I've done them (and the cams of course) "in-car" and they're not too bad with the GM tools (2.5 hrs)
BUT
once you get the cams out you will want to plug ALL of the oil drain back holes in the lifter valley first (so if you drop a keeper it doesnt go "tingle tinkle tink" and make sure you are NOT hung-over or have the shakes because those damn keepers are SO ******* SMALL.
I use a magnet to remove them and a pencil eraser dipped in grease to install them. TEDIOUS WORK.

ALSO
Since you're likely using air-pressure to retain the valves in the cylinder MAKE SURE NOBODY STEPS ON OR DRIVES OVER YOUR HOSE!!
(Happened to me once)
Good Luck
WopOnTour

 

I decided to get the JBP HP Valve springs, they're going to be installed this week, gotta get my car in before Victory Red SS has his engine delivered, othgerwise I'll never get it done.

the JBP vavlve springs seem to be really well priced in comparison to the other available.

oh and I got Stage 2 cams. JBP will not be making a stage 3, he beleives they would have to be too agressive and would negatively effect the cars drivability.

how far do you thing I would be able to push may car no with the current internals?

 

Don't forget to do forged pistons, and then you're good for awhile.

 

A few of us on the RL forums already have second engines with ported heads and many other goodies but alas we havent installed them into the car yet.

 

I'll do that later on when I'm putting down some serious power.

 

I really wish I was as close to JBP as you are player_1 and thanks for getting your valve springs done now. Perhaps I can also get everyone else to consider just ordering parts from JBP for the next few weeks and booking all other work to be done in their shop after June or until my engine is done.



Sinister I hope you guys put those engines in and come up for a meet the end of July, maybe even for a Friday street legal night. I would bring mine down there when it's done but I can't cross the border (ya ya ya, don't ask )

 

Change in plans, I'm switching over to the Bates valve spring and Titanium Retainer.
I decided just to spend the cash and beef it up. I should be good for an 8K RPM limit now if I really want.
I'll probably get it tuned to 7500RPM just to be safe.

 

so are are pistons forged or what, GM says they are "heavy duty"

 

pistons will need to be replaced around the 300WHP mark
thats pretty heavy duty as it is when you compare to most cars in it's class

 

true.