C5Dobie

Just bought a C5 Z w/ 13k on the clock, had called my tuner (used for former LSx cars) who told me w/ that low mileage and limited use I should think about replacing valve springs due to potential failure. I value his input as he is very knowledgable on these cars and has more than enough work to keep him busy so I don't think he's trying to fleece me.

Would you recommend doing this ASAP or am I being paranoid?

racebum

new set is only 65 dollars from gm

would buy new and replace them in a minute. the 02-03 cars especially have a high failure rate, they had a bad supplier in those years

C5Dobie

Would you recommend going aftermarket though for better strength? Or are the new OEM sets better now? redesign?

JRRSA

Bought my 03 with 29,000 miles. Had them done. It's a good insurance/peace of mind move. Enjoy the car!

MY03C5Z

Replaced mine when I got it 2 years ago with 36k. Went with the new LS2+ blue springs from gmpartshouse. They are much improved over the old 02-03 style springs. Rarely ever hear of these failing.

C5Dobie

Do it yourself? Is it tough? Need some pliers and torque wrenches or what?

MY03C5Z

Its not too bad of a job, I think shops quote it around 2-4hrs, took me at least 8 but this was my first time working on an LS engine and I really took my time. Most specialized tools are a valve spring tool to compress two springs at the same time (around $100) an air fitting tool to pressurize the cylinder and torque wrench. Other than those just your basic tools are required. Do a search here and you can find some good write ups on the job. Scale of 1-10 Id call it a 5 for skills required.

racebum

no such thing as better strength really. the failure rate of the new OEM springs is extremely small. any spring can fail, the new oem ones just rarely do.

aftermarket springs can and have failed just the same.

if you have a stock cam use stock springs. if you have an aftermarket cam use what the cam manf. suggests or match to the lift and ramp rate of the lobe

12499224 is the part numbers for your springs

this is also the spring used in the ls2 and ls3 engines. think about how many of those have been made and how few have failed

C5Dobie

Well I don't have 1/2 those tools but have done minor stuff before: oil change, throttle body swap, CAI install, exhaust install, brake job - this seems more like next level up in terms of skill.

Since I plan on getting a tune maybe I should just leave it up to the tuner. He quoted me $400 for the tune (good) but $500 for the valve spring job (bad)

I think this should only be about $300-$350 parts/labor what do you guys say?

doveboat

Figure labor at $300 to $350, then add in cost of springs. At the advice of my shop I used the Iskendarian "Tool Room" springs on my stock 02 Z.

If you have a trusted shop, don't pinch penny's on a cpl of extra dollars in labor cost. Develop a relationship with the shop as it pays dividends over time.

Enjoy the car !

Ed

MY03C5Z

If his $500 quote includes springs that not a bad price. I also replaced plugs & wires while I was in there. The stock wires were on there really good and most of them got messed up when I removed them. New plugs & wires were another $100. If you've done those other jobs then this is doable. Most difficult part IMO is just getting the spring retainers off & on with dropping and losing any. Some of the plugs are a little tricky too

ssrallyred

I have used many sets of the comp cams 918's in over 50 installs of cam and springs in LS1's & 6's. Never had an issue at all with any of them with cams up to 600 lift. If you get the tool that I found on LS1 tech so many years ago for about 30 bucks you can do it yourself in about 2 hours.

drotti

Please post a picture and where to buy he tool
Thanks, Scott

drotti

Please post a picture and where to buy the tool
Thanks, Scott

Lt. Dan M.

After installing a set of old style Kooks headers, repalcing the valve springs should be a piece of cake

danieloneil01

C5Dobie, I also have a 2003 Z and I got this and it's a direct replacement.


BTR (Brian Tooley Racing)
.625" Lift PAC 1211X Beehive Springs PAC 1211X
LS Chromoly Pushrods 7.400" long PR7400312

Valve spring compressor
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-2291-c...ssor-tool.aspx

You'll also need a big rubber mallet, 2 or 3 magnet pens, spark plug fitting for air compressor. Get all of this at Autozone or another parts store. Search for how to guides on how to replace them. But before torquing down on the springs whack them a few times before compressing them but have a bit of pressure on it with the tool. Keep a magnet pen on the top of the spring (standing up) incase a locker pops out. I usually have 2 laying around the bottom of the spring incase one of them falls while trying to put it back in. When you get done whack the valve springs a few times to make sure it's on good.


EDIT: Yes you'll need a torque wrench and it's not hard at all. Should take a rookie 2-3 hours going slow. Where you located at? Try the regional section and see if anyone can help you. With a dual spring compressor it would take less than 90 mins to do by someone who's done it before.

rbartick

I am not sure how people are doing this in 2-3 hours. You should probably be rotating the motor to ensure the cylinder you are installing the springs on is at TDC with the lifters on the low side of the cam.

drotti

Thanks for posting the tool info!!

z99ls1

Yes this is the correct way. Get lifters on base of the lobe... I have seen many shops not do this the right way. A lot of people think you can just turn the motor over twice and torque and be good. And it simply is the wrong way.

danieloneil01

I won't argue that it's probably the correct way but I've never done it.