Lets start with the important info...it has 88K on it.

I have the NSA rockers. I am going to get new valve springs (Combination Motors #612 springs), Hardened Pushrods, and guide plates. All will come from CM.

I was thinking that with the mileage I should get valve seals as well.

What else would you get?

I want to do it right so when its time for the cam I can basically feel confident that my setup will be stable. I don't mind spending money but I really don't need it to be prostreet quality.

Thanks for any advice/comments.

 

a stroker?

its a spring kit right? locks, retainers, shims and whatnot?

A dremmel to carve out your valve covers or LT4 valve covers too...

 

You will absolutely need the following:

1. an extendable magnet...get them at autozone for a buck
2. a good spring compressor...proform or moroso
ex: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...2370&view=2047

Do not under any circumstance buy a cheapo Autozone or Napa spring compressor...you will regret it!!!!!

 

I just did mine with about 80k. Valve seals were in good shape, I did not replace them.

Get a plastic hammer to tap the valve stems after installing the retainers to make sure they are properly seated. New valve cover gaskets might be a good idea too.

I got my spring compressor from NAPA, KD Tools # 3271. It is the same unit that Snap On sells. It has a removeable handle so you can put a wrench on it. That came in real handy, with a ratcheting box end.

I used an air grinder with a 3" cut off wheel to clearance the valve cover supports. Wash them out real well afterwards.

 

Thanks for the tip on the tool and the Valve covers.

I don't know if I need valve seals or not but I figured it cheap insurance since I'm already in there.

Is there any reason why I couldn't use the original seats and retainers?

 

I don't know if your new springs will be compatible with stock seats/retainers. Maybe the vendor can tell you.

 

Are "locks" also called Keepers.

I've always called them keepers (the part that goes between the valve stem and the retainer) but I wanted to make sure I'm thinking of the same part.

Thanks all

 

Your spring set from CM should come with keepers and retainers. You should be able to use the stock spring seats if those are the springs I am thinking of (the one's good to .600 lift?). Get a set of valve seals from them, too. No reason not to change the seals while you have the springs off.