2 Q's
 

I have 2 questions today. First, do I need a special spring compressor to take valve springs off while the head is still on the car? I,ve got TFS heads with stud mounted rockers. Second, what is a safe running temp for the motor? I've heard the stock stat is better for the computer but my car runs at 205 with the stock unit. I think I will replace it with a 180. Thanks

"Special" valve spring compressor, no I dont see any "special" requirements.
I recommend you do the "rope" method... Pull the spark plug, and fill the cylinder with a long piece of rope. Then rotate the motor by hand until you compress the rope. This will prevent you from droppping a valve, should you slip... :eek:


As for thermostat, I would not go lower than 180'F. Stock is 195 from what I have seen.

stock thermastat is 195, if you get one lower than that, the computer will make your car run rich. when it opens, it'll think it's at 195, so it makes the fuel mixture for 195, but it's really at 180, thus making it rich.

Another method, besides drudis', for changing the springs is to use an air compressor to pressurize the combustion chamber keeping the valves colsed while you change the springs. Never heard of the rope trick before, good one drudis.

Thanks for the replys. Another question: Has anybody here replaced valve seals on trick flow heads? Do I need a special trick flow seal? I e-mailed the company and they said I do need trick flow seals, but I wonder if they're just trying to make more buiseness for themselves. I think I heard somewhere that you can use the stock ford seals, and I have a set sitting around. Back to the t-stat-- if the motor is running a little rich at 180 it wont hurt anything will it? Thanks

MUCH better to be rich than to be lean.
So no you won't hurt anything, just wont have quite as much power as it should.

About the seals, I'd take trick flow's advice and get em directly from them. Unless ofcourse you like burning oil:D