Cruncher

Have the dealer run a service history of the car. If the previous owner had the springs changed by a dealer, it should be in the computer. Or, ask the previous owner.

Vette_UK

Thanks for the info. I had placed the order but due to shipping outside of the US being as difficult as blood from a stone recently (?!) I have opportunity to change the order.
The kit you pointed out looks good, I will look into it.

Thanks

charlie808

are you still collecting data on valve spring failures? My 2003 Z06 with less than 27k miles looks to have sucked a valve and destroyed the engine, tear-down pending. I would be glad to add to your data base. Do you have any recommendations regarding replacement, ie GM crate versus shop build? I have been looking at the GM replacements and see two part numbers that are very similar (17801268 vs 19210918) Any idea what the difference is and which is the appropriate replacement for the 03 Z06? Finally, has GM corrected the problem on crate engines and have they done anything to help those who have been affected?

charlie808

Are you still collecting data regarding valve spring failures in C5 Z06s? My 03 with less than 27k miles appears to have sucked a valve and destroyed the engine (pending tear-down).

skyavonee

Yes, please post the last 5 digits of your VIN, or send it to me in a private message.

Personally, if I blew an engine and wanted to rebuild, I would consider the GMPP LS376/480, although it wouldn't be as simple of a drop-in like a LS6 would be: http://store.chevroletperformance.co...do?prodId=8202

Yes, they corrected the problem. No, they haven't helped the with blown motors.

zeeman

So the general consensus of the Forum AND members is, that the PAC 1218s are the springs to buy? No seals needed to protect the aluminum surface of the heads? Just springs only? I'm as green as one can get when it comes to engine work...just rely HEAVILY on what I read here, and go with it. Texas Speed seems like the shop to order these 1218's from? Now.......... to locate a reliable shop around the Marietta, OH area to do this minor 'surgery' to my unmolested Z06.....

Black 03 Z06

I have read much of this thread, maybe not enough to answer my question but I wonder based on my serial number if my car is in the high risk category. I have tried to find a build date for my Z06 but have not had much luck. I checked the build sheet that came with the car but it does not list a date of manufacture.

Based on that if my last six digits of the VIN are 134776 can someone tell me when my car was built and does this require immediate replacement of the valve springs. The car is low milage, 17K kilometres (around 11K miles I think) but milage does not seem to have been a factor in some of the failures. Also when valve springs have been replaced are most people using GM parts or heading to the aftermarket?

Any information would be appreciated. I did a search on build dates but came up empty.

Thanks

ZeeOSix

The build date (month & year) is on the sticker located on the end of the driver's side door. Is your sticker missing?

ZeeOSix

Most people go with PAC 1218s or 1518s. As hashed over many times in this thread, 1518s have the same exact spring rate but are even more reliable because they are micro shot peened and have a nitrited surface threatment.

The OEM valve guide seals have the steel spring seat built in - see image below. So just use the OEM valve guide seals and you don't have to worry about spring seats. BUT, if you are going to use some other maker of valve guide seals you WILL need steel spring seats to protect the aluminum heads.

Black 03 Z06

June 2003, never thought to look there so thank you very much for pointing me in the right direction. Appears to be in the high risk area for failure.

Thanks also for supplying the part numbers for both sets of springs in the other post. I guess I better budget for this modification in the spring. Car is resting now.

Appreciated.

charlie808

Many thanks to SKYAVONEE for the research regarding the C5 Z06 valve spring issue. Whats really a shame is that GM/Chevrolet has really done nothing to address the problem or do the right thing for its customers and I do hope that someone from Chevrolet Customer Service actually does read these posts. Hard to believe also that with less than 10 years since these engines were produced, Chevrolet has walked away from the engine and you cant find a new one anywhere. With all of the failures experienced in the 2002 and 2003 year models, they, based on warranty issues, even early on, must have known there was a problem. Too bad for me I wasnt reading this thread much earlier. I finally found an 03 engine with less than 28k on it out of a side swipe total and have already ordered PAC 1518 valve springs to replace originals. My engine had less than 26k on it when it sucked a valve and froze the engine. I have always been a Corvette person and have owned five, but this may well be my last. Going to drive it awhile and see if i can get the bad taste out of my mouth.

ZO6DRIVER

That's exact spring breakage I had on my 03 Z 125K miles but on Dr. side... We got Damn LUCKY....

dart.deanda

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/pr...0%22-Lift.html

Here's what I used. I found it difficult to get the valve stem seals back on. My valve dropped into the piston and I had to pull the head, wound up pulling both heads, and ARP studding the block with time serts. Major PITA...

These springs use stock retainers. The black piece goes on the bottom, and the chrome piece goes on top.

Driver220

I replaced my springs (preventatively) with PAC1218s 3k miles ago, no problems since...I only have bolt ons and dont plan on doing a cam...a supercharger if anything, but no cam...1218s were fine, could have done 1518s too, but I saw no benefit. If i ever need to change them I will. Used the original keepers, seats, and seals too because mine only had 8k on them.

charlie808

You are lucky. I ordered the PAC 1518 valve springs, which was pretty much what everyone recommended. I looked around a lot and found the least expensive at New Era Performance in Rochester, NY at about $224 with free shipping. I havent gotten them yet so I can't attest to the service and delivery, but they do have free shipping too.

zeeman

Heading to the Dealer on Monday, the 11th, to have them replace the factory springs (with blue ones) and the valve seals. VIN#(Last 5 digits...22686).

This will be done only because of my VIN# being in the high risk factor for spring breakage. Mileage on the Z is only 22.5K.... May have the wires/plugs replaced as well, but will await and see what the mechanic has to report on the condition of them.

After her "surgery", she'll be put in the bed for winter storage....On a battery tender until Spring......

GenerationX1

Zeeman do you care to quote how much $$ the dealer is charging you just for the spring replacement and seals?

zeeman

Nope...Don't mind whatsoever....Quote for the valve spring replacement, was $450....Then I decided to just go ahead and have the seals replaced too while the springs were being replaced.... I never asked to give me another quote after that decision, but with the seals being right there, pretty simple to replace those without much more labor....? They did say the book had that job taking 5.5 hrs. to do.

GenerationX1

Thank you SIR!!! I have a early build date for my 2002 C5Z of 09/01 so I'm not in the super high risk but I think it's still worth it to have the job done for peace of mind.

ZeeOSix

The mechanic is probably going to damage a few getting them off ... they are a bear to remove without damaging them since they've been on so long. I'd plan on a set of plug wires too.