LQ4 heads, valve spring locator cast into head?
08-10-2018, 06:51 PM
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
LQ4 heads, valve spring locator cast into head? 
Started installing valve springs today on my 2001 LQ4... ran into this. I haven’t found any videos or pictures of anyone with similar in their cars.
Stock springs had no locators to remove. Appears the locator was cast into the head? I sent pictures to BTR as im using their springs and I’ve received nothing from them.
Anyone else have heads heads like this? BTR locators obviously won’t go all the way down against the seat so confused what to do...
08-10-2018, 07:39 PM
#2
TECH Senior Member
Are these cast iron heads? They were made around 2000-01, then discontinued. IF cast iron, they might not need locators. Aluminum does.
08-10-2018, 09:18 PM
#4
TECH Senior Member
THAT'S gotta be a HEAVY engine! You should be OK, BUT you might want to call WS6store to be sure. They'll give you the right answer....
08-10-2018, 09:23 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
08-10-2018, 09:45 PM
#6
TECH Senior Member
Agreed, and I think they have aluminum heads, but it is such a BIG and BULKY engine, besides being such a dog.
08-10-2018, 11:25 PM
#7
I would upgrade to some aluminum 317s. Can be found cheap for around $200.
I havnt messed with any of the iron ls heads. I know older sbc iron heads can be ran without locaters. Aluminum heads must have them! If u plan on keeping those heads just add the seals to the guides and run the springs on the heads. U can buy locaters if u want to add them.
I havnt messed with any of the iron ls heads. I know older sbc iron heads can be ran without locaters. Aluminum heads must have them! If u plan on keeping those heads just add the seals to the guides and run the springs on the heads. U can buy locaters if u want to add them.
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08-11-2018, 09:20 AM
#9
Teching In
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Yup, BTR locators wouldn't fit the heads. Stock it was the brown seals straight on the guides with no locators.
08-12-2018, 09:44 AM
#10
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You’ll have to machine that boss down to either .562” or .500” (most common sizes for machine shops). Then run the locator. It’s just like the older cast iron headed engines (sbc, sbf, bbc, etc.). Make sure you match the spring locators to whatever it’s machined to. Standard LS guides are .500” but a lot of bronze guides are .562”. They make locators for both. Do not run the dual spring on that boss as is. You’ll definitely run into issues.