What was the expericne like?? or is it worth pulling the heads to compress the spring onto it.

I wanted to freshen up the top end on my car with some LT4 springs/locks/retainers, and some 1.6 rockers on 140K mile motor..

What do u guys Think?

 

Not fun, but doable.
I think shbox.com has a good guide.

I have done it 2x. First was easy (stock springs) after that it was a nightmare. I would not do them on the car again...

 

Wondering the same thing, I will be doing the same thing soon too. I have the 1.6RR's already and have the springs and other accesories coming in hopefully this week to start on it this weekend...

I'm not too far if your interested in coming down and helping...

 

Its not too bad. Mechanix gloves will help a little since your hands will get raw after turning the tool a while. I thought it was easier than to take off the heads.

 

I say it time and time again, if you get the comp cams tool which bolts to the rocker studs its easy as hell and takes 1/3 of the time. I did it prolly 4 times both 2 each way.

 

I've done it a couple times using the screw-type compressor. No problem - for the heavy springs I wrapped a strong zip tie around so the tool wouldn't slip off. It happened once and the retainer flew off and hit me in the safety glasses. I'd probably be blind if I wasn't wearing them.

I also have the comp angle bar that bolts on and when there's clearance that works good too.

 

The hardest part is doing the rear pair on each side. The rest are cake as long as you pay attention and take your time. I did the whole thing in maybe 2-3 hours.

 

I use the crane tool that does two springs at a time and it's a piece of cake. Well worth the money.

 

I've heard that tool is great. You can also use the custom tool offered in the 'Tools' section of LS1tech (Tim's valve spring tool). I prefer using these to take them off and a screw type to stick 'em back on.

 

Did you really remove the studs and replace them with that one he supplies for every spring? That seams like more work, or can you use your own stud but just not for longer/taller springs? At least for getting them back on?

 

I would love to give u a hand.I'm also thinkin about doing the same thing to my car since I already have the lt4 spring.

 

You mean the Crane Cams tool?

 

I still haven't gotten my parts and if they don't come in later today then I will not be doing anything until at least next weekend. But if your interested in stopping up PM me...

 

That's just for the LS1 tool. For the LT1 tool you bolt it down to your existing 3/8 or 7/16 rocker studs. Yes on taller springs putting them back on is a PITA that's why I like using a screw type to stick them back on (I think he is going to start providing a longer stud to fix this problem though). The screw type with the nut on top to use a 3/8 ratchet is even better.

 

You can get the crane tool from thunder racing,works like a champ.Did mine a few weeks ago . Had to take a round file to open up one of the holes on the spring tool a little was just a little tight on some of the studs and would not go all the way down,after that it worked great,only took a minute to do.Well worth the money.

You can use your stock rocker studs without a problem. Just be sure to bring the pistons up to TDC so the valve will not fall into your engine.

Change your valve seals also very easy to do while you are changing the springs.They can just be pulled off with a pair of pliers. You'll be glad you did.