Well, <sarcasm>It keeps getting better</sarcasm>

First I found I broke one of the big ol' solid roller dual valve springs(Intake on #1). Then I found one on the passenger side (Intake on #6). As I pulled off the pieces of the spring, I saw the valve stem seal was mangled. So, finding they don't keep them in stock at Autozone nor Advanced Auto, I order a set that I'm assured will fit. I wait 2 days and they get here..

(Phonetically) Wah lah... POS's don't fit.

I already had the correct GM part numbers from my Fbody Parts manual on CD but GMpartsdirect.com wants $5x.xx for them and that's with ground shipping (meaning a week or two wait in my past dealings with them). Via Google, I look around and find that FelPro has two kits, one for intake, one for exhaust. I think, "Now we're talking". I call the local shop (elevated prices and the nearest Autozone, etc is 25 minutes in either direction) and they have the intake valve seals and will gladly order the exhaust versions, to be there in the morning. So I say great and drive over and open the box....wtf... these look goofy. They don't look like any I've ever seen on any LT1 in person nor in magazine, web,etc. He assures me they fit. I counter and say someone swapped the contents of the box. He says take 'em, try 'em. If they don't fit, bring them back for free. I take them, lift off the valve covers and try it.

Nope! Phock...

Disgusted, I put it back in the box and decide not to make the day a total loss. I undo the exhaust valve on #6 and put it's pushrod beside the intake pushrod on my nice clean magnetic tray. But as I lay the exhaust pushrod down beside the intake pushrod, it becomes immediately apparent that the intake pushrod is noticeably bent. Perfect!!! Grrrr..... What's next?
Another brain tumor? Lol...


So I'm ordering a new set of the special length Trick Flow 7.900 pushrods for $8x.00 on payday. The seals, sheesh... I called the guy that did the heads and he was only sure they were viton w/0.500 ID 11/32 stems. He didn't have a part number but he mentioned they were the LS1 seals. I expressed incredulousness. "LS1 valve seals? Really?". So I call the local parts shop and tell them to order the LS1 seals. They said, "Okay!". About 20 minutes later, the guy that setup the heads calls back and said, "I just want to be clear. You want the 11/32" viton with the 0.500, but not the LS1 version"....

<Dave pulls the cell phone away from his ear, holds in front of himself and
scowls>

Hahahaha.. I'll post again tomorrow after I see if they fit. They have two completely different part numbers in the Parts CD from the LT1 iterations but maybe he machined the guides to accept the LS1 versions. I have no idea what belongs on there now.

 

i didn't read the entire post, but I have a set of brand new fel pro viton valve seals that came with my fel pro head set that I didn't use because my heads came with new seals already.

If you want it let me know.

 

Does the box list the contents by part number? If so, can you tell me what is the valve guide seals part number? I've tried 3 different fel pros and none of them fit. I wouldn't want to order yours if they are something I've already tried. If they are different, I will go local and buy them here for the sake of expediency and if they work, I will buy yours as well since I have a cam swap coming up before too long, either for the turbo motor or to put a milder cam in my daughters 94 Z28. Thanks, Dave

 

I don't have the box, just the bag with the seals in the, with no part # on them.

Try this part number... SS72861

 

I found ones that work. Here's the deal, often when a machine shop sets up your heads for a dual or triple valve spring, there just isn't that much room for the stock dimension valve stem seal to fit. Solution? Maching the outside of the valve guide down to .500 or even smaller for the triple springs then use a small bodied seal. I was able to talk to the machinist that setup my heads and he confirmed that stock LT1 seals would not fit. I needed to get the Viton 11/32" valve stem seals with an Inner Diameter of .500. Well, desparate to get the car going, I ordered some from him, some from Summit (Manley #24043-8) and found a Fel-Pro kit with designated Intake and Exhaust seals in a box for $19.00 locally. The Fel pro's fit perfect. They are Fel-Pro SS70945. Now I only have to get my new pushrods (due here Monday) and I'll be back on the road again.