BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

Ok guys, I have been running this combo for a little over 3yrs & 60k miles. I'm planning on ripping the heads back off around tax time to replace the FelPro/copper spray head gaskets cause they seep oil like a bitch. Going to throw in some GM MLS gaskets & ARP head bolts this time. I'm wanting to toss in some new valve springs too & I'm curious as to what my options are these days. I haven't been in the loop on this stuff for a while & currently I'm running the Patriot Gold duals kit on my stock 5.3 head castings that Bo White worked over.

My cam is a 224/224 .581/.581 114, modifications to heads was milling .018", installing the stock car intake valve in place of the stock 5.3 intake valves & port/polishing job.

I'm lookin for a spring that will hold up to my daily driver needs & that will last as long as these Patriots have. If the Patriots are my best bet I'll just buy another set of those & not worry about it. I'm just curious what options are out there now days as I'm sure new springs have been released & tested since I last researched it in depth..

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

Wow, really, not a single suggestion? Guess I'll crawl back in my hole, LOL.

Figured I might pick up some info on new springs possibly not a double spring that could be more affordable & long lasting or something since the cam is under .600" lift.

Darkman

iTrader: (2)

It sounds like you've had good luck with Patriot Springs. Although there are better springs, they cost more than the Patriots.

How is it that the head gaskets seep oil? Water I can see, but the head gaskets should not contact much oil, should they?

garygnu

go to TSP and shop around,they should have just about every spring for a ls head.

TurboBuick6

iTrader: (2)

Either PAC 1218 or 1518's. Great beehives.

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

Honestly there is so much oil build up around the seam for the heads to block & the valve covers to heads I don't friggin know. It could be all comming from the valve cover gaskets leaking & running down the heads to the block, its all so grimy though I cant see any spots that look like oil running down from the valve covers. Add to that my hood is debaffled & not sealed to the air box yet & I drive over 300 miles weekly, it gets pathetic dirty under the hood maybe as far as shameful, LOL. I'm tryin to change all that though over the winter.

I just figured since I just finally bought a LS6 intake for my combo that when in there I'd rip the heads back out, toss in a better MLS head gasket & ARP head bolts along with new valve cover gaskets. That way I can check on my cylinder wear & piston conditions. I have been driving it untuned for all this time, no problems that I know of but I'd like to check it all out & refresh the heads while they are off.

Darkman

iTrader: (2)

Okay. My guess is that it is more valve cover gaskets rather than head gaskets.

I agree with TurboBuick6's post - you ought to look at PAC 1218 beehives or the Premium Nitrided 1518 beehives for your next valve spring- Texas Speed has them.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Im running the Lunati Golds. No problems, and cheaper then Patriots.

BIG_MIKE2005

iTrader: (116)

^^I'll check those out. I'm not lookin to spend alot on springs since I will be replacing them about every 3yrs from now on & my cam isnt even close to radical, LOL. I just wanna make sure whatever I go with will last.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I did a lot of research before I purchased them. They run a tool steel retainer for the cost savings. The tool steel is slightly heavier then titanium but stronger, bc the titanium is actually a softer metal. I couldn't get it pinpointed but I read that they are made by a top tier spring manufacturer meaning quality should be good for the actual parts. Price is the best you will find. I bought mine from Atlantic speed for $220 shipped for the whole set-up. The spring pressures/installed heights and all seem to be on par with the other popular dual spring set-ups. So I said **** it lets give em a try.