Thread: Installed Valve Spring Height?

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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!

Go with .030" Shims and VTO -.050 Locks . Get it this Close .

Originally Posted by roofcam

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!

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 springs

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 .

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.

Originally Posted by tango

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 .

With regards to splash shields, where could I buy for my 1963 dodge? Don't want to have problems with my break system. Thanks