When installing the valve springs are they all the appropriate height if I got them in a kit or will I still have to measure each one? If I do have to measure them all is there a certain height they are supposed to be at.

Thanks in advance

 

TTT

 

You should measure installed height. Best way is with a spring micrometer, but you can get by with a set of dial calipers. Installed height depends upon which spring and which cam and what seat and open pressure you want. Most springs that go on F-bodies with roller cams have an installed height between 1.750 and 1.850.

 

Two tools that are critical for valve spring installs are a barrel micro to measure ensure installed height and a good valve spring compressor (like a Moroso unit) A small pen magnet is also a great idea for pulling and installing the locks/keepers.

 

Not to mention picking up the locks that inevitably drop down into the camaro "parts black hole".

 

Well I have EX Components 612 Valve Srings and the 224/230 CC cam. What would be a good height to set the springs at? Also how do you actually set the height? Thanks for your help so far.

 

I believe Seth told me 1.750, but call them to be sure. You can use shims to decrease installed height. About the only way to increase installed height short of machining the spring seat pocket is to use offset locks. Ive seen them in plus .010 and plus .030. At any rate if you have stock heads 1.750 should be easily attainable. Use one of the tools previously mentioned in this thread. With the spring mic you install it in place of your valve spring. Use whatever seats, retainers and locks you are planning on installing and then just expand the spring mic until it's snug. Read the dial which will give you installed height.

BTW don't know if anyone mentioned valve seats, which I would probably do if your swapping springs. Good articles on all of this stuff can be found both at Comp Cams and Cranes site. Good luck. You're going to find out that it really isn't rocket science after all and that it will work out fine. Just take your time and you'll be cool.

 

So where can I get a spring micrometer? Does autozone rent those by any chance? If not, how much and where do I get one then.

Thanks guys

 

Thunder Racing sells them, they areant cheap though. I wanna say about $70. And no, AutoZone doesnt rent them even though they should. Also, like someone said before, get a good valve spring compressor. Its worth it to get a good one. I had the EX 612's for a lil while now and really liked them but Ive moved up to a set of Crane dual springs. Good luck with your install and take it from me, take your time and dont get frustrated. Its easy to get upset(for me anyways ) and then nothing goes right.

 

Haha well for 70 bucks I think that I will try some other form of measuring because I don't plan on relplacing the springs anytime soon or again for that matter. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

I agree, its kinda steep unless you plan on doing springs frequently. I used a dial caliper(I think you can get them for like $30 or so) and it worked fine on mine.

 

Sure you did. Last time you used my dial calipers, and this time you used my spring micrometer.

 

Other gauges will be less accurate. One needs a barrell micromenter to get an accurate measure. I purhcased a Pro-Form one for about $30, maybe the Snap-On brand costs $70 but not most on the market that I have seen.

If you buy this Moroso spring compressor, the job will be much much less of a hassle. I've used other spring compressors and none were as easy to use as this one. Yes, you can get the springs that are under the cowl with this tool.

Moroso

 

I don't know what that tool costs, but even if it's $150 bucks it you'll be thinking it was worth every penny by the end of a spring install. Every other type of valve spring compressor that you can use while the heads are on the car are just a pain in the butt. I also saw a similiar version in GM High Tech performance for about $90.00 that would work great as well. My barrel mic cost me $60.00 from Summitt by the way, it's a Crane I believe.

 

I agree. I have three spring compressors a Lysle, a K&D and now the Moroso. The other two hand twist style are hard to work with and do NOT work with dual springs. After much spitting and cussing with the other types of compressors, the Moroso tool will make the job so much easier.

The Moroso cost me about $80 I think and was definitely worth it. I hear there is a lower cost clone of it on the market for about $50 but is not nearly as well made or durable.