98ws6blk

Does anybody recommend removing the heads for a cam/spring change?...just seems like it might be about as easy to remove the heads than to try to change the springs with it still on the car...?

garygnu

easier to do it with heads on.get a spring compressor from TSP.go to ls1howto.com for instructions and pics.need a air compressor and a tube from a leak down tool.

blue98Z

iTrader: (29)

What he said or you can use the TDC method. It works good too. The only way I would suggest to remove the heads would be due to a slight lifter tick cause a cam change will only magnify the problem. Other than that leave them on.

jim ravencraft

Hi,
your project will require patience,frustration and a few special tools. Exercise caution to assure cam is properly installed. Use caution on o-ring for oil pump. Double check your work and torque specs to avoid issues. Top off fluids and check for leaks. Change oil and filter. Best of luck and work safely.

ivan_key

I took the heads off to do mine, only took an afternoon to do, did it to upgrade lifters to be on the safe side

drhoades3862

iTrader: (1)

its a pain but i did mine in the car

98ws6blk

Thanks guys!...I may go ahead and get my heads ported by patriot performance while I'm doing the cam change, since I'll eventually want to anyway.

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

i tried changing springs with the heads on the car, and it was a pain in the ***...i got 3 springs off and said F-it im pulling the heads. after 3 locks took off flying across the garage, i gave up.

blubu

iTrader: (10)

I bought the Crane valve spring tool, nice piece for changing springs with heads on car.

Josh

Damian

iTrader: (89)

With the right tools, changing valve springs in the car is easy.

I don't see why anyone would want to cost themselves a new set of head bolts and head gaskets for no reason. Just get the right tools.

blue98Z

iTrader: (29)

That ^^ and patience go a long way.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

My trick for catching them is simple and works like a charm. I have a pretty small rectangular magnet, and I place it inside the jaws of some needle nose pliers. I lay the pliers/magnet on the valve tip as I am compressing the spring. It catches them everytime. Dunno how I came up with that.

blubu

iTrader: (10)

The Crane tool, Never had one fly. Idk

AquadaleSpeed

No need to take the heads off. I've done a few vettes, turn you cam over and make sure you lifters are up. You can take chance and slide you cam in slowly from there. A smarter idea is to get16 cheap expendable magnets and hold the lifters up with them for some added peace of mind. Make sure you have the spark plug hole fitting to hold the valves up when you change springs.

Good luck man

AquadaleSpeed

Defiantly buy the spring compressor tool that compresses both at a time, you can get them from jegs and such.

Sales2@Texas-speed

iTrader: (5)

TDC and the Comp (or similar) air tool to pressurize the cylinders! No need to pull heads for a spring swap!

blubu

iTrader: (10)

Jegs has that tool for air, $9.99.

95_ls

iTrader: (4)

i bought a valve spring compressor off this forum called tim's tool a guy in here designed it and it was cheap and works great, if you decide to do the swap with thte heads on i recommend getting two metal doll rods to hold the lifter up u can buy a fancy tool with a handle but its way over priced and you local hardware should have metal dolls

Damian

iTrader: (89)

The reason people are having locks "fly across the room" is because you're not knocking them loose first. Take a 3/4 socket, put it over the top of each spring, and give 2-3 taps with a hammer. This will break the locks loose inside the retainer, and they'll fall right out once the spring is compressed.

You can actually bend a valve if you don't release the locks, use the TDC method, and just smash the valves down on top of the piston to break locks free. Not a good idea.