

I already pulled the heads back off Sunday.

Nov 30, 2004 | 09:46 AM

shotchkiss

Drifting

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From: Frostburg MD

Here's the #s for the LT4 parts if you go with them:

LT4 springs #12551483 (kit #12495494)
LT4 caps #10212808 (kit #12495492)
LT4 shims #10212809
Lock kit #12495503

Shims go under the springs, caps go on top, locks hold the caps on, locks are in 2 pieces, one half goes on each side of the valve stem. Put new valve stem or valve guide seals in also, since you'll have it apart.

Last edited by shotchkiss; Nov 30, 2004 at 09:49 AM.