In about 2 months, i will be looking to purchase my first Corvette, and a Z06 at that. I've done a lot of lurking on here and have seen in a few threads how the 02's and some 03's have had valve spring failures, even with low mileage on stock engines. Some people have been lucky and it has happened at idle, not causing much damage. But i've also read of some people having the valve drop into the cylinder causing significant damage.

I've searched and found alot of threads on this, but no REAL answers as to when/why this has happened. I've been saving up for quite awhile and don't want to chuck out 20k on a car for the motor to blow up a month later.

Anyone have any insight on this?

 

Best bet is to do a google search. From what i've gathered there was a weak batch of metal used to make the springs. Don't let it steer you away from buying, it is a easy fix and fairly cheap insurance. Good luck

 

Either purchase a 02-03 and simply factor an additional ~$400 into the cost for a spring swap, or get an 01 or 04, which don't seem to have the issue. No reason to let this one thing scare you away, though.

 

Ok and another question. It looks like alot of people go with the Pac 1218's. It says they work fine with the stock seats, seals, retainers, and locks. Would i need to purchase anything else besides the spring to do the swap? (besides the compressor)


Just trying to get an idea of what i might get myself into.

 

I had the same dilemma as you. I have a Jan 2002 build Z06 and the vast majority of Z06 spring failures were occurring in the Mar/Apr 2002 builds to roughly Oct/Nov 2002 builds (the 2003 models). Again, nothing scientific, but merely the evidence presented on this and other forums showed most failures to be in this build date range.

I was going to simply ride it out until another forum member had his valve spring let go and his build date was within a week of mine. There is no rhyme or reason or time frame when or if they will fail. There in lies the rub.

You can go with aftermarket springs like PAC or get new GM springs. I don't know of any failures with new OEM springs. For $68 from one of the forum vendors you'll have peace of mind. Heck, the valve spring tool is more than the springs!

While we're on that topic I highly recommend using the dual valve spring compressor. It makes for short work of the project. As other threads and members have suggested buy new plug wires and plugs while you're in there as you will likely destroy at least one plug wire getting them off. I broke one doing it.

The project is daunting at first, but once I tore into it things weren't too bad. The hardest parts were getting some of the plug wires off, accessing a few plugs and turning the engine over to get each cylinder to TDC.

If you decide to change the springs I'd be willing you loan you my dual valve spring compressor. Just pay for postage to get it to you and ship it back when done. That would save you over $100 right there.

Good luck.

 

Very good info. I will keep that in mind! Which vendor sells springs for 68$? I was looking at spending almost 200 for the Pac 1218s

 

gmpartshouse.

I got the springs, wires and plugs for $170.

 

What am I doing wrong? i get $271.00 from gmpartshouse for the springs, plugs and wire set.

Collision Catalog - 2003 - Chevrolet - CORVETTE
electrical, ignition system, spark plug $50.72
Collision Catalog - 2003 - Chevrolet - CORVETTE
electrical, ignition system, plug wire set $120.52
Mechanical Catalog - 2003 - Chevrolet - CORVETTE
engine, cylinder head & valves, valve springs Corvette LS6 5.7L $74.80

Total: $246.04
Freight $25.34
Total: $271.38

 

Yes it was GMPartsHouse.

I don't have the receipts in front of me but I recall paying about $170 for the springs, plugs and plug wires as 98DC231 mentioned.

I'll have to dig and see if my numbers are way off, but I'm fairly confident the valve springs were in the $68-80 range and no more.

 

That 74.80 is only for 8 springs, don't you need 16?

 

I got all 16 and like I said I'm fairly confident it was in the $68-80 range for all of them. I don't remember if there was a discount from this forum but I called them directly and mentioned this site when ordering.

I won't be able to dig through my receipts until Friday.

 

That's insane, their site lists them for 9.35 a piece. So actually more like 150$ Hopefully i can get your discount haha.

I honestly might just look for a 2001 and skip all this baloney.

 

That's the same breakout I got, but I emailed for a quote.

 

$67.95 for 16
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12499224/

 

Damn! Good find. I wonder why the other GM springs are so expensive.

 

Slik,

You don't order the springs individually. They come in a kit which is cheaper. I don't recall the part number off hand. Calling Gene or one of his minions will get you the right stuff.

As Fyrdriver noted you can also get them from Summit. The ones he listed are the GM springs.

Plenty of people have done this swap so don't get too wrapped around the axle about finding the springs. We'll guide your through it. Now go get the Z06.

 

This. Good luck.

 

Take a look here http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...s-from-gm.html

and

http://store.gmpartshouse.com/parts/...&siteid=214638

 

Thanks for the info man, i really appreciate it. It sounds like its not going to be as expensive after all. That guy said he was only charged 220 for labor. And i found the springs for 67$ shipped on GM Parts direct, that's the cheapest i've seen so far. Not too bad at all. You're talking 300$ for the springs and labor if you can find a decent deal.


Also, i assume with the GM springs you wouldn't need to swap out the seals or the seats or anything?

 

57.22 for 16

http://www.superchevyperformance.com...p/12499224.htm