It's not as hard as you'd think it would be. Just takes a some time and patience.
Parts/tools that will help you a lot when doing the job. The extra expense is well worth it(!):
1) Air fittings to pressurize the cylinders when replacing the springs. The air fittings screw into the spark plug hole. You can get these fittings at most suto parts stores.
2) Kirbans valve spring removal tool. This is a LOT easier to use than the kind of "on the head" spring removal tools you'll find elsewhere.
3) A small extendable magnet and a scribe/pick for removing/installing the valve retainers. Get extra retainers too!!
4) To get the exact installed height of the sping, you can cut and grind a piece of a shirt hanger to the exact lenght. Get an assortment of spring shims from your local machine shop, or try someone like
www.summitracing.com or
www.jegs.com
That's about all I can think of right now. For more info, see this thread started by Arista5 who did the same job a month or two ago...
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59907&highlight=valve+springs
Good luck,
-Banning.
, i wanted to ask how hard is it too do your own valve spring's/and timing chain. Is there any precautions one should take and is there any tip's and trick's that any one of you guy's can give me?? thanx in advance.
