I am about to put a cam and springs in my car and I am a little worried about putting the springs on. I have called several shops but they won't touch it for anything less than a arm and a leg. Worried that I might mess something up. So far I have done everything on my car including headers nitrous and the pulley. just wondering how hard it really is and which tools I need to do this job. Any Ideas on which spring compressor tool to get?

 

Use the larry tool and follow the instructions on ls1howto.com
It's not that hard just a takes time.

 

here is what I use. .

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...tegoryId=25579

worth every penny to me.. then get a air to cylinder hose from AutoZone and your good to go..

 

I've heard good things about that tool, might want to give it a try. It's what I'll be using when the day comes.

 

the crane tool is ****** ****. i've used 4 different valve spring tools and that one is by and large the best.

 

Which tool is the bad one..........the one that people have screwed up the heads with

 

the crane tool won't mess up anything ....right. I am just afraid of not getting a lock or something on right and dropping a valve.

 

The crane tool is great, well worth the money. I used TDC method so there is no way to drop a valve, but some people like compressed air method, your choice! And you WILL KNOW if you dont get the locks in there right as soon as you back the tool off, there is no mistaking that, just use one of the methods stated above, step by step details at ls1howto.com..

 

Thanks everyone............I nornmally worry too much about things that are easy. Got the tool ordered already.

 

x1million. If you dont have the money for it, save untill you do...it will make your life easier, trust all of us. Compressed Air work well, just make sure you keep the retainers centered as you compress the spring.

 

I used a tool similar to the one below. I would just bring the piston to top dead center, crank the spring compressor down, wrap a towel around it, and smack the top of the spring compressor with a rubber mallet. That would bust the retainer loose from the locks, the towel would keep the locks from flying loose, and you're done! Just crank it down again, throw the locks in place, and voila!

The only down side I saw to this tool is that it was a bitch with the double springs because it didn't want to grab the inner spring. I had no issues changing the back springs on either side.