im going to do the 1.6 rr thing this month. im trying to sort through all the info. will yall please check my parts list. i have stock cam/heads for now but plan on camming her up one day.

1. proform 1.6rr 3/8" self aligning centerbolt valve cover
(Jegs p/n #778-66915C) $189.99
2. proform vavle spring compressor
(Jegs p/n #778-66784) $49.99
3. Isky 235-D valve springs good to 0.550 lift. (includes valve lock and uses stock retainers.

is there any cheaper spring compressor available that works on our cars? is there any parts im missing? will i need valve seals?
i plan on heads/cam in a couple of years.

 

Valve seals are cheap, get some.

I, personally, did not have good luck with that Proform tool. Though I am told that the Moroso tool (which seems essentially the same) works well, but costs more. The Proform tool would not compress the spring straight. I could get the old keepers off, but this would keep me from being able to release the spring onto the new keepers.
I ended up using a screw type compressor. Some people don't like them, but it got the job done. The screw type may not work on some double springs.

 

Shoebox,

Are you refering to something like p/n KD3271 on the following link:
valve spring compressor

 

I used the KD 2078 (got it at O'Reilly's for <$30), but the 3271 says it has a removable handle, which would let you use a socket on it. That would save your hands. I did wear my Mechanix gloves and it was not that bad. As I said, it might not work on all dual valve springs.

 

I take it that it may not compress the inner spring.

Is that the reason, or is it something else?

I'll be changing springs in approx a month with heads still on the car. I forget the comp Number, but they will be handling .600 lift with the 1.6s. Looks like it'll be hell to get to the springs for #s 5-8 at the back of the motor with a lever arm style compessor. Any suggestions?

 

The ends of the arms may not protrude far enough inward to catch a round inner spring. Mine had flat wound inners and I had to play with it and get it just right to grab them.

I read that one person using the lever type, attached a line to the lever and pulled it from under the car. Whatever works, I say.