The last time i replaced valve springs was 15 years ago (i'm 36 now) and that was with my dad's help. His help is no longer available. I bought these heads used already assembled and i need a spring upgrade. How much labor would a mech charge to replace these with heads still on? Easy access to everything as you can see in my sig pic. I believe i can do it myself but not 100% confident. Does anyone know of a right up with pics? Can i re-use my retainer's if they seem to be good shape? What valve seals would you reccomend? So anyway, i need labor rates and a good how to article. Thanks.

Keith

 

If there aren't many miles on it the seals should be fine, if they were fine to begin with that is. Retainers can be reused if they're not damaged and will work with the new springs. It's not technically difficult to change them with the heads on, a fitting goes in the plug hole, pressure up the cylinder and change them it. It's just more tedious and time consuming than anything.

 

As you stated, i remember it not being difficult, it's just been awhile. I havn't priced seals but if thier not too expensive i'll probably go ahead and change them, it could not hurt. I'm hoping to find a nice article so i can follow it to be sure. Was wondering what would be the best seals to buy. The engine's built stout with a fairly decent cam and i'd like to know which brand would be best for my application.

 

Positive seals I'm assuming? Whoever the manufacturers use, or the head companies that aren't known for seal failure. Just don't get seals from foreign countries unless they're from somewhere you know will be high quality, like Japan, Israel, Germany etc. As far as brand, whomever makes the ones for Edelbrock, Dart, Comp etc. Here's a link to summit for seals.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...115+4294925237

 

If you are there change the seals, I like Comp Cams 529-16. They are not cheap but they are the best you can get IMO. But it will depend on what the guide diameter is, they are designed for .530" After market heads or stock style?

 

when I was swapping the one on my 66 2 years ago the whole preocess on the car service took about 2 1/2 hours..it's a slow teadious process