Yeah right…”looking into” ….uh huh I understand yep.Right!
This prompted me to reflect upon my adult life and remind myself of all the holes I ever regretted looking in to.
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
Yeah right…”looking into” ….uh huh I understand yep.Right!
This prompted me to reflect upon my adult life and remind myself of all the holes I ever regretted looking in to.
Not sure where you can get one that fast but this is the type I use. It works extremely good, really necessary if you're doing dual springs.
![]()
Valve Spring Compressor Tool Kit Set For GM LS LSX Engine 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 7.0L | eBay
(2)GM LS series valve spring compressor tool works by using compressed air in the cylinder at TDC, allowing valve springs or seals changes without removing the cylinder heads. Fit For Works on any GM based LS engines: LS1 LS2 LS3 LS4 LS6 LS7 LS9, LSA, LQ4, LQ9, 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, 6.2, and 7.0.www.ebay.com
You're a BEAST!@iamdub I forgot to credit you with making me first start googling oil pump porting yours looked great which led to this I just didn’t feel like doing the inlet I think it looks okay from the factory.
I did get the motor torn down and everything looks great so far except I broke both spring compressor tools I had. I’m not sure if I was using them wrong or I’m just an ape, anyone have a better suggestion I can get in 3-5days?
Not sure where you can get one that fast but this is the type I use. It works extremely good, really necessary if you're doing dual springs.
![]()
Valve Spring Compressor Tool Kit Set For GM LS LSX Engine 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2 7.0L | eBay
(2)GM LS series valve spring compressor tool works by using compressed air in the cylinder at TDC, allowing valve springs or seals changes without removing the cylinder heads. Fit For Works on any GM based LS engines: LS1 LS2 LS3 LS4 LS6 LS7 LS9, LSA, LQ4, LQ9, 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, 6.2, and 7.0.www.ebay.com
Lmao I did all that in about 3 hours with a buddy who’s got five broken vertebrae just chit chatting with me. Non of it would be possible without a good knowledge of these trucks and a few key Milwaukee tools. First is the two M12 ratchets they are amazing time savers, the impact helps a ton as well as the hood light!You're a BEAST!
They make the same design in a double but I find it easier to concentrate on one at a time. Both my trucks have double springs and it takes all my concentration to do one because it’s hard to keep the stem centered as you’re compressing the spring. Vinci High Performance turned me onto this design, the others don’t work well on double springs.Wow that’s cheap, I was looking at a comp cams one for like $100 it’s super nice and does two springs at a time. I think I’ll fork out the money for it since I can get it shipped asap
They make the same design in a double but I find it easier to concentrate on one at a time. Both my trucks have double springs and it takes all my concentration to do one because it’s hard to keep the stem centered as you’re compressing the spring. Vinci High Performance turned me onto this design, the others don’t work well on double springs.
Just make sure to keep the threads lubed on the all thread when you’re using it. I use double washers too, one seems to bend too easily.I’ve got a ton of scrap including some thick stainless from my welding class so I’m gonna try something tomorrow for sure.
@iamdub I forgot to credit you with making me first start googling oil pump porting yours looked great which led to this I just didn’t feel like doing the inlet I think it looks okay from the factory.
I did get the motor torn down and everything looks great so far except I broke both spring compressor tools I had. I’m not sure if I was using them wrong or I’m just an ape, anyone have a better suggestion I can get in 3-5days?
Also tried to measure deck height and my comp cams timing tool set didn’t have the right setup to set the dial indicator up over the piston so I think instead of spending another $50-100 I’ll just throw ls9 gaskets in it and call it a day.
I have both those and the magnetic base is acting up and not being magnetic anymore. Not sure why or how that breaks. I suppose I could but a new one for $12 I didn’t realize they are that cheap. I’m just cranky from failures, I couldn't even get my new/used push mower that I engine swapped to activate the self propel transmission!I just used one of these, Mounted to one of these.
Used a straightedge across the cylinder and brought the piston up until it touched then verified by sliding the straightedge across the piston from the deck. Then I set my dial indicator on the piston, zeroed it out, and raised the piston until I got the maximum reading. Rocked the piston at the max height and got my number.

6’ of pipe. On a different day.Frustration level 1million today, tried multiple attempts at making my own compressor but it wasn’t happening. I tried using one of the broken aluminum ones by grinding an extension down square and running it completely through the tool. Only to have it break the extension, and vice grips weren’t enough to hold.
I ordered a comp cams tool after a buddy recommended it and said he’s done multiple sets of dual springs with it.
Also tried to measure deck height and my comp cams timing tool set didn’t have the right setup to set the dial indicator up over the piston so I think instead of spending another $50-100 I’ll just throw ls9 gaskets in it and call it a day.
I also can’t get the crank bolt out although I’m the one who installed it and it’s an arp bolt. The big daddy Milwaukee didn’t have the balls while using a wobble and extension and iirc the last time I did it I had the whole front end apart so I could get right to it without any attachments to the impact which would explain why it’s extra tight now. Not sure what I’m gonna do I even tried my 3’ breaker bar and another 3’ of pipe but it didn’t budge. I’m letting it soak overnight with creep oil.
6’ of pipe. On a different day.
Did you use the ARP lubricant on the threads when you installed it?