So this isn't really tech, but more of what I did last night. I went to Sears and bought myself a valvespring compressor for $15. It worked well when I put my new springs on my vortec heads. Took me about 2-3 hours without any kind of experience before. It's really straight-forward. I noticed that the intake valves have black soot on them and the exhaust valves did not. Is that normal, or is that from oil blowing by the seals onto the valves? It's not a big deal, but I was just wondering if it's something I should be concerned with (and replace the seals or not).

Anyway, what's the price on a set of 1.6" stamped rockers? It would be nice to take advantage of a little more lift on my LT4 standard cam.

the new valves on the 906 heads

here's a comparison of the Comp spring (left) to the L31 spring (right)

I'm only replying to test out my signature.

The intake valves are larger then teh exuast so the exaust valves are teh ones that have soot above teh face of the valves on teh stems and such

correct about their sizes, but the exhaust valves were significantly cleaner.

Hmmm... What parts where cleaner? The stems? Worn guides or seals would certainly explain alot of buildup formation on the valves.

I hope it's normal buildup, and not bad seals. I don't wanna take off all those springs again! lol

anyway if it is, I'm only lookin at what, $20 for new seals and 3-4 hours of labor from start to finish?

Token what kind of springs did you get to go to 490?Ive got new vortecs and a xe276h cam with 490 lift and my bulder is putting in "z" springs for 50 bucks.He says he's pretty sure they will clear but I'm wondering.He wants alot of money for stouter springs and boss grinding to make"double sure"What kind of lift does your cam have?>

oh even with the XE268H cam it would clear, but I've decided on using the LT4 standard cam (about .450 with 1.5" and .480 with 1.6") instead. It should be fine anyway.

Comp Cams springs are all relatively the same price, between $50-75. The new beehive springs are a little bit more expensive because they're trendy, but I hear they're sweet.