When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
'02 Z06 - Help verify that my valve springs aren't stock
Finally got the valve covers off. The stock valve springs are literally yellow correct? They don't get old and faded or anything?
Do they put the part number on them anywhere to possibly be able to dig up which springs these are?
My stock springs were bare metal with an orange stripe. Many stock 02-03 springs were yellow. If yours are just bare metal I would say they are not original. My original motor was replaced though in 05.
My '03's appear to be bare and stock to the best of my knowledge. (Bought car with 18k on it in '12) and mine broke last Saturday.
Frank, did yours have two brown stripes down it?
I pulled off my other side today just to see, and got some better pictures and found the double brown. I'm getting google search answers saying these were stock in some other motors, but I can't find much definitive info on them.
I've been through this topic many times. Consider myself an expert as I personally broke VS's on 2 different LS6's. One was an 02 and the other an 04.
The 02 car had yellow springs, while the 04 had bare. Neither caused catastrophic damage, but I know of atleast 10 LS6 coffee tables.
The real problem stems from two variable's: 1. The camshaft change from 01 in 02 which went from .500" lift to .550" 2. potential HT process deficiencies which caused a brittle condition in the springs.
1. With the lift in 01 being .500, the stock springs never see problems.
2. I've personally seen broken yellow, blue, orange stripe, bare broken. The light weight valves allow the ls6 to spin to the moon. When factoring the capabilities of these motors to crank rpm's with the stock camshaft. The factory springs are not an acceptable when the car is used as designed. Blame GM not me for stating the truth.
Buy a set of PAC 1215's a spin the ***** off it in confidence.
My advice to anyone with these cars 02-04 since 06 when I bought my first was swap the springs unless there is concrete evidence to support prior upgrades. The job is easy and straightforward and can be completed with in 3 hours by someone with 10 thumbs. I've personally done the job in 1.5 hrs.
quality springs, tools, seals = ~$300
Last edited by z06scentair; 08-07-2016 at 08:13 PM.
I've been through this topic many times. Consider myself an expert as I personally broke VS's on 2 different LS6's. One was an 02 and the other an 04.
The 02 car had yellow springs, while the 04 had bare. Neither caused catastrophic damage, but I know of atleast 10 LS6 coffee tables.
The real problem stems from two variable's: 1. The camshaft change from 01 in 02 which went from .500" lift to .550" 2. potential HT process deficiencies which caused a brittle condition in the springs.
1. With the lift in 01 being .500, the stock springs never see problems.
2. I've personally seen broken yellow, blue, orange stripe, bare broken. The light weight valves allow the ls6 to spin to the moon. When factoring the capabilities of these motors to crank rpm's with the stock camshaft. The factory springs are not an acceptable when the car is used as designed. Blame GM not me for stating the truth.
Buy a set of PAC 1215's a spin the ***** off it in confidence.
My advice to anyone with these cars 02-04 since 06 when I bought my first was swap the springs unless there is concrete evidence to support prior upgrades. The job is easy and straightforward and can be completed with in 3 hours by someone with 10 thumbs. I've personally done the job in 1.5 hrs.
quality springs, tools, seals = ~$300
Appreciate this post. I'm reading multiple things, and I'm *THINKING* these may be the same stock springs they put in the '01 LS6s. I can't confirm it though. The build date on my door jam shows 06/01. So I think it may have run through the assembly lines before the yellows started getting installed. All speculation, but it's just a hunch.
I just ordered new plugs and wires (as I broke the wire unplugging it)... They were stock so it's time to do it anyways.
Looks like I'll be adding springs to my order as well.
Valve springs were the first thing I did on my 02' Z06 when I got her. It had 10k miles and I refused to drive it until they were replaced. BTW even if you can not do it yourself it is still affordable. I went with PAC 1218's and I was out the door for under $600 tax included from a very reputable shop.
In my estimation they are not stock. The yellow would still be visible.
I have a set like this as well with no markings and I know they have never been changed. The engine was brand new in 2003 and was pulled out with under 200km because the mount broke on the starter. Here's some pics. This engine has sat since 2004 since it was pulled. I've had it repaired now last year and will be going in a new project or sold.
I have a set like this as well with no markings and I know they have never been changed. The engine was brand new in 2003 and was pulled out with under 200km because the mount broke on the starter. Here's some pics. This engine has sat since 2004 since it was pulled. I've had it repaired now last year and will be going in a new project or sold.
I would also like to see some people confirm this. I see a few in the comments but there must be more than a few of us. Like I say this engine was pulled with super low kms because of a fracture and GM factory replaced it. The owner of it worked at the dealership and it was his car.
I would also like to see some people confirm this. I see a few in the comments but there must be more than a few of us. Like I say this engine was pulled with super low kms because of a fracture and GM factory replaced it. The owner of it worked at the dealership and it was his car.
My 02 Z had no markings on the springs. The car didnt have 16k on it so I am confident they were stock.
My 02 Z had no markings on the springs. The car didnt have 16k on it so I am confident they were stock.
Yep. It could have just been something going on in the factory that day for all anyone knows. Its just when people say "oh it has to be these springs or it's not what it is" just annoys me. People at a factory can make mistakes too. Maybe he forgot to paint the springs that day. Who knows. But unless you were there that day it was being Built, we don't have a real reason why they aren't yellow or blue or have any markings whatsoever. **** happens. No one is perfect. As long as they are 90 lbs, who cares what color they are lol
Last edited by Lsswappercanada; 12-16-2018 at 08:33 PM.
Reason: Spelling incorrect
07-30-2016, 04:04 PM
'02 Z06 - Help verify that my valve springs aren't stock
