Valve train upgrades.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
Valve train upgrades.
Hi forum,
I'm a new Corvette owner and forum member. What a great resource! After surfing the forum for a few days, I've noticed some recurring themes as I've learned a lot about the nature of these wonderful cars. Two things stood out however, it seems many people are suggesting valve spring and pushrod upgrades due to high-rpm failure (even with relatively low miles on the car).
Thoughts on this?
JP
Proud owner of a 2003 Corvette ZO6 w/ 17,000 miles!
I'm a new Corvette owner and forum member. What a great resource! After surfing the forum for a few days, I've noticed some recurring themes as I've learned a lot about the nature of these wonderful cars. Two things stood out however, it seems many people are suggesting valve spring and pushrod upgrades due to high-rpm failure (even with relatively low miles on the car).
Thoughts on this?
JP
Proud owner of a 2003 Corvette ZO6 w/ 17,000 miles!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,065
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
Hi forum,
I'm a new Corvette owner and forum member. What a great resource! After surfing the forum for a few days, I've noticed some recurring themes as I've learned a lot about the nature of these wonderful cars. Two things stood out however, it seems many people are suggesting valve spring and pushrod upgrades due to high-rpm failure (even with relatively low miles on the car).
Thoughts on this?
JP
Proud owner of a 2003 Corvette ZO6 w/ 17,000 miles!
I'm a new Corvette owner and forum member. What a great resource! After surfing the forum for a few days, I've noticed some recurring themes as I've learned a lot about the nature of these wonderful cars. Two things stood out however, it seems many people are suggesting valve spring and pushrod upgrades due to high-rpm failure (even with relatively low miles on the car).
Thoughts on this?
JP
Proud owner of a 2003 Corvette ZO6 w/ 17,000 miles!
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,550
Likes: 903
From: Republic of Texas
The only time you might consider an upgrade is if you swapped to a 1.8 rocker setup. (in which case the pushrods and valve springs should also be swapped)
The 1.8 rocker upgrade is equal to about 6% gain in max lift and duration at a fraction of the cost of a cam swap. I did this to my 97 coupe and it had noticeably more power but drove and sounded stock. You'll see even more gains on you late model LS6.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
Thanks guys,
I'll hold off for a while before I get into the guts of it. Sounds like the stock valvetrain is plenty stout for now. Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't pop a spring or throw a rod if I happen to hit 6,500.
Cheers
I'll hold off for a while before I get into the guts of it. Sounds like the stock valvetrain is plenty stout for now. Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't pop a spring or throw a rod if I happen to hit 6,500.
Cheers
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,484
Likes: 1,071
From: Chester County Pennsylvania
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Dude, you have got one of the best engines built. If you want to add HP, throw a set of long tubes on, an intake, get a tune and call it a day. You don't need to mess with that valve train.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 2
From: Redding CA
i think he is talking about how there are some posts about l26 valve springs breaking so he was wondering about an upgrade for durability rather than to make more horsepower
