95BlackTA

http://www.streetillusionsracing.com/RR/rr.htm

Thats the page im using...i jes got a valve spring compressor and a long flexible magnet. Ive never really done anythign like this, jes been taking off the rocker arms a good bit. I see you turn the crank shaft(when tightening down rocker arms) from like 12 oclock(straight up) to 3, then 6, then 9 and so on...but when you do that, do you start like from the driver side front of the car, and work your way to the back?

Thanks for any tips.

Don 97 SS

Start with No.1 but be certain it is at TDC and that you don't have the crank where NO. 6 is TDC.

Be certain to give each spring a slight (I did say slight) tap with a hammer to loose the retainers and locks. The locks won't tend to stick and then pop out and disappear when you compress the srping.

Don't use a too stong of magnet. You want just enough magnetic pull to enable placement of the locks back in. If its too strong it won't release the locks. I like the ones on the end of those small pencil size small screw drivers that places give away for free.

Replace the valve seals. Don't reuse them. A decent new set is only like $20.

I'm sure there are many other tips. Others may post more.

95BlackTA

http://www.streetillusionsracing.com/RR/Image024.jpg

is that a valve seal? If so, i guess I have to order those, or do you think discount will have them? All I have is the spring, shim, and keepers I think.

Don 97 SS

That is a shim (that at times is also used as a spring seat). Use shims to ensure you achieve the correct spring installed height. I use a barrel mic to be certain mine are as close as possible to the recommended heights. They sit below the spring on the head.

Don 97 SS

If you need seals get Victor Reinz valve stem seals Car Quest P/N B45796 for $20. Do you know the proper way to install them?

BUBBA

Spring compressor should be the Sears kind that you can squeeze under at rear of block.

Seems like a doable idea to adjust your rockers while you have that particular valve closed, since you can only do one spring at a time anyway. Just a thought.

joeSS97

My tip for you is to wait til the weekend,when you have a lot of time to do it.Changing them in the car is not an easy job as you will find out.

Don 97 SS

That is for sure. Be rested and take breaks. Dont be in a big hurry, do the job right.

rpm4lalo

That brings back some bad memories.

When I did my cam swap, I didnīt take the heads off and I had a helluva time changing out the springs, ended up modifiying my Proform Valve Spring Compressor to get to the rear cylinders.

Even then keeping the spring aligned properly was tough while i tried to put the locks in.

Good luck and be patient.