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[Z06] Changing valve springs...

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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 03:19 PM
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Default Changing valve springs...

Hey everyone, I’m planning on changing the valve springs on my ’02 Z due to the many incidents related to the ’02- mid ’03 factory springs.
The ones I’m replacing them with are the factory LS2 springs. Is, it necessary to replace the 16 spring retainers, 32 locks, 8 intake and 8 exhaust Seals as well ? Would it make sense to replace these parts or can I reuse the old parts without any problem.
Thanks
Alex

Last edited by EBM_Z06; Mar 15, 2009 at 07:39 PM.
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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 03:43 PM
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If you have it apart that far, I would as it isn't much if any additional work to change them.

FYI, my friend with an 02 Z06 just broke two valve springs.

GULP!
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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by heavymetals
If you have it apart that far, I would as it isn't much if any additional work to change them.

FYI, my friend with an 02 Z06 just broke two valve springs.

GULP!
sorry to hear that. Did the valve drop or was he "lucky" enough to not see any further damage. Did it happen to him at low speed/rpm ?
Changing valve springs in '02- mid '03 Z06's really seems to be a worthwhile investment. I was just wondering if it's needed to change the retainers, locks & seals as well.

Last edited by EBM_Z06; Mar 16, 2009 at 06:12 AM.
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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by EBM_Z06
sorry to hear that. Did the valve drop or was he "lucky" enough to not see any further damage. Did it happen to him at low speed/rpm ?
Changing valve springs in '02- mid '03 Z06's really seems to be a worthwhile investment. Really can't wait to get mine done. I was just wondering if it's needed to change the retainers, locks & seals as well.
I would at least change the locks and seals. They're cheap and good insurance.
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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 04:32 PM
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just get a patriot dual gold valve spring kit. so there for you have great springs just in case you ever want to do a cam in that thing also. just my .02
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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 08:26 PM
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My buddy says he wasn't on it, but in traffic pulling away at a light.

50k miles
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Old Mar 16, 2009 | 11:41 AM
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I was nervous about breaking a spring too, so I just changed mine 2 months ago in my '02 Z06 with 30K miles. I re-used the locks, but I replaced the retainers. I had never heard of a lock failing. Since my seals were not leaking, I left them alone. It really wasn't too bad of a job if I have to replace the seals later. Just make sure you use the Crane spring compressor.
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Old Mar 16, 2009 | 01:43 PM
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Oil seals are cheap... since the springs are off it's a no brainer to swap 'em.

Note that there are specific seals for the intake and another for the exhaust. Get them right.

If it were me, I'd pop for some springs that will handle, .600 lift. You never know if you'll want a cam later, you wont have to do springs again.
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