junkyard valve springs?

**tzerilli** · 08-09-2018

hey everyone getting some 1.95 rockers from a fellow user on here.

by the time I get to installing these I will have over 200k miles on the car so im just going to do the springs I've done them on an over head cam engine so this should be a breeze but wondering if it would be a good Idea to go to a junkyard and get some springs and retainers off of an ls6? is this a lightbulb moment or a cheap and dumb idea. just trying to save money as the rockers aren't cheap alone haha. let me know also any tips before I do the install (mistakes to learn from)? also will be doing the valve seals certain method to get those to seal properly or are they pretty easy? and does the rope in the cylinder method work good? because I wont have access to any air do everything I can at the apartment.

**Scottydoggs** · 08-09-2018

id get some new 90 lb springs at min.

**Iceman6669** · 08-09-2018

Ls6 90# are perfect and fairly cheap.

**GTPpower** · 08-09-2018

I'm impressed you have ls6's in your junkyard.

If I were you, I would just order l76 (G8 GT) springs from GM. The last time I did, they were less than $3 a piece.

**tzerilli** · 08-09-2018

Originally Posted by GTPpower

I'm impressed you have ls6's in your junkyard.

If I were you, I would just order l76 (G8 GT) springs from GM. The last time I did, they were less than $3 a piece.

lol that's metro Detroit for ya I normally see an average of 3 by accident probably more of I had them print out a list but are those L76 springs too stiff? just asking because I've heard the 1.95s break easier because they are aluminum. also will the #90s be safe?

**GTPpower** · 08-09-2018

L76 springs are 90# as well, but have a smaller ramp rate than ls6 springs. They are perfect for rocker cars imo.

**BillBoost37** · 08-09-2018

For installing seals. Felpro should include a piece that sits over the valve stem in order to ensure the seal doesn't get clipped on the lock lip. Then I would lightly oil the area where the seal goes and use IIRC a 1/4" 10mm deep socket and lightly tap with a rubber mallet to ensure it's seated.

I have done an install with string/rope and it was not a lot of fun. Finding a buddy with a compressor and then using the air line does make it a lot easier overall.

**Scottydoggs** · 08-09-2018

the joy of the harbor freight spring compressor too lol

**BillBoost37** · 08-09-2018

I have a couple different spring compressors.. one is HF. They both work.. just a question of how tight things are on the back with the heater hoses. You could pull the motor forward to gain some room.