Project Ron Burgundy – The LH6: Upgrades Part 2

How to make installing valve springs harder for your next project!

Now we get into some of the parts that finally make this look like an engine again. The LH6 of Project Ron Burgundy is getting the AFM, Active Fuel Management, replaced with a more traditional system with an upgraded camshaft. So, to match that cam we’re adding the Texas Speed and Performance .660” dual valve springs with titanium retainers. Of course, not doing this every day, we only had certain tools available to us, none of which worked with the beehive valve springs that are stock on the LH6. Our solution was to use older tech: a rocker stud-based valve spring compressor and a washer. Turns out it works far better than expected!

Then it was time to install the new GM Muscle Car oil pan that was provided to us by Texas Speed and Performance. Once that was on and torqued down with the new baffle plate and oil pickup, we turned our attention to getting the heads back on to the block. Since the LH6 is based on the LS2, the head bolts are the same with all of the main bolts being the same size. That’s another departure from the L33/LS1, which uses two different sized bolts instead.

With those torqued down using the marker technique (just mark a line and torque the heads to 90- then 70-degrees), the GM LS2 Valley Pan was installed. Now, if you get rid of the AFM you need a new valley pan. You can get the LS2 based one with the PCV system, which is very expensive, or you can do like we did and opt for the one without (GM part number 12598832) which is much less expensive. Those bolts on we finally install the beautifully powder coated Katech valve covers. They look great in person and just as good on camera, too!

Next up, we’re going to install the engine into Project Ron Burgundy and finish off the parts we need to make this a full, running engine. Or close to it.

Project Ron Burgundy is sponsored by these fine vendors. We thank each and every one of them for their support: