I've got some SA 1.6 RR's that I'm itching to install on my stock, daily driver, rarely racer engine and I was considering just installing with the stock springs but had seen so many threads advising against it that I wanted to get advice on best options (parts and proceedures) to do it "right". My questions are:

1) what is the best value spring kit for a stock cam engine,
2) what is the best spring compressing tool (in car)
3) what is the easiest/best method for changing the springs (engine in the car), is it practical, safe and easier to rotate the pistons to TDC for that cylinder and change those springs.
4) If this is my daily commuter and I race it occasionally, are keeping the old stock springs out of the question?

Thanks for your time

 

compressed air. rope in cylinder through plug holes, lt4 springs would be a good upgrade. andyou can make a compressor with a piec of old leaf spring just drill a hole for the stud. make a cut out in the end so it straddles the keepers and lever it down works great