stock valve springs

[irish108]

2010 SS LS3. just finished swapping out the yellow stockers for the PAC 1218's and new seals. Based on some research, this appeared to be a popular spring for the swap. I thought about duals but decided against it. I followed Comp Cam's spring break in recommendation that I found on youtube even though it wasn't their springs. Thought it couldn't hurt. All in All, it took me about 8 hrs taking my time. About half way through, I was wishing I had bought that nicer $70 tool instead of the $15 one. 2 springs at a time vs 1 at a time. 8 hrs hunkered over that motor sure told me I ain't as young as I once was.

[JerTM]

Originally Posted by irish108

2010 SS LS3. just finished swapping out the yellow stockers for the PAC 1218's and new seals. Based on some research, this appeared to be a popular spring for the swap. I thought about duals but decided against it. I followed Comp Cam's spring break in recommendation that I found on youtube even though it wasn't their springs. Thought it couldn't hurt. All in All, it took me about 8 hrs taking my time. About half way through, I was wishing I had bought that nicer $70 tool instead of the $15 one. 2 springs at a time vs 1 at a time. 8 hrs hunkered over that motor sure told me I ain't as young as I once was.

Just curious, why did it take 8 hours? How did you do them? When I did the cam on mine, it probably added 2 hours at most. I pressurized the cylinder I was working on, and replaced one spring at a time with a small compressor. It took the most time retrieving the damned keepers when they fell out.

[Tajefe Couple]

Looking for advice on replacing valve springs. I mean for a friend(cough cough) lol.
They still look okay but rather be safe. Wondered if you could help with some info been awhile since I tore into an engine, and even longer by myself.
When reinstalling the rockers what if anything had to be done to set the preload? Do you happen to remember torque specs?
Tried to search around the forums didn't find anything specific probably missed it.
Your help is appreciated.

[irish108]

Originally Posted by JerTM

Just curious, why did it take 8 hours? How did you do them? When I did the cam on mine, it probably added 2 hours at most. I pressurized the cylinder I was working on, and replaced one spring at a time with a small compressor. It took the most time retrieving the damned keepers when they fell out.

I'm slow to start with and took my time on top of that. And it was over the course of 2 days.

[irish108]

Originally Posted by Tajefe Couple

Looking for advice on replacing valve springs. I mean for a friend(cough cough) lol.
They still look okay but rather be safe. Wondered if you could help with some info been awhile since I tore into an engine, and even longer by myself.
When reinstalling the rockers what if anything had to be done to set the preload? Do you happen to remember torque specs?
Tried to search around the forums didn't find anything specific probably missed it.
Your help is appreciated.

There is certainly more knowledgeable guys on here than me that might could chime in, but this is what I did. When I reinstalled the rockers, I first made sure the valves were in the fully close position on each cylinder then snugged them down. I followed this procedure throughout all cylinders. I rotated the engine over several times at the crank pulley. And continued to tighten until I achieved 22 ft lbs on all rockers. Check out YouTube, there's a lot of video.

[PepeLePew]

Originally Posted by Tajefe Couple

Looking for advice on replacing valve springs. I mean for a friend(cough cough) lol.
They still look okay but rather be safe. Wondered if you could help with some info been awhile since I tore into an engine, and even longer by myself.
When reinstalling the rockers what if anything had to be done to set the preload? Do you happen to remember torque specs?
Tried to search around the forums didn't find anything specific probably missed it.
Your help is appreciated.

I used the TDC method to hold the valves up when changing the springs. I detailed how to do this with a diagram in this video if you have the timing cover off. If you don’t have the cover off, you can used compressed air through the spark plug hole as another option.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JQQ5prx52Mg&t=7s

In the middle of my cam install video you can see how I used the comp cams tool to remove and replace springs while in the car. You need a good low profile tool to reach number 7 and 8 if the motor is in the car. Fast forward to about 25 minutes to see the spring change.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E0De1c0XwmQ&t=124s

If you are changing anything else like a cam, you need to check pushrod length to make sure you have the right preload. If not, just torque each rocker to 22lb/ft with the valve in the closed position. Then turn the motor and check them all again.

[SSMY1LE]

Hardest thing I found was getting the air hose threaded into the spark plug holes LOL

Used this tool for $15 on Amazon. Worked perfectly.
Changed the valve seals too while doing the springs and bronze solid Trunion upgrade.
A magnet works for the locks.

[Tajefe Couple]

Thanks all! Appreciate the videos and links PepeLePew.
Love C5 for this exact reason, have learned so much over the years on here.
Now just have to get the springs, and two tools ordered. Then just the nerve to do it alone! Also need to change fluids but think I'm slightly more confident there.