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Valve spring question LS6

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Old Feb 10, 2022 | 07:11 AM
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Default Valve spring question LS6

Noob here, looking to replace my valve springs in my c5z06 with the ls6.

Was curious on what valve spring kit you guys recommended or what lift area I should try and stay around for my setup or future setup.

for my setup this year I plan on staying stock cam and heads. Just gonna have CAI long tubes and full exhaust. But next year I may upgrade cam/intake manifold/heads or ported stock heads or something.

so my question is what lift should I stay around to keep my stock stuff safe for now but maybe in the future run a very mild cam upgrade. Or ported heads or whatever.

please go into detail with specs on stuff. Thanks.
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Old Feb 10, 2022 | 07:41 AM
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GM factory "blue" valve springs will be perfectly fine until you upgrade heads. Even a mild cam will work with them. And they are cheap.

GM 12499224
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Old Feb 10, 2022 | 07:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Kubs
GM factory "blue" valve springs will be perfectly fine until you upgrade heads. Even a mild cam will work with them. And they are cheap.

GM 12499224
Thank you very much. So these happen to come in a set with all the other components. Or would just replacing the springs themselves be fine ? Or would y’all recommend like seats and seals and all that that I see with most “valve spring kits” …
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Old Feb 10, 2022 | 11:43 AM
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Honestly, I probably wouldn't bother with the springs now, if you're doing a cam next year. I would wait until you do the cam, and do the springs at the same time. Yes, the LS6 did have valve spring issues. However, one of 2 things is true. Either your car has already had the springs replaced, or the OEM springs have worked fine for around 20 years. Not ALL LS6s had valve spring issues. You only need to worry if you have the yellow ones. If you wait until you do the cam, you don't have to try to find a compromise. You can just get springs to match the cam.
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Old Feb 10, 2022 | 12:16 PM
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Warlords advice is grand. You are likely fine for now.

I personally only use PAC Beehive valve springs on LS street engines. Buy the appropriate spring for you application when you are ready.

Personal opinion, if you change the cam in the future, if you are going to drive the car a lot then beware super mega double valve springs just add wear and tear to your heads and valvetrain.
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Old Feb 10, 2022 | 12:24 PM
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I would say if he is looking to get rid of the dreaded "yellow" springs that are prone to fail, a $90 set of springs is cheap insurance. I wouldnt do retainers or seals at this time though if you plan to upgrade later.

That being said, I do have PAC1218 springs on my stock LS6 but I road race mine and cant do any cam or head upgrades in my class. If you want to do springs now you can do PAC 1218 or 1219 and re-use them on your future build.
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