I'm trying to assemble my SRP pistoned 407 today and had my first run in with the floating piston retainer...Spirolock. My fingers are bloody and I only have two unwound spirolocks to show for it!
What is the proper procedure to install these blasted things? I was trying to wind them in...even shop said to do it this way.
Also do I need two per hole-total or 4 per piston? They supplied 32 of them...
Lastly and I hope this will be the key...can I use another type of retainer-I think they are called True Arcs or something like that-basically, little c clips?
Thanks for the assistance...my rod bolt stretch guage didn't work on my SCAT h beams either...bummer.
After trying for about 30 minutes to get one lock in I call the local machine shop. He said to stretch the springs out so they look like a supension coil spring. So when you stand it on end it is about a half inch tall. Bingo- the spirolock would then roll right in. Took 15 minutes to the rest of the locks in. Can't help you with number of locks in each piston. My KB pistons only use two, one on each end of the pin. I have used the C-clips before and have had them come out. Not good!
I only have two unwound spirolocks to show for it!
Only two of the 32?
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Also do I need two per hole-total or 4 per piston? They supplied 32 of them...
Are the grooves in the piston wide enough for two? I wouldn't think so, but if they are, I'd call SRP. I think they just sent extras, in case they gave you problems. You aren't the first. Dan gave you the "secret" on the installation.
Dan,
You probably know this, but I thought I'd mention it, "just in case". On the Tru Arcs, install them with the opening either up or down. If they face front or rear, the inertia of the pistons changing directions at the end of the stroke can cause them to collapse and slip out of the groove. I don't know if that was the cause of your problem, but... Good luck, and...
Yes, my SRP pistons used 4 per piston, so yours probably do too. I had my machine shop mount the pistons on the rods and install the locks. Best $40 I ever spent! :D
Been there, Done that!
He said to stretch the springs out so they look like a supension coil spring. So when you stand it on end it is about a half inch tall....... My KB pistons only use two, one on each end of the pin..............
I think they're the best, but yes, it takes a little practice to install them.
watch the "streching" thing ! ek........ i just took a small screwdriver (with all the are sharp edges removed).... opened the lock "slightly" and sort'a screwed them in....... look on the instruction sheet that comes with them, tips there, they caution about streaching, in fact they give you dimensional limits... also, YOU NEED 2 PER SIDE on the SRP pistons, or you'll have your pins slapping back and forth (real bad thing).
Dan,
You probably know this, but I thought I'd mention it, "just in case". On the Tru Arcs, install them with the opening either up or down. If they face front or rear, the inertia of the pistons changing directions at the end of the stroke can cause them to collapse and slip out of the groove. I don't know if that was the cause of your problem, but... Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
After rereading my post I made it look like I had more problems than I really had. One tru-arc broke after the engine was assembled and running. With the style of skirt on the piston the broken piece stayed next to the pin and scared up the cylinder wall.
I always install the tru-arc with opening down toward the crank. For those that aren't familiar with tru-arc or any other 'C' clip the retainers are stamped steele. If you look closely on one side the edge is slightly rounded and the other side the edge is sharp. The sharp edges should be installed away from the pin. The sharp edge give a better grip in the piston retainer groove.
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I had my machine shop mount the pistons on the rods and install the locks. Best $40 I ever spent! :D
:yesnod: They can be a real pain. I think the first time I ever messed with spirolocks I had about that much tied up in bandaids!! :lol: If you think installing them is fun wait untill you take them out.
I was concerned about spreading them too far so didn't try to do so-until I unwound two of them and figured I better do some more research.
I have since stretched them a bit and have installed 16 of the 32 so far-just one side of the pins. Worked great, except my fingers are sore still.
The box didn't have any instructions, but looking at the lack of warranty statements on the box, it says generally two spirolox are required. So I guess 4 per piston...the grooves are large enough so will go that route.
Corvette Store
Spirolocks!
