Will a typical automotive valve spring compressor work on the DS head, or is the one called for in the manual needed?
I haven't removed my head yet, figured I'd have everything I need before hand, get it all done in one morning. If my spring compressor won't work, I'll try to borrow the one I need from the dealer near me.

There's also the option of pressurizing the chamber to hold the valves closed, and replacing the springs without the removal of the head. Has anybody tried this? Not sure if I can get the springs down far enough to remove the retainers on this DS head this way.

Also - will the o-ring gaskets on the intake manifold need replaced before re-installing, or are they re-usable? Once again, haven't removed this yet either.

 

the intake manifold gaskets are rubber and i've reused mine i didn't notice any problems,after the mods other than the extra power when wheeling, almost went over twice, it causes a nice smile[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] as far as the tool i had the head opened up and larry did the valves then. if you change cams make sure you lock tight the cam gear bolts, don't ask why i know about that it wasn't to painful woods helped alot on that.

 

how i got my springs compressed was using a 6' c clamp and a home made tool, what i used was a cap for a u joint from a truck, i work in the service of a dealership so i found one laying aroudnd, you should be able to use a piece of pipe, what i did was cut a big u shape out of the side of it so that i could stick a small magnet in there to get the keepers out, it worked very well, i also had a shop towel on the valve so that i wouldnt scuff it up, someone on this forum told me about it and it worked so i thought i would pass it on,

i also reused my intake gasket seals

 

I see, sounds easy enough, I'll do something similiar.
Thanks for the replies!