Changing the valve spring in the T/A LS1

[TransAmDan]

Need some new valve springs.

Could hear occasional ticking, must have been the spring getting caught at times.

I think I emailed a supplier of springs un the US a while back, got a list together, then was waiting on a shipping price, and heard no more. So didn't order any. Now I need them.

 

[TransAmDan]

Ordered new springs from Summit
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tfs-2500287p

 

[TransAmDan]

The summit order has arrived. First thought the springs looked a little long, but they are doubled up. lol.

 

[TransAmDan]

Using compresses air to keep the cylinder up.

The old spring was definately broken and in many places.

Changed out the valve stem oil seals too. Found at a long 12mm socket was ideal size to tap the seal into place.

New springs were a slightly different colour. They are labelled as double platinum. Seems to be expensice for spring material.

After 4 hours manages to get 6 changed. Time just flew past, no real hurdles, just limited access on some of them,

 

[TransAmDan]

Took off the coil packs and rocker covers on the 2nd side.

Remoced all the spark plugs, certainly easier to manually turn the engine now.

Rockers off.

Old seal seen better days.

New ones a llot better

Compressing the old spring, nd removed the valve locks

New spinngs, seal, and locks installed.

New push rods inserted and rockers torqued up.

What do you think of this? Push rods are the correct length, rockers tightened up. Not all rockers do it, I tested around 8 and these two have play. Like the lifters are not pumped up, or a collapsed lifter? Worn cam lobe?

 

[TransAmDan]

Plugs are out, so may well pop new ones in then I put it back together. Probably under 10k miles on them, think they are good for 80k. Going to try the local motor factors, they are good at getting hold of stuff. They are NGK and have the part number. While I'm there I'll try to get a new rocker gasket. I have the rock auto part numbers for them so they can cross reference. Same gasket on ls1 and ls2, so same as vauxhall manaro.

 

[TransAmDan]

Popped along to the local motor factors. They can get the valve cover gasket. I have a Mahle part number, and they are distributors for them, but none in the contry.
The had the Iridium spark plug at their other warehouse. so I'll collect them Thursday.

Brought my self a shiny new tool

I have a 1/2" drive ratchet, but the rear plugs were difficult, I needed a short extention, but my shortest was too long, the flexi almost worked, but too long. This new tool should really help.

 

[saleen 192]

Fun spending money

 

[saleen 192]

Rockauto for gasket.
should have put it on your summit order for the springs DOH

 

[TransAmDan]

Rockauto is £9 for gasket plus $60 shipping.
Amazon is £29 all in.
I dont really need to change it, as its reusable, its like silicon type stuff.

 

[TransAmDan]

Next cylinder, rockers off.

Valve stem seal has seen better days. Glad I@m changing them all.

Springs changed and new seals and push rods fitted. Rockers back on.

Just 2 more cylinders to go, I'll do that another day.
I plan on going to the Wheelers Haylin Reunion on Sunday, and get some road testing before then.

 

[saleen 192]

Seals have seen better days how many miles have they done?

 

[TransAmDan]

Seals have seen better days how many miles have they done?

They went on around 2007, car had around 130k on the clock then, aound 200k now. So around 70k miles, wont buy that make again, should have lastest longer I reckon

 

[TransAmDan]

Working on the last 4 this evening.

Then onto the last 2.

Cant see the alignment of the values and the spring hole, so needed to use the phone camera to check. If you happened to press the valve, it will be gone in to the cylinder.

All springs done now.

Getting new spark plugs tomorrow and also the rocker gaskets. So I'll put the rockers back on tomorrow or Saturday.

 

[TransAmDan]

Looking like I'm going to USA on the 4th June, looking at things to bring back. May get the MSD intake manifold, throttle body,air lid, and link pipe. I'll create a new thread for the shipping list with pictures.

 

[saleen 192]

Take swmnbo lol.. With you to USA.

At least the springs are done rest is the easy part

 

[TransAmDan]

While the plugs were out, thought its a good time to pop in some new ones. Not cheap though. Think I only changed them 4 years ago after the engine rebuild.

Also while turning the engine by hand, noticed the bottom bolt could have been tighter. Wound it out and added some thread lock on it, tightened it up with a 3ft bar and in 6th gear.

Turned the engine over on the starter, no ht leads or injectors plugged in. Just wanted to check up and down bits went up and down.

Still waiting on rocker gaskets. Will run it Saturday and change the oil.

 

[mick]

While the plugs were out, thought its a good time to pop in some new ones. Not cheap though. Think I only changed them 4 years ago after the engine rebuild.
View attachment 167975

Also while turning the engine by hand, noticed the bottom bolt could have been tighter. Wound it out and added some thread lock on it, tightened it up with a 3ft bar and in 6th gear.
View attachment 167976

Turned the engine over on the starter, no ht leads or injectors plugged in. Just wanted to check up and down bits went up and down.

Still waiting on rocker gaskets. Will run it Saturday and change the oil.

Soon be good as new then Dan

 

[saleen 192]

Maybe Dan will now have the enthusiasm to work on SWMNBO car lol

 

[renchero]

If you happened to press the valve, it will be gone in to the cylinder.

put that piston on TDC then it can only drop a little bit