GFORCE1320

iTrader: (15)

Yes, mine are the TSP Stage 2 CNC ported, the same ones everyone is having problems with.
My heads had 8 out the 16 seals torn, I mean they were torn real bad. I replaced the seals with good ones, not the cheesy ones that came on the heads.
My car does not smoke at all, makes lots of power and runs great.
I really think the problem everyone is having is in the seals.
I can't wait to do some more tuning and then hit the dyno.
Oh, some more inf.
I'm running all factory PVC setup on an LS2, everything, nothing un-plugged, re-routed or unhooked. The only thing I changed was I put a breather in the oil spout.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Just so I understand, your original seals weren't the Dart seals, they were the seals installed by TSP? Also, were they seals only or one piece seals/seats?

GFORCE1320

iTrader: (15)

I don't know who installed the seals, I had TSP send me a new set of better seals after I discovered what the problem was. I have the seals in a book, I'll have to find it and see what kind they are.
Just the seals were bad.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Just for reference, here is what the original Dart seals look like:

GFORCE1320

iTrader: (15)

Yea, that's what was on it (the junk ones). I have blue ones on it now. TSP carries them. I had them send me some.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I have had no problems with these, and they are made by US Seal who makes them for GM. I am wondering if they damaged yours when they removed them to port the heads. These are pretty much the same as the 02+ GM exhaust seals.

GFORCE1320

iTrader: (15)

Could be..

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Glad you got it fixed, wonder how many of the other problems were related to this.

GFORCE1320

iTrader: (15)

Probably all, I'm sure some of it was related to not sealing the intake bolts with good thread sealer..
These are the seals I put on the heads, not sure what brand they are. Does anybody know? I can find out tomorrow what brand they are. they have a #156 on them.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

You have the PRC springs, correct? Do you also have the dual spring seat? If you do, then they shouldn't have used the original Dart seal because it already has a seat on it and you may have been out of clearance with the retainer. Also, the seal may not have been sealing because of this.

GFORCE1320

iTrader: (15)

The seals were ripped to hell, that's why they wouldn't seal. I'll get one of my old ones and post a photo of it tomorrow. You'll see why they would have smoked.
8 out of the 16 were like this. The tops were ripped about half way around each one.
I'm using whatever springs and seats that TSP put on them. The seals don't have anything to do with the spring seats on my heads? Other that they have to be pretty narrow to fit inside the inner spring.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I think that is why I was asking, the seals that came with the Darts were set up for beehive springs, not duals. Using them with duals would not be correct, because the bottom of the seal flange is the spring seat. If they put the seal over the top of the dual spring seat, that is why they likely were damaged. When you pulled off the old ones, where was the spring seat, was it under the seal?

SREawFSR

iTrader: (1)

Ok, I have put 400 miles on my heads so far. I get a 007 smoke screen when I hammer down WOT. So much oil I actually see oil spots on the back of the Vette bumper area. I have the Factory assembled Dart 225's with the Beehive springs. What is a good aftermarket seal that will work for me without changing the springs? The blue ones in the pics are different and may not work with the beehive setup. BTW installed a catch can, and it makes no difference. Who else has a 007 smoke screen at WOT?
Thanks,

Mike

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Mine don't use any at all. I "think" the 02+ GM seals will work, I measured them and they seem to be basically the same seal, with a very slightly thinner base (around 0.005" if I remember correctly).

You don't mention what cam you are running, but the setup on the Darts is 1.750" installed height. Did you measure/compute your retainer to seal distance? I have some measurements, if you have you cam lift I can give you some approximately values. Just in case it is your lift that took out the seals.

LS1Beginner

No intent of hijacking the thread.. I have the identical problem with Patriot LS6 heads, a ported oil pump. I have changed seals, sealed rocker threads, no change.
I just finished converting to the LS6 valley PCV and a catch can - will run and see what happens. Consumption was 1 qt in 200 miles, no visible smoke except when starting. Plugs, intake condition identical to photos presented so far. Just another data point.

SREawFSR

iTrader: (1)

I have a 383 built w/ an eagle stroker crank. with a LGM G5X3 cam. 2xx/2xx .600/.610 114 LSA. I have flat top pistons pre notched for valve clearance.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

According to the measurements I took on mine, you should have 0.697" of valve motion from valve closed to contact with the valve seals if you are running the same valve seals that I am. Mine are brown and have the integral seal/seat like this:

GFORCE1320

iTrader: (15)

Those are the same seals that were on my TSP heads. You might make sure they are not torn just under the retaining spring.
I forgot to mention that I am running a bone stock oil pump in my 402 and I'm not consuming any oil. All stock PVC routing and no catch can.