Questions on head bolt and pushrods
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 4
From: Waynesboro VA
Questions on head bolt and pushrods
I am getting ready to change the heads and cam on my 2002 corvette and I am a little confused about what size pushrods to get and which head bolts I need. The heads I am using came off of a 2003 zo6 (stock 243's). I thought I read somewhere that on the 03's head it used a different pushrod size than the other years because the valve's on the 03 had a longer stem or something. I also am not sure about which head bolts to order, I am thinking the 02 ls/6 head bolts since the block is an 02. I also have patriot gold dual valve springs on the heads so should I use stock pushrods or something better. Thanks for any and all help.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
Hardened pushrods are a no brainer.....
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I am getting ready to change the heads and cam on my 2002 corvette and I am a little confused about what size pushrods to get and which head bolts I need. The heads I am using came off of a 2003 zo6 (stock 243's). I thought I read somewhere that on the 03's head it used a different pushrod size than the other years because the valve's on the 03 had a longer stem or something. I also am not sure about which head bolts to order, I am thinking the 02 ls/6 head bolts since the block is an 02. I also have patriot gold dual valve springs on the heads so should I use stock pushrods or something better. Thanks for any and all help.
Use the 02 GM head bolts, not the later bolts. The 02 bolts have four of the main bolts that are shorter. ARP bolts or studs are a nicer option.
Personally, with the light 03 LS6 valves and an LS6 cam, those springs are over kill and I would return to the stock springs, retainers and seals.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 4
From: Waynesboro VA
Thanks for the answers and advice.
LS1 and LS6 pushrods are the same, the slightly taller valves compensated the slightly smaller base circle of the LS6 cam.
Use the 02 GM head bolts, not the later bolts. The 02 bolts have four of the main bolts that are shorter. ARP bolts or studs are a nicer option.
Personally, with the light 03 LS6 valves and an LS6 cam, those springs are over kill and I would return to the stock springs, retainers and seals.
Use the 02 GM head bolts, not the later bolts. The 02 bolts have four of the main bolts that are shorter. ARP bolts or studs are a nicer option.
Personally, with the light 03 LS6 valves and an LS6 cam, those springs are over kill and I would return to the stock springs, retainers and seals.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 4
From: Waynesboro VA
I agree that the patriot springs may be a little overkill but they were given to me for free. Would it cause any issues with the valve train to use them. I already have them mounted along with new valve seals.
LS1 and LS6 pushrods are the same, the slightly taller valves compensated the slightly smaller base circle of the LS6 cam.
Use the 02 GM head bolts, not the later bolts. The 02 bolts have four of the main bolts that are shorter. ARP bolts or studs are a nicer option.
Personally, with the light 03 LS6 valves and an LS6 cam, those springs are over kill and I would return to the stock springs, retainers and seals.
Use the 02 GM head bolts, not the later bolts. The 02 bolts have four of the main bolts that are shorter. ARP bolts or studs are a nicer option.
Personally, with the light 03 LS6 valves and an LS6 cam, those springs are over kill and I would return to the stock springs, retainers and seals.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
The LS6 intake is hollow and the exhaust is sodium filled. This lessens weight and strength. There have been a few cases where stiffer valve springs have resulted in failed valves. Not trying to be chicken little, but just providing what I have read over the years. With doubles and larger retainers, more spring is required to control things as compared to beehive springs with smaller retainers. With a light setup, I prefer to take advantage and use less stiff springs with lower seat values.
Just my take on things.
Just my take on things.
Last edited by vettenuts; Apr 5, 2011 at 12:22 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
