Replacing valve springs
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On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Houston
Replacing valve springs Im about to swap out my 91k mile springs for new ones since I cant even rev past 4k without sounding like all hell is going to break loose 
Id like a spring that I dont have to worry about checking installed height and all that, just pull em out and pop em in... any suggestions on what spring to run with a stock motor and cam?
How hard is this task, and is there anything else I will need besides the springs and valve cover gaskets? Any other tips or tricks will be appreciated
Id like a spring that I dont have to worry about checking installed height and all that, just pull em out and pop em in... any suggestions on what spring to run with a stock motor and cam?
How hard is this task, and is there anything else I will need besides the springs and valve cover gaskets? Any other tips or tricks will be appreciated
Your best bet would be GM 12586484 valve springs. This is the LS6/LS2/LS3 stock valve spring that is plenty for a stock cam and the price is right. You should also invest in new valve seals and valve locks.
If you've never done it before, it will take a few hours. You'll need an air compressor to pressurize the cylinder and a valve spring tool. I highly recommend the old Crane valve spring tool now available through Speed Inc. Here is the tool: http://www.speedinc.com/cont.cfm?cid=C0000900
If you've never done it before, it will take a few hours. You'll need an air compressor to pressurize the cylinder and a valve spring tool. I highly recommend the old Crane valve spring tool now available through Speed Inc. Here is the tool: http://www.speedinc.com/cont.cfm?cid=C0000900
TECH Senior Member
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From: Western Burbs of Detroit
Good luck !! I would be a little nervous doing it on my own. Imagine the horror of a valve dropping? I am sure you'll be fine though. The last poster gave you some good advice.
Search for the Tim's tool for the valve springs swap; Got it for 40$ and its a complete kit and looks good!
Plus check LS1howto.com for advice!! You should get some rods too to keep the lifters up!!
Plus check LS1howto.com for advice!! You should get some rods too to keep the lifters up!!
^ lifters will stay up if cam is still in block.
LS6 springs are wonderful for stock applications. And cheap. Do the valve seals because you are 98% of the way there, and they are also cheap.
You don't need new valve cover gaskets because they are re-useable rubber.
Tim's tool is awesome. Used it and it worked perfectly even under the windshield on cylinders 7 & 8.
LS6 springs are wonderful for stock applications. And cheap. Do the valve seals because you are 98% of the way there, and they are also cheap.
You don't need new valve cover gaskets because they are re-useable rubber.
Tim's tool is awesome. Used it and it worked perfectly even under the windshield on cylinders 7 & 8.
Last edited by eseibel67; Jun 1, 2009 at 04:05 PM.
Just did my springs last night. Tims Tool(s) were fantastic!!! Pen magnet, vasoline, small flat-tip screwdriver and good ratchet. The Tims tool hose option lets you use your compressor (if you've got one - adjusted to about 60#) to hold the valves up when changing springs.
