Thread: Installed Valve Spring Height?
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02-19-2009 11:50 PM #1
Installed Valve Spring Height?
I'm replacing the valve springs as part of the cam change in my SBC. The installed height of the existing springs is 1.780", and the new spring installed height is 1.700". I could use shims, but how close do I need to be to the original 1.780? I have .015, .030, and .060 shims.
Thanks!Leo Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the RODS that take your breath away.
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02-20-2009 01:26 AM #2
Go with .030" Shims and VTO -.050 Locks . Get it this Close .Last edited by tango; 02-20-2009 at 11:13 AM.
Wisdom is acquired by experience, not just by age
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02-20-2009 06:56 AM #3
you want a -050 keeper less height if you now need to be 1.700 and were 1.780 so 080 less - NOT + keepers .if you go that way or a spring cup or hat works good to or you can get a retainer with less drop in the center a 060 and 030 would work but i like spring to locate at the spring seat in the head if you move it up with just shims the spring that much can when running move and cut the valve seal if you have room shims are ok but you want them to center on the valve guide to keep the shims from skiding side to side from lack of location of the shims . if it past the seat cup in the head use a cup or hat/spring locator and a 015 shim would work good .the ex side spring can break down from heat you can loose 10 lbs so shiming the springs 010 more on the spring will not hurt much it you use a .060and.030 and so would a 060 and a 015 would do to if not race on that stuff i shim to get the springs to read all the same you need a spring tester .for spring heigth set up i pull up the retainer up with keeper s on the valve stem with valve in head and use a 2inch snap /hole telescoping gage and set the gage were the spring would be and read it off a mic or vernier calipers or buy a mic height gage just for springsLast edited by pat mccarthy; 02-21-2009 at 08:02 AM.
Irish Diplomacy ..the ability to tell someone to go to Hell ,,So that they will look forward to to the trip
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02-20-2009 11:49 AM #4
Also when Working on Some 1974 and Newer SB Heads that had Factory Exhaust Rotators . The Spring Seats are Cut Down about .030" more then the Intake Side . This will add to that Sides Install height . And if you are using Splash shields they add up to -.036" to the install height .Wisdom is acquired by experience, not just by age
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02-20-2009 11:49 PM #5
Thanks, guys, for the usual good assistance I always get here. I'm too old to be a novice....but I am one. I've learned a ton by just lurking on the site, and asking questions about my specific issues. My rod is just a cruiser....my racing days are long gone. I don't have room for the cup type spring seats, and am using Comp Cams "hat" style, made for the Comp beehive springs. Don't have the valve rotators. Thanks again for responding to my need.Leo Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the RODS that take your breath away.
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11-04-2010 11:22 PM #6
Ok gang. It's been awhile. With everything that was going on taking care of my mom's affairs and making a few needed mods to the Healey, it was June before anything really got rolling on this...
My Little Red Muscle Truck