Replacing valve springs
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: Mc Farland Wisconsin
Replacing valve springs
Hey all,
I have a few questions regarding valve springs. I am going to be putting in some yellow springs from an ls3, more as a precaution and able to handle a little higher lift than my 130k ls1 springs. I will be doing a small cam sometime in the future.
What else is needed to replace the springs? Can I use my original retainers and locks? Anybody have the part numbers for the valve seals?
And last, does anybody do a lending program for the valve spring tool?
Thanks,
Josh
I have a few questions regarding valve springs. I am going to be putting in some yellow springs from an ls3, more as a precaution and able to handle a little higher lift than my 130k ls1 springs. I will be doing a small cam sometime in the future.
What else is needed to replace the springs? Can I use my original retainers and locks? Anybody have the part numbers for the valve seals?
And last, does anybody do a lending program for the valve spring tool?
Thanks,
Josh
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
If you are doing a cam, used LS3 springs won't be adequate. There were some guys renting the tool, but if you are doing a cam the springs become a maintenance item so it would be best to buy the tool. Stock retainers will work. Vendors should have latest GM valve spring part numbers.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 465
Likes: 16
Hey all,
I have a few questions regarding valve springs. I am going to be putting in some yellow springs from an ls3, more as a precaution and able to handle a little higher lift than my 130k ls1 springs. I will be doing a small cam sometime in the future.
What else is needed to replace the springs? Can I use my original retainers and locks? Anybody have the part numbers for the valve seals?
And last, does anybody do a lending program for the valve spring tool?
Thanks,
Josh
I have a few questions regarding valve springs. I am going to be putting in some yellow springs from an ls3, more as a precaution and able to handle a little higher lift than my 130k ls1 springs. I will be doing a small cam sometime in the future.
What else is needed to replace the springs? Can I use my original retainers and locks? Anybody have the part numbers for the valve seals?
And last, does anybody do a lending program for the valve spring tool?
Thanks,
Josh
Valve seals? There are two types. If you have the LS1 seal that has the spring seat integrated with the seal you'll have to stick with that or buy spring seats. You can't let the spring ride directly on the aluminum head. The integrated seal/seat works fine with the oem beehive springs. Whether it's worth it to go through the effort of installing LS3 springs depends. I guess if they're new take-outs it has to be better than the very used springs you have now. As already stated, retainers & locks you have will work. Wouldn't hurt to have a valve spring height tool, but for what you're doing now you should be ok.
For what it's worth, it isn't all that expensive to buy some decent aftermarket springs and then you'd be ready for the small cam.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: Mc Farland Wisconsin
Thanks for the input..I thought i was in the wrong section and apologized for that. But then just noticed that I am indeed in tech, so not sorry I guess 
Last edited by Nver2loud; Mar 19, 2011 at 08:29 AM. Reason: .
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: Mc Farland Wisconsin
I think I may just put these in with new valve seals just for the time being. I just painted my car and got new wheels and my wife may beat me with a hammer if i spend more money..
