My TPI L98 motor runs very strong. No signs of wear and tear really even for 150K miles now. I've replaced the TPI gaskets since a rear manifold oil leak occured and now its all fixed up. The lifter valley is clean..i frequently change the oil. It recieves about 5K miles a year, mainly just summer daily driving. The car just has exhaust mods and 2800stall/3.42 gear and went 13.63 at 97 with the converter never locking up. As far as i know its bone stock original motor and never been rebuilt but who knows...

I was wondering if it would be beneficial to replace my stock valve springs at all? I was hoping to possibly get some 1.6 roller rockers just to squeeze more power out of my setup. While i was at it, i figured lets change the stock springs....they have to be worn since they are weak in stock form and have tons of mileage on them. Might improve efficiency and power??

My buddy has Z28 springs brand new and i was thinkin of gettin them. has valve locks and retainers too. This seems like a great stock replacement spring with alittle more lift range than stock. not that that matters tho since i will not be changin the cam.

I mean the car runs so good now i wonder if i should even worry about it.

 

anyone have any input or advice...i'm sure its a good thing to do reguardless just be safe

 

does the car smoke at start ups (like a small puff)? If so, I would change your valve seals, then while your in there why not swap the springs. If not.....I wouldnt worry about it. I changed my springs because I installed a bigger cam. I dont hear too many stories about stock springs breaking. But thats my 2 pennies anyway.

 

most diffently a good idea. youve got my vote. and its not to hard if you have the right tools and a good day to work on it. the Z28 springs should beable to take those 1.6RRs too.

 

no, the car doesnt smoke at all. i was just thinkin maybe my stock springs are worn out since they are a weak spring and maybe new ones would restore some power up on the top end. and with 1.6 rockers, i guess its good insurance to have fresh springs

 

I doubt it would be worth the effort. If you're going in there anyway, sure. But most rebuilt engines they just reuse the stock springs so IMO there isnt much point if the cam is stock too.

 

Sometimes you'd be surprised how lousy stock springs are, even new. Even at only 5000 RPMs they can make a difference.

If you're in the mood for a project DON'T just replace, ALWAYS UPGRADE! A set of Comp 981 springs (or the afore mentioned "Z-28 springs") would be a significant upgrade over stock and either is a true drop-in replacement for the stock springs- no machining necessary at all. Couple that with some 1.6 rocker arms (why not, since you're in there already!) and you might just find your TPI has noticably more pull everywhere and doesn't drop off in the upper RPMs for a few hundred more RPMs.

Expect no miracles, but I've found stock-cam TPIs respond to better springs and higher ratio rockers quite nicely.

 

Replace the seals while you are at it.

 

yep my buddy has some Z28 springs, chromoly retainers and locks that i'm gettin off of him. i hope to buy some 1.6 rockers sometime next month or so.

 

I have some good old fashion advice.

IF ITS NOT BROKEN, DON'T FIX IT.

Hay, you could just send me the money