Just got the tool. It can completely smash the springs down which then loosens up even the most stuck lock. Great suggestion RPM4LALO!

Hal

 

I did that project years ago. Installed LT4 springs and roller rockers using the roll it to TDC and compress with the claw type tool. Took a few hours taking my time, including clearancing the valve covers. Easy project.

Glad you got it sorted out.

 

There is a group buy going on at CorvetteForum for the Crane tool you guys are talking about. $89. At least, I think it's the same tool. It might be too late... hard to tell from the thread.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-f...ssor-tool.html

 

So it wont damage the valve just putting piston tdc and not using air? I would almost think this way would be harder.

 

Not at all. The valves only drop maybe .5" and with the tool you can compress the springs enough it doesn't matter. What is hard is getting the air fitting in each spark plug hole. Just changing out plugs is a major pain on these engines. No, the tool makes it so easy even I'm not complaining Just like Shoebox mentions on his site, you can do 4 springs at once then turn the crank 1/4 for the next 4 doing it this way. It takes less than a full turn of the crank when replacing them this way.

I also noticed that once you get the locks in, purposefully pressing the valves down to touch the piston will secure the locks good enough to not have to worry that they'll slip out while uncompressing the springs. So this is another reason to go with the tdc method. Of course you have to go back and adjust the valves using the #1 and #6 tdc way but that's not a big deal.

Hal

 

No, having to get an air fitting into each spark plug hole is what's harder. The TDC way is way easier. The valves don't drop much at all.