Head off spring compressors

October 20, 2022, 09:06 AM

I was about to bite the "rather large" bullet and buy an LSM. Seeing this post makes me want to take a look at the MTI. Granted, I don't do enough head work to really need a pneumatic compressor, but if the price is anywhere within range of the LSM, why not consider it?

And for Heaven's sake, don't ANYBODY buy one of those $29 generic YingYang units off Amazon!

(Chad works on more heads than most on these boards, so I consider his comment to be based on positive experience). Got a MTI P/N, Chad?

quote:
Originally posted by SpeierRacingHeads:
The BEST head off spring compressor is an MTI. The one everyone copies.

October 20, 2022, 09:20 AM

CURTIS REED

quote:
Originally posted by FootbrakeJim:
I was about to bite the "rather large" bullet and buy an LSM. Seeing this post makes me want to take a look at the MTI. Granted, I don't do enough head work to really need a pneumatic compressor, but if the price is anywhere within range of the LSM, why not consider it?
And for Heaven's sake, don't ANYBODY buy one of those $29 generic YingYang units off Amazon!
(Chad works on more heads than most on these boards, so I consider his comment to be based on positive experience). Got a MTI P/N, Chad?
[QUOTE]Originally posted by SpeierRacingHeads:
The BEST head off spring compressor is an MTI. The one everyone copies.

MTI is only about $675 more than the LSM. Why not?

October 20, 2022, 09:28 AM

FootbrakeJim

quote:
Originally posted by CURTIS REED:
MTI is only about $675 more than the LSM. Why not?

And I thought the LSM was overpriced, lol.

(In this Biden economy, what ISN'T overpriced)

October 20, 2022, 09:34 AM

Lenny5160

The LSM is great, and I use the head-on compressor on the bench as well although you need to stuff something in the chamber on the bench to hold the valve up. It works pretty well.

The only issue with the head-on compressors are they are application-specific, while the head-off compressor will work with any type of cylinder head. If you're only working on your own stuff, it's not a problem.

October 20, 2022, 01:32 PM

Footloose

Might want to wear a helmet and safety glasses

October 20, 2022, 04:43 PM

M120

I have had this for 20+ years.

Compressor

Used it maybe 10 or 12 times but has to be quicker then moving the LSM from valve to valve.

October 21, 2022, 09:17 AM

TOP38

quote:
Originally posted by M120:
I have had this for 20+ years.

Compressor

Used it maybe 10 or 12 times but has to be quicker then moving the LSM from valve to valve.

That one works on lower pressure springs, large triples, not so much!

Cheap alternative to the LSM off the head one is using a large C clamp with a small modification.

October 24, 2022, 09:25 PM

Stickshifter_55

For my shop I bought a Sunnen CHW-50. You can talk on the phone as you work. It used to take 40 min. and two sets of hands to do a 16V VW. Now it's less than half that and only one guy. It does the big 900# over the nose springs no issues. Not quite the bracket racer budget but a must for business.

October 26, 2022, 09:46 AM

HS professor

quote:
The BEST head off spring compressor is an MTI. The one everyone copies.

I just picked up two of these at a local machine shop closing sale, not sure of the brand but they are made in the USA. $40 each

October 26, 2022, 01:46 PM

CURTIS REED

quote:
Originally posted by HS professor:
quote:
The BEST head off spring compressor is an MTI. The one everyone copies.

I just picked up two of these at a local machine shop closing sale, not sure of the brand but they are made in the USA. $40 each

Score.