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I was inquiring about getting a cam only installed at a place, and they said they would pull the heads off. I thought that there was a way to install the springs and all without taking the heads off?
The heads do not have to come off. A shop going by "the book", will say the heads have to come off tho.
There are several ways to do it with the heads on.
1) use 16 retractable pen magnets to hold up the lifters during cam removal
2) Spin the cam and pray for good luck as the lifter retainers can hold the lifters up
3) Buy a JPR tool to hold the lifters up (more info on ls1tech.com)
I've done about 10 installs using method #1 and #2. Never tried #3.
A shop may want to have the heads off just to inspect the lifters for damage. I've seen a couple of lifters go bad over the years <shrug>
What are you planning on doing...changing the Valve Springs or doing a cam install....you don't have to pull the heads for either. For changing springs you can do the way outlined above or do what I do. Take out the spark plugs, insert an air hose fitting to a compression checker or a hose with similar fitting (bleed off), Pressurize the cylinder, loosen the rocker arm, use you spring compressor to compress the spring, use a magnet to catch the retainers (locks) and then lift spring off...repeat in reverse order to install new spring.
For a cam install loosen all of the rocker arms, pull the pushods out, the springs will keep the valves from dropping so dont even worry about it, pull the steering rack and timing cover and the RAD. Pull out the cam reverse for install.
You don't have to pull the heads....unless of course you want to for the experience or decide to do Heads also.
What are you planning on doing...changing the Valve Springs or doing a cam install....you don't have to pull the heads for either. For changing springs you can do the way outlined above or do what I do. Take out the spark plugs, insert an air hose fitting to a compression checker or a hose with similar fitting (bleed off), Pressurize the cylinder, loosen the rocker arm, use you spring compressor to compress the spring, use a magnet to catch the retainers (locks) and then lift spring off...repeat in reverse order to install new spring.
Nobody outlined how to change the springs above this post, my comments detail how to change a cam without the lifters falling down (which is the only reason a shop would need to take the heads off).
To change springs, there's a whole other slew of ways to do it, one of which is what you mentioned.
Putting in a G5 cam and springs etc. I have guys here at work who say the valve will fall and you can't get the new spring on without doing it with the heads off. I have heard of pulling the plug and using air etc. just never did it.
Ben01c5,
I have changed a full set of springs and valve seals in 2 hours using the method above. there is no way the valve will fall if the cylinder is pressurized unless a mistake is made....if you need a second opinion call Andy @ A&A Corvette he will verify what I have said and done many times....this is the method I follow and it works for me....so good luck which ever way you decide to do it.