Write-Up: Installing Rockers, Valve Springs, & Push Rods

L67 wrote:

Yeah these are hex head and would use a socket for installation. I'm not sure how bright the locktite looks when new but these appear to be faded. This is just frustrating because the seller did not include modded pedestals either, and now I probably have to buy new bolts.

I would buy new bolts just to be on the safe side and where are you going to get just the modded pedestals from - ZZP ?. and if so, how much do they want for them seperately. Just curious.
Sorry the install isn't going smoothly.
Mine didn't go that smooth when I encountered an issue with the modified valve spring retainers that are supposed to be correct for our application.
Couldn't use them with the 105# springs, ended up using the stock retainers.
I am going to look into modifying the modified retainers.

Bolts are expensive at $42/set.

AA wrote:

Bolts are expensive at $42/set.

Is that for the OEM one time use or the reusable ones.?
I got mine in a package deal with the new springs and retainers.
As I mentioned the Intense reusable bolts are nothing more than grade 8 internal hex bolts.
Allen head, can get them from a good hardware supplier.
I think I've actually seen Grade 8 hardware at my local Lowe's building supply store.
Worth a check to see. You'll obviously need to check diameter, length and thread pitch.
I don't know if they are standard or metric.

$42.00/set = $3.50 per bolt

That's for the INTENSE ones, which I think were included with my purchase. They have done well for 3 installs so far. But if you are trying to piece together your own kit, kinda pricey. Good idea to find them at the hardware store - if you're sure they are the same. Would suck to find out they didn't work, though.

AA wrote:

That's for the INTENSE ones, which I think were included with my purchase. They have done well for 3 installs so far. But if you are trying to piece together your own kit, kinda pricey. Good idea to find them at the hardware store - if you're sure they are the same. Would suck to find out they didn't work, though.

Big time

I picked up some reusable ones from ZZP for 19.99 since shipping was cheaper from ZZP (Bolts were same price from INTENSE). For the pedestals i contacted BillBoost37 about a post he made in Rickw's thread about misfires with the stock pedestals and he offered to machine me some modified ones out of some stock ones he had instead of paying $40 at ZZP for a pair.

Good deal. Sounds like your almost there.
BTW, where did you get the 1.9 rockers from.?
Good luck with the install.
Are you changing the springs out or are you going to run stock springs.?

Rickw wrote:

Good deal. Sounds like your almost there.
BTW, where did you get the 1.9 rockers from.?
Good luck with the install.
Are you changing the springs out or are you going to run stock springs.?

I picked up some used INTENSE rockers from regalsgs.org, and I'm planning on running stock springs.

Well the fronts are done, but not after some carnage. Two valve cover bolts broke at different times today and i had a hell of a time getting them out. I don't know if my torque wrench was messed up or something but 10 lb/ft did them in. It was a very demoralizing day, but tomorrow morning i vow to finish the rears and take the Riv out to Woodward!

L67 wrote:

but tomorrow morning i vow to finish the rears and take the Riv out to Woodward!

Sorry to hear about the bolts breaking...But you get to go to Woodward, so excuse me if I don't feel too sorry.!!!!!!!

Forget about the torque wrench if it's messing up. You can feel 10 ft/lbs

Rickw wrote:

L67 wrote:

but tomorrow morning i vow to finish the rears and take the Riv out to Woodward!

Sorry to hear about the bolts breaking...But you get to go to Woodward, so excuse me if I don't feel too sorry.!!!!!!!

Forget about the torque wrench if it's messing up. You can feel 10 ft/lbs

Yeah I'm ditching it for the rears, especially since if one broke back there i would be fucked

L67 wrote:

Well the fronts are done, but not after some carnage. Two valve cover bolts broke at different times today and i had a hell of a time getting them out. I don't know if my torque wrench was messed up or something but 10 lb/ft did them in.

That's because it's supposed to be 10 N*m (or 89 lb*in), not 10 lb*ft. That's 120 lb*in.
Does your torque wrench go that low? I have a lb*in wrench just for little stuff such as that.

Cheers

ouch! good question.......

Sorry for the misinformation in the write-up. I tightened mine to 10 lb-ft with no issues. I will make the correction so this does not mess anyone else up.

Ash wrote:

L67 wrote:

Well the fronts are done, but not after some carnage. Two valve cover bolts broke at different times today and i had a hell of a time getting them out. I don't know if my torque wrench was messed up or something but 10 lb/ft did them in.

That's because it's supposed to be 10 N*m (or 89 lb*in), not 10 lb*ft. That's 120 lb*in.
Does your torque wrench go that low? I have a lb*in wrench just for little stuff such as that.

Cheers

Ahh thanks, wish I'd known that before. But I wont hold it against AA, the rest of the write up makes up for that mistake. I'll be fine with 5 bolts til i can find a replacement soon (The guy at the yard didnt want me to take more than one VC bolt today so i have to wait til he forgets ). Either way its all worked out.

BTW, how did you get the modded pedestals so fast?
In a recent post you said you needed modded supports.

BillBoost37 fabbed em up and sent em to me.

That was very quick.
Kudos to Bill

I finished but i need help! It seems to be ticking pretty good, is this normal? Does it need to run for a bit to smooth out?? Please help!

And I tripped a camshaft position sensor DTC, What did i do?? code 0341.

The ticking should go away in about 30 secs - 1 minute, after everything is lubed up. The DTC is unrelated, unless something is really wrong under the valve covers. Maybe pop them open and check.

Check the connection at the Ignition Control Module. Check the large connector and make sure it is tight and check the small black with white stripe ground wire.
That can trip the P0341 code.
Did you remove the coil packs and ICM for some clearance to the valve cover.?

If that is the cause of the light the PCM will turn the MIL OFF during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed. Or you can clear it with a scan tool.
Double check all your ignition wires and make sure they are on in the correct order.
If you put a wire on wrong your causing a mis-fire and the light and code P0341.

The PCM will also command the Traction Control Off until the misfire problem is fixed.

BillBoost37 wrote:

Hey guys, I came across something this weekend that is good to know information.

ZZP modified 1.9 rockers. The pedistals are modded for the increased travel as well as the rockers. The issue was the front bank had misfires on all three cylinders. Come to find out before my buddy got the rockers someone mistakenly swapped a pedistal with a stocker. The difference is small, but visible to the eye.

If you install modded rockers and have a full bank issue, check the peds.

I know you said Bill modded the pedestals for you, but he wrote this last week also.
I don't think this is your problem though. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

Bringing this back up from the dead because it is a super helpful and informative post. Since I just bought my Riv I'm been researching on this site like a mad man and this post happen to catch my attention along with the Cam vs Rockers post.

Anyway in a constant search to find better prices on parts I ran across this Ebay auction for some LS6 springs if anyone was in the market.

link

GM Parts direct has the retainers for $2.23 each

This should save some money when doing the rocker mod which I'm seriously considering right now.