Jc803

iTrader: (2)

I've bought the Comp valve spring compressor for $100, went to use it then realized that where you bolt it on, on the rocker stands, the Comp compressor is curved at the bottom, and my AFR heads are flat. Then remembered that stock heads are curved right there and so the Comp compressor wouldnt work.

Then I bought the LSM compressor for $226 because I saw where it has a removable piece thats curved, but its also flat, I'm assuming for LS7 heads so I figured it would work. Wrong. Although its flat like I need its hitting the protruding piece of metal between the rocker stands and the springs.

So is there any compressor that will work with these heads. I really dont want to have to pull it apart

Exidous

iTrader: (11)

You could use the pedestal from stock rockers to make it curved. But there is a very simple one on here that is sold for $35 I think. Cannot remember where.

Edit: Tim's valve spring tool.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

I used a Crane valve spring tool with my AFR heads.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

I'll check it the tims tool. And maybe look around to try and find a pedestal

I have the AFR 225 heads. Not sure if that makes a difference. Is the crane one curved like the comp one? Did you have to modify it any?

I know you say it worked for you but i have the worst luck ever and i have a feeling I'm going to waist $100 + 226 + whatever the crane one cost

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

This is what mine looks like.
No, I didn't have to modify it.
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/attach...7&d=1363305956
http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/20...71-99472-1.jpg

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Ok well I'm going to take your word for it. If it doesn't work in coming for you lol. Jk.

Any advice using this tool? Anything extra i might need?

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Crane tool wouldn't work for my AFR's... Maybe it was an old design? I bought a Comp tool and used that. Also used the stock rocker stands to support the tool.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Well now I'm reading about using the crane tool and everyone is saying they modified it. But no one is saying what had to be done to modify it.

How did you get the comp one to work. Even without the stock stands the bolts weren't long enough and i couldn't find longer bolts in that thread at any store

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

Put some grease under the washer before tightening the nut down and compressing the springs, and use a ratchet wrench under the cowl, and make sure you have a strong magnetic retrieval to use when removing the locks.
Do the springs under the cowl first, while you're fresh, and when you done with those rear springs take a break an slam a cold beer, or two!

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

I've got the last step covered. Well I'm reading a lot of guys had to modify theirs but if so I'm sure i can handle it

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

I didn't have to modify mine at all. All I did after removing the rockers and factory rocker stands is bolt it in place, and use it.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Interesting. Well sounds to me either way it will work. After spending all that money for two other valve spring compressors, and getting prices for head gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, lifters while im there, and the work to do all that, and pulling the coils and valve covers off 6 times in the last two weeks, and not being able to drive my car for the last month trying to replace these springs... I'm about to pull my damn hair out

Btw you made me get a beer after mentioning it

RonSSNova

iTrader: (3)

Trick Flow tool here. Worked for both my AFR and stock heads.
I had to futz with it more on the AFR's, it didn't exactly like to push perfectly straight.
But it worked.
Rocker stands removed of course

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Good info. I'll look intuitive that one too

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Woooooowwww. I'm an idiot. I have to first explain that this is my first LS motor and I bought the car with the AFR heads and Scorpion rocker arms, so I had no idea what the stock stuff was like. Well after days of looking around I finally realized that the stock rocker stands are flat just like the AFR heads, and had no idea that there was a strip (the pedestal) that curves and fits the types of spring compressors that I've been trying to use. With the Scorpion rocker arms I just have a single piece thats curved and the bolt goes through it to hold it in place, basically the same thing as the stock pedistal just not a long strip. And not using that would explain why my compressor was hitting that protruding piece of metal between the stands and springs. Tomorrow morning I'm going to borrow one from a buddy of mine and try this $226 LSM spring compressor again and see what happens. Its basically the same design as the Crane compressor so I dont see why it wouldnt work. If it works I'll be so happy and not so pissed I spend that much money

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I have the Crane tool and it didn't fit the AFR heads. However, 15 minutes with a Dremel took care of it and I use it all the time now on AFR, Dart and GM heads. If you already invested in the tool and can't send it back you may be able to modify it to work.

streetlegalls1

iTrader: (15)

I have a valve spring tool that should be brought to market through 2 speed shops,hope to have it out this fall.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Well I figured it out. Like I said last night I didnt know that the stock LS1 pedestal was slightly different. I got one from a friend, cut just a portion off enough for one cylinder (2 pedestals, rocker stands, whatever its called), and put my LSM spring compressor on that. It worked perfectly. Didnt have to modify it at all. I feel much better knowing I didnt waste $226 on it. Its a keeper.

And BTW holy moly. Only finished the drivers side tonight and out of 4 cylinders I had 3 broken springs. No telling how many more I'll find on the passenger side. No wonder I was running 12s. I even had one spring that was broken in two places and the inner springs fell out. And who knows how long its been like that. Maybe I ran my 11.8 pass with just a couple broken springs

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Are these AFR springs? If so, which ones?

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

No just AFR heads. Taking off PRC 650 springs and replacing with the same ones