1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

What is the best valve spring compressor to use in the garage with the heads off of the engine? I like Tim's tool; but can I get a traditional valve spring compressor at Advance or Auto Zone and be confident it will not hurt the threads in the heads??
Thanks.

cbrich

Since the heads are off use the regular c-frame valve compressor. Similar to this, there is even a air powered one.

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

I bought one of these from Jeg's (Proform compressor):

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...tegoryId=22461

I am very disappointed with it. It doesn't want to work very well on my LT1 heads. You'd think a compressor that 'heavy' could handle a Crane 99893 double valvespring, but it doesn't very well. Also, the area it has to remove the keepers isn't very wide - so, you don't have much room to grab the keepers at all (and you end up not being able to get them off half the time).

Thumbs down on that one.

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

Thanks fo the info. I am not going to spend the money on the air powered one, I don't see myself changing enough valve springs to justify the price
Thanks Camaroholic for showing me one to stay away from!

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

Advanced Auto $25 great for off the car.

Home made by me Like tims Valvespring tool. Good for in the engine bay.

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

[QUOTE=davered00ss]Advanced Auto $25 great for off the car.


Now that is what I was thinking about!!

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

There's a slightly different model than that AmPro that has a removable fingerwheel where you can fit a 5/8" socket wrench on there (I have one, but I don't remember if it's a KD Tools, Snap On, or OTC, or a rebrand from one to the other). I'd look for one that takes the 5/8" socket wrench. Saves yer fingers, socket wrench makes it a snap to compress / decompress.

1LoudTA

iTrader: (11)

if ur not gonna reuse the stock retainers just put a socket that covers the retainer nicely and whack it with a hammer the keepers pop off

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

I did have to wear gloves with the ValveSpring too. from Advanced auto. It killed your fingers after a while.

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

I guess I will ask them to show me any valve spring compressor they have in stock and try to get one I can put a ratchet on .

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...tnumber=T70032
Here is the T70032 as listed on their site. I wonder if the design changed?

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

Found it. This is the "other one" I have. It's a nice piece. Works well, even with the heads on the car. Note that the finger handle is completely removable and just leaves a bolt head where a 5/8" ratchet can go.

http://www.kd-tools.com/3271.htm

Armageddon

iTrader: (41)

As far as the big c-clamp compressors go... They may be awkward and you may have to find several suited to your applications but the different in time it takes is unreal... If you work for flatrate like I do, your constantly thinking about ways to make things more efficient "quicker"... whatever. The little finger gear puller arm ones are fine, I've got a set myself, but save yourself some trouble and just get a nice set of c-clamps