I'm looking at these parts from Jegs

778-66774 300 lb spring pressure tester $229.99
778-66775 700 lb spring pressure tester $229.99
778-66832 Valve Spring Compressor $99.99


Heads off of motor. Is there a better bang for the buck on the pressure tester? For the valve spring compressor I am wanting one that is easy to use, preferably one that will hold on the big end of the valve...I think...unless there is a better way to do it.
Jegs was the only supplier I have seen so far that has these.

 

it really depends on what you plan to do. If you are going to be using them frequently, then I would say get them. If this is like a one time use project, you are probably better off getting your springs checked at a local machine shop.

Just my 2 cents.

 

No, not a one time thing...obviously, or so I thought. Why the hell would I spend hundreds of dollars to use something one time?
Not asking if I should get them, but wether there is a better tool for same cost, or equal tool for less cost?

What is difference b/w the 300lb tester and the 700lb tester? guage? Is the guage easily interchangeable?

 

besides the gauge there may be differance in seals, but i doubt it. not sure what k line has but i'd look there 800-241-0936

 

Are you planning on going into business testing springs?

Or, to look at it another way: Why spend $230 to test a set of $60 springs, that probably ought to just be replaced anyway? There's more to a spring's condition than just its measured tension; that won't necessarily tell you the likelihood of one breaking.

I guess it boils down to a question of whether using a tester is the best way of dealing with valve springs in the first place, in your particular situation. What it's really good for is for teardown in between races, when you are running springs that cost $300 a set like some of the high-end ones do. For a street-driven motor, it's usually better to just buy new ones if you have any doubts, rather than fooling around with testing them.

But as far as the tools themselves go, Comp makes one that goes in a drill press or a bech press, for a little over $100. Look at their catalog for the part #, and try Summit. Manley also makes a real cool one that hooks to your torque wrench and checks seat pressure with the spring installed.

The spring compressor, on the other hand, is an extremely useful tool. That one is a bit pricey. Lisle makes one that you can get at parts stores and such. Sears has one for about $25 or so IIRC. Snap-On, Mac, etc. also have them. You might want to look at ones that you use while the heads are on the car; Manley makes one of those too, that works on installed heads.

 

machine tools generally aren't cheap. Is that valve spring compressor a manual one, or is it power?

 

This is the compressor I was looking at:

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...23&prmenbr=361

I already have one of the cheap ones ($20) that you just lift up on it and pry down the spring and pop it loose from the keepers/retainer.

I'll look up Manley's website and see what all they provide.

Thanks