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Noob question: does changing spring and setting heights require removing heads?

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Old 10-21-2006, 07:11 AM
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Default Noob question: does changing spring and setting heights require removing heads?

If I want to go to a dual spring and have it shimmed to .050 of coil bind, is that something that can be or should be done on the car, or does it require removing the heads?

I'm not too cheap to do it right, but I just figured if I was going to have to pay the labor, gaskets, etc. to have the heads pulled I would just upgrade them. So, trying to figure out what my options are.
Old 10-21-2006, 08:09 AM
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you can do it in car
Old 10-21-2006, 08:44 AM
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Removal is not required, you can use any of several methods to hold the valves up while you change the springs.

Edit - however if you go to a dual spring that requires a larger pocket the heads will have to come off for machining. It depends on what spring/shim you go with, there are duals that fit the stock spring pocket size - give a vendor like West Coast Cylinder Heads (WCCH) or Thunder Racing a call for specific part numbers.

Rob (Bad30th)

Last edited by Bad30th; 10-21-2006 at 08:49 AM.
Old 10-22-2006, 03:57 PM
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I put the PRC Dual Springs in with no problems on a stock head. I used the Top Dead Center method to replace the springs.

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Old 10-24-2006, 05:03 AM
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Made my own cam install tools(basically two rods you slide in the motor to hold the lifters up)

Bought valve spring tool for $45 from Larry, changed them in car. You dont even have to remove the intake or throttle body, etc.

If I had to do it again, I could do it in and hour or less.




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