Thread: Anyone local help w a rocker/spring install?

Like the post says. I got an estimate for the install & was quoted $700 just for labor. So If I can get anyone local to help me out I'd supply the beer.

$700 holy god almighty that's a lot.

Yeah. Exactly. That's why I'd rather have someone help me do the install myself.

wish i lived in kansas, this is the best sidework i've come across in a while. lol

well dude. there's a video on here of how to do em if your interested.

I am interested. Post the link if you've got it.

http://www.grandprixforums.net/video...utes-3112.html

its a vid for LIM, but he removes the rockers and walks ya through it.

AWesome, thx!

$700 is ridiculous for that job. PRJ charges $550 for a cam install and that is probably double the time rockers take. I wouldn't be surprised if a dealer could do it for less. You only need to remove the valve covers and the stuff that blocks them to do rockers and springs. With the right tools and a little mechanical know how, you can do this yourself. A Hayne's manual would probably give you enough info to do it.

I have a Chilton manual that I've been reading up on as well as the above video. I probably will do this myself. It's not that difficult.

A local mod day is a brewing.

We can get ya fixed up. Your wanting to learn, so I don't mind helping you for free if your going to help wrench.

~F~

I'm down for a mod day. I only have to toss my 65# injectors in, fill up with E85, and sit on my ass in front of the laptop.

Sounds like a plan. Pick a day so I can know what day to take off work

I will be getting my tractor out of the garage so I can make room for the next GTP to go under the knife in the garage. (no 4th in tranny, and broken flex plate). I will be cleaning out the garage Sunday, so anytime next week, or the following weekend June 18th/19th, I would be able to help do your rockers and springs if you like, or haven't already done so. I know this is a old thread dug back up...from February...but don't like to leave people hanging.

LMK. I can get you in before the next car goes in, cause it wont be moving for several weeks once its in.

~F~

I haven't gotten around to it yet. i'll definitly take up the offer for the install help. I've got time the 14th and 15th if that works?

eh, middle of the week doesn't work well for me.

Maybe Sunday the 26th? As the weekend of the 18th/19th is going to be busy for me with Fathers Day and all. Dads need their ice for their beer ya know.

Also, I was thinking just now, might be a good idea to get you some new coolant elbows NOW and have them on hand just in case. We have to remove your alternator bracket to access your rear valve cover, and sometimes the coolant elbows don't always play nice, and they most likely will break. Sometimes you get lucky though, But 95% of the time, they brake.

You can get you the replacement set at O'Reilly's in the "help" section. If we end up not needing them, you can always return them. Better safe than sorry, and saves a emergency run to the store in the middle of work.

~F~

The 26th works fine for me. Just lemme know what time and what drinks to bring. Im good on coolant elbows, theyre stuffed in the trunk cuz I thought I might need em someday.

We can start early in the morning so were not working in the heat of the day if that works for you. I can be up, and start anytime. What works for you?

Only other things we might need is extra ready to use coolant of your choice if we spill some, and need to top it off, and If you haven't replaced your valve cover gaskets and the grommets around the bolts...now would be a great time to do them too. Thats about it.

Drinks...IDK, Dew is always good. The guy needing the work done usually buys pizza for lunch too. But I got some funds in the garage set aside for pizza and drinks.

~F~

Morning does work for me. How about 8 or maybe 9? Is that still early enough to beat the heat? If not I can do earlier.

Extra coolant, check. Valve Cover gaskets, check. Valve cover bolt grommets?They were replaced the new motor went in, but I'll get some new one just to be safe.

Haha yeah I can do pizza. No prob.

Almost forgot about the springs. If we do do them too do the header need to come off? My rear manifold doesn't come off easy as it Pacesetter lol. And I need vavle seals for those correct?

If I decide to paint the valve covers while they are off can I go ahead & do that? I may I may not idk yet.

Your grommets are probably in good shape then if they are that new, no need to replace them. If they had 150K miles on them, then ya...might want to do them for sure.

No, the headers do not need to come off. We will have to remove your plugs to pressurize the cylinder(s) to keep the valves up while we work.

You do not need valve seals. You don't HAVE to replace the valve seals at all, and I suggest that if your not burning oil, fowling plugs, there is no need to replace them. Leave them be, the OEM's are far better than the aftermarket replacements.

If you want to paint your valve covers its up to you. What most do is get a extra set, and do them up ahead of time, that way you can take your time prepping, and painting them, and the paint can cure before you install them. I'd hit up Ed Morad Parts Company - 3800 Motors, Transaxles, & Stock Parts and you have time to get them, and paint them before the mod day. Or, maybe call a few local salvage yards, but they rarely let you remove engine parts.

~F~

Haha I found a extra set of valve covers in the pile that is my old motor. So I got everything covered it seems.