bunch'a cam install questions!
Originally Posted by eallanboggs
The idea of changing two springs at once is a great one for people who have a lot of experience turning wrenches, but for the ones doing their first cam or head swap on an LS1 like this guy it probably isn't for them. Those types need to stick to a spring tool that compresses the spring directly rather than relying on the head and rocker bolt for leverage. Once they get their hands greasy a few time they might want to step up to the assembly line method of spring changing. I just hate to read the horror stories from inexperienced guys like "Broke rocker bolt off in head, now what"?
Originally Posted by SUX2BU
I've done about 100 cam installs and i use the TDC methed and nothing for the lifters. i guess i must be stupid and lazy. 
I havn't used the Crane tool myself and if I worked on a lot of LSX engines other than my own I'm sure I'd spend the money to have the advantage of changing both springs at the same time. That's a real time saver! My point being that some of these guys could screw up a wet dream and I'd rather seem them do it the hard way rather than break a rocker bolt or damage their crank threads and have to ask after the fact how to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. I'm quite sure you can use this tool properly, but I had in mind the guy that removed his rocker covers to paint them and couldn't find his pushrods. He's NOT on your level when it comes to turning wrenches. Anyone that has enough confidence to sucessfully do 100 cam swaps WITHOUT a tool to hold the lifters up doesn't need my advice. That's for damn sure! He's also right when he says he uses the TDC method for changing springs because if you think about it how far can the valves actually fall? Not much.
Last edited by eallanboggs; Apr 17, 2006 at 12:27 PM.
Originally Posted by 99blancoSS
Some people swear by the pull out method of birth control as well. Why take a chance?
I understand if you said first timers should do it the long way just to be safe. But sayin people are stupid and lazy cause they know what they are doing is
. I don't understand what you guys are saying about the TDC method for doing valvesprings.
I did my valvesprings at TDC. With the spring off the valve would drop a half inch before hitting the piston. They don't have anywhere else to go...someone explain to me please why its 'careless' to do it that way.
I did my valvesprings at TDC. With the spring off the valve would drop a half inch before hitting the piston. They don't have anywhere else to go...someone explain to me please why its 'careless' to do it that way.
Originally Posted by daryl2cb@yahoo.com
um, how big is your cam, because I see your reussing the ls1 springs?
) valve springs .Also, everyone seems to say the crane valve spring compressor tool is great. I called thunder racing and they wouldn't have a problem with me exchanging the more tool for the crane compressor.
Only thing the lady said over the phone was that it would not reach all of the back springs so easily, and that their tech people have difficulties using this, can anyone vouch for this? Should I buy the other tool to have both, or return the more tool and replace it with the crane tool?
And thanks for all the help guys, all the info has been useful.
John B
Last edited by 00SLPSS; Apr 17, 2006 at 08:06 PM.
On The Tree
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Theres nothing wrong with the TDC method as long as you know which pistons are at TDC. Personally id get a leakdown kit and pressurize the cylinder at about 80-90 psi. This keeps the valve stem at it highest point. Then when you change springs you dont have to compress the spring as much. The TDC metod the stem can fall as much as .5 inch. Not fun when trying to put the locks on.
Crane tool is way better than a typical valve spring compressor because with a typical VSC you run the risk of breaking a bolt off or messing up the threads.
Crane tool is way better than a typical valve spring compressor because with a typical VSC you run the risk of breaking a bolt off or messing up the threads.
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Verdad Gallardo TTT, just need to know from the people who used the crane valve spring compressor tool if it fit the back springs fine. Want to exchange my more tool for this and would like to know if I should swap or just buy both.
they are full of crap...you can reach every single spring easily with the crane tool. all you have to have room for is a ratchet to tighten down the bolt on the tool that compresses the springs.
All you will need is the crane tool. it is the best spring compressor you can buy in my opinion. you will need nothing else...nothing else will be easier or faster.
I dont suggest using an impact wrench to compress the springs though...if you have the tool lined up wrong and hit that impact wrench...you could push a valve down into a piston and bend it. The advertisement on thunders site says you can use an impact wrench...im sure you can, but its not worth it. it is plenty fast enough just using the ratchet.
All you will need is the crane tool. it is the best spring compressor you can buy in my opinion. you will need nothing else...nothing else will be easier or faster.
I dont suggest using an impact wrench to compress the springs though...if you have the tool lined up wrong and hit that impact wrench...you could push a valve down into a piston and bend it. The advertisement on thunders site says you can use an impact wrench...im sure you can, but its not worth it. it is plenty fast enough just using the ratchet.
Last edited by UltraZLS1; Apr 18, 2006 at 05:20 PM.
I just finished changin my valvesprings with the Crane tool 2 days ago. i have never done it before, and it was easy as all hell. if you pay attetion, u will have no problems with it. I had plenty of room to change the springs with it. And i used the TDC method with no problems at all. i checked before removing the valvesprings by sticking a pushrod in the spark plug hole. The valves dropped at most 1 or 2 mm. If you do want to use the spark plug air fitting, i found one at Pep Boys, however i didn't use it.
Originally Posted by Phoenix 5.7
I just finished changin my valvesprings with the Crane tool 2 days ago. i have never done it before, and it was easy as all hell. if you pay attetion, u will have no problems with it. I had plenty of room to change the springs with it. And i used the TDC method with no problems at all. i checked before removing the valvesprings by sticking a pushrod in the spark plug hole. The valves dropped at most 1 or 2 mm. If you do want to use the spark plug air fitting, i found one at Pep Boys, however i didn't use it.
Last edited by zo6vetteman2003; Apr 18, 2006 at 06:24 PM. Reason: technical correction
Originally Posted by Phoenix 5.7
No, its every 90 degrees, cause cylinders are paired, and 2 are at TDC at a time, so 360/4=90.
Last edited by zo6vetteman2003; Apr 18, 2006 at 06:26 PM.
