In car LS1 valve spring change
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Launching!
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Texas
In car LS1 valve spring change I trying to change out my valve springs without taking the heads off. I have the spring compressor already, but does anyone know where can I find a connector that I can use to plug into the spark plug hole with the air compressor hose attached to it. I need this part to put compressed air into the combustion chambers so that the valve won't fall down when I remove the springs. Need details like store names or web site addresses, and part numbers if you please. Thanks alot you guys.
go to JRP's sticky labled cam guide...it is at the top of this section and it will tell you how to put the motor at TCD and then crank it over to change out the springs..I did mine without the compressed air..no problem..if you have not read the sticky by JRP you should before you attempt to do any of the mods to the cam and valve train
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23
Read the part about degree of crank rotation and what cylinders are at TDC.
Read the part about degree of crank rotation and what cylinders are at TDC.
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You can get that air compressor fitting at Carquest and Advanced Auto. Also I would purchase the more tool, KD Spring Compressor tool just did not work good at all for me. TDC is a good method if you understand it 100 percent. I screwed up my cam install so I just removed the heads and decided to port them and upgraded the valves to 2.02's and 1.57's. 
Top dead center is easy, and you don't have to screw with the pain in the *** plugs.
Just installed new spring kit and cam this weekend. springs took about 2hrs. using Top dead center method
Just installed new spring kit and cam this weekend. springs took about 2hrs. using Top dead center method
I also just finished up my cam install using TDC method. It was very easy, but that's because I had the timing cover off and could actually see the dot on the cam gear. If you're just replacing springs, and have no other reason to remove the timing cover, I'd much rather have that air fitting.
TDC method without using the cam gear:
1. Pull all 8 spark plugs.
2. Insert straw into cyliner 1. Manually turn crank until piston compressors the straw you just inserted. When this happens, pistons 1 and 6 are at top dead center. Change springs on these cylinders.
3. Next, rotate crank 90 degrees clockwise. Now pistons 8 and 5 are at TDC. Change these springs.
4. Rotate 90 degrees clockwise again. 7 and 4 are at TDC. Change these springs.
5. Finally, rotate crankshaft yet another 90 degrees. Pistons 3 and 2 are at top dead center. Change springs.
Make sure you remove the rockers on all the cylinders first. It'll make turning the crank much easier.
TDC method without using the cam gear:
1. Pull all 8 spark plugs.
2. Insert straw into cyliner 1. Manually turn crank until piston compressors the straw you just inserted. When this happens, pistons 1 and 6 are at top dead center. Change springs on these cylinders.
3. Next, rotate crank 90 degrees clockwise. Now pistons 8 and 5 are at TDC. Change these springs.
4. Rotate 90 degrees clockwise again. 7 and 4 are at TDC. Change these springs.
5. Finally, rotate crankshaft yet another 90 degrees. Pistons 3 and 2 are at top dead center. Change springs.
Make sure you remove the rockers on all the cylinders first. It'll make turning the crank much easier.
Originally Posted by Steve40th
Originally Posted by frisky2101
Top dead center is easy, and you don't have to screw with the pain in the *** plugs.
Just installed new spring kit and cam this weekend. springs took about 2hrs. using Top dead center method
Just installed new spring kit and cam this weekend. springs took about 2hrs. using Top dead center method
The plugs take me 25 minutes to change..of course that includes drinking two cold ones
while I am doing it.. 
