Valve Stem Seals
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 541
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From: Temecula CA
Valve Stem Seals
I am going to be installing some Comp Cams 918 valve springs on my 2001 LS1 soon and want to replace the valve stem seals while I'm at it, since it makes sense to do so even though the motor has very low miles. I'm having difficulty figuring out what seals I need to buy. It seems that there are two different seals from the factory. The first design which is seal and separate shim and a second design which is a shim and seal in one unit. Apparently, the second design was used on 2002 and later LS1's.When looking at various aftermarket vendors, they don't seem to make this distinction. So my question; are these seals interchangeable? Which design is preferred?
Thanks,
Phil
Thanks,
Phil
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 48
From: Nathalie VA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18
I am going to be installing some Comp Cams 918 valve springs on my 2001 LS1 soon and want to replace the valve stem seals while I'm at it, since it makes sense to do so even though the motor has very low miles. I'm having difficulty figuring out what seals I need to buy. It seems that there are two different seals from the factory. The first design which is seal and separate shim and a second design which is a shim and seal in one unit. Apparently, the second design was used on 2002 and later LS1's.When looking at various aftermarket vendors, they don't seem to make this distinction. So my question; are these seals interchangeable? Which design is preferred?
Thanks,
Phil
Thanks,
Phil
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
The later design 1-piece seal/seat pieces are easier to install, the earlier design 2-piece ones are easier to screw up.
If you go the 2-piece route invest in a proper seal driver, a socket will only booger up the seal and turn your engine into an oil drinker.
The only solid reason to go 2-piece is if you're using dual valve springs and need the extra inner-diameter clearance vs. 1-piece seal/seat units.
If you go with GM 1-piece seal/seats, they are different part#s for intake versus exhaust...and don't mix them up during installation.
If you go the 2-piece route invest in a proper seal driver, a socket will only booger up the seal and turn your engine into an oil drinker.
The only solid reason to go 2-piece is if you're using dual valve springs and need the extra inner-diameter clearance vs. 1-piece seal/seat units.
If you go with GM 1-piece seal/seats, they are different part#s for intake versus exhaust...and don't mix them up during installation.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 48
From: Nathalie VA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18
The later design 1-piece seal/seat pieces are easier to install, the earlier design 2-piece ones are easier to screw up.
If you go the 2-piece route invest in a proper seal driver, a socket will only booger up the seal and turn your engine into an oil drinker.
The only solid reason to go 2-piece is if you're using dual valve springs and need the extra inner-diameter clearance vs. 1-piece seal/seat units.
If you go with GM 1-piece seal/seats, they are different part#s for intake versus exhaust...and don't mix them up during installation.
If you go the 2-piece route invest in a proper seal driver, a socket will only booger up the seal and turn your engine into an oil drinker.
The only solid reason to go 2-piece is if you're using dual valve springs and need the extra inner-diameter clearance vs. 1-piece seal/seat units.
If you go with GM 1-piece seal/seats, they are different part#s for intake versus exhaust...and don't mix them up during installation.
