Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Valve springs

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 27, 2011 | 08:20 PM
  #1  
redbird555's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,444
Likes: 9
From: Pompano Beach FL
Default Valve springs

Hi all, I'm almost done gathering all the parts for my ls6 swap only thing I'm looking at is valve springs. I couldnt find real ls6 heads to go on my shortblock so i ended up getting a set of 243's off a gto. Since the valves are heavier I've had a few people tell me that the 02-04 ls6 cam coupled with the standard valves will create some bad valve train stability around the 6600 rpm redline is that true? If so what are some good budget springs (besides 918's) that I can use that will last with the ls6 cam I know usually with high lift cams springs should be changed around 30k but since this is a factory cam will they be good for longer?
Thanks Dan
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2011 | 10:12 AM
  #2  
Sales4@Texas-Speed's Avatar
LS1TECH & Trucks Sponsor
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 9
Default

I would recommend looking at the PAC1218 springs. We have had nothing but good luck with those, and they are pretty affordable. I would expect them to last quite awhile on your setup.
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2011 | 10:30 AM
  #3  
01ssreda4's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (96)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Default

Pac +1
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2011 | 11:48 AM
  #4  
redbird555's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,444
Likes: 9
From: Pompano Beach FL
Default

Thanks Jon I just got off the phone with Matt and he was saying the PAC 1218's were having breakage problems now? I thought it was only the 1518's that were having issues? Just so were clear though the stock ls6 springs wont work well with that redline and the heavier valves correct? Anyway those and the psi 1511 are my top choices as of now still doing a little reading.. One question though since they are stock replacement springs going on a stock cam do I need to worry about install height and shimming or should they just go on and be fine?
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2011 | 05:45 PM
  #5  
Sales4@Texas-Speed's Avatar
LS1TECH & Trucks Sponsor
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 9
Default

Originally Posted by redbird555
Thanks Jon I just got off the phone with Matt and he was saying the PAC 1218's were having breakage problems now? I thought it was only the 1518's that were having issues? Just so were clear though the stock ls6 springs wont work well with that redline and the heavier valves correct? Anyway those and the psi 1511 are my top choices as of now still doing a little reading.. One question though since they are stock replacement springs going on a stock cam do I need to worry about install height and shimming or should they just go on and be fine?
There must have been a miscommunication there because we have not had any issues with the 1218's just the 1518's. We just got a large shipment of 1218s in and I have full confidence in them.
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2011 | 06:22 PM
  #6  
highgear's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Helendale, Ca (SilverLakes)
Default

IMHO turning 6600 rpm in a stock bottom end LS6 is asking for trouble. When I got my GM LS6 springs (made in Germany) in 2003, GM said they were good for 100K miles. The LS6 valves were longer than standard LS1, so I think you will have to run a slightly longer pushrod for a LS1 motor (heads).
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2011 | 09:03 PM
  #7  
redbird555's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,444
Likes: 9
From: Pompano Beach FL
Default

I already have the pr issue taken care of and i dont think 6600 rpm is at all too much for that setup. that is the stock redline on all 02-04 z06s..
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2011 | 09:48 PM
  #8  
theevette's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Default

I bounce off that in my z all the time 120k and all stock. I run my mobil1 and let her eat
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:52 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE