arctic2kss

iTrader: (2)

Any suggestions on what valve spring compression tool I should use? Does the one from Autozone/O'Reilly's work well enough?

777

iTrader: (21)

I wouldn't use that one if I were you. There are several compressors out there. The Larry tool, Someone else tool, along with a few sponsors. I'd go with the one from (I forgot let me find it )

:edit: I think it's the crane one, but I'm not sure.

Ru2n00n3er

iTrader: (13)

NO, coming from a friend of mine who tried using it. It took him 2 hours to do his first cylinder, then he decided to buy a Crane Cams tool and after that it took him 15 minutes to do each cylinder. The crane cams tools is more expensive but will save you a LOT of time.

jmm98LS1

iTrader: (28)

I used a version of the larry tool and used compressed air to hold up the valves. Took me 2 hours to do all 8 cyls. I can't imagine trying to use a generic valve spring tool.

Xtnct00WS6

iTrader: (8)

Moore tool from Thunderracing worked great for me. Don't even try anything from a local autozone type place. It won't work!

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

I have used my Larry tool to do two valve spring swaps on my LS1. It works great! I cant imagine using a handle type compressor to get to the back ones. I used a handle type one from Kragren or Autozone on my friends Cobra. It worked great, but not on an LS1 F-body.

mrr23

iTrader: (3)

here's the vinci/crane valve spring tool like described above, it does two at once.

http://www.vincihighperformance.com/superwebdeals.HTML

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I have also already decided, I am going with the Crane. Going to pick it up from Joe Vince at Corvettes at Carlisle in a couple of weeks. One thing I found is that skimping on tools usually causes more trouble then it is worth.

smask04C5

iTrader: (1)

VHP/Crane spring compressor works very well, worth the $

blkZ28spt

Crane hands down.

Black Z/28

Another vote for the Crane tool. I've done my springs twice with the Crane tool. And I agree, don't skimp on your tools- consider them an investment.

luv2spd

iTrader: (1)

Another vote for the Crane tool! Works great.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

crane > *

**** that autozone tool, i learned my lesson with that piece of ****

blkZ28spt

Same here. I spent over two hours doing one cylinder with the autozone rental tool. Had the Crane overnighted and did cylinders in 15-20 minutes. Easy as pie.

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

Made my own.

Took about 10 min.

blkZ28spt

The downside to that design is that it stresses the rocker bolt, or whatever bolt you use, and some have snapped the bolt off in the head.

2001 SOM WS6 69 GTO

iTrader: (66)

Here is a link to my $ 30 inexpensive valve spring tool:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/tools-fabrication/317675-tim-s-valve-spring-tool-now-available.html

I have sold over a 100 of these tools, and have performed about 20 cam/spring swaps using the exact same tool and worked without a flaw, and had nothing but positive feedback about my tool

There was a DIFFERENT version of a home made spring compresser out there that did have some problems with rocker bolts breaking as blkZ28spt mentioned.

Mine DOES NOT

It takes me 1.5 hours to do a complete spring swap and my tool makes it less likely to drop a retainer keep since you are only dealing with 1 valve at a time. I have used all the other valve spring compressors as well, the crane is nice, but the price it alittle too step for most of us out there that need the tool 1 time.

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

Plan is only to use mine once. Heads next year.