Error404

I have some money to order my valve seals, springs and rockers, and a guy at my church works on car, so he can hook me up for some free instalation!

But I came across this:

Small Block, 1.6 Ratio, 7/16'' Stud or
Small Block, 1.6 Ratio, 3/8'' Stud



I have a 1996ish GM 350 tpi Crate engine. Which Stud do I have?

Thanks yall!

onefastgta

Stock is 3/8.

Error404

Thanks so much!! Would that be true even if the engine wasn't a 96? Because I'm not exactly sure, it may be a year newer or older.

And I'm assumeing that 1.6 ratio rockers will fit under the stock valve covers?

Thanks!!!

TheGreatJ

1.6's might or might not fit, if it comes down to it you can always "clearance" your valve covers with a hammer until you can get new ones.

3/8" studs are stock no matter how old the engine is, 7/16" is really only used for race engines with high-tension valve springs.

Error404

Thanks for the info GreatJ I appreciate it!!

Error404

Oh, I assume I will need to get new gaskets, right? For the valve covers, and will the heads need to be taken off?

TheGreatJ

Not if you have access to a compressor. You can get a fitting from a good auto parts store that will let you hook the compressor up to your spark plug hole....the pressure will keep the valves shut while you change the seals/springs. Just make sure you hook up the pressure BEFORE you compress the valve springs to take them off. However, if you aren't careful to get springs that will fit the stock seats, then you'll have to pull the heads and have them machined for the bigger springs.

And yes, you'll need valve cover gaskets.

Error404

I'm not sure I fully understand they use of the air compressor, but I'll ask my friend who is going to do this for me. Thanks!

TheGreatJ

It's pretty simple. You take out your spark plug and put this fitting in the plug hole, then hook the air hose to the fitting. The cylinder fills with compressed air, which holds the valves shut.