Valve Spring Replacement Advice Needed

[John Fitzpatrick]

On several previous threads it’s been strongly emphasized how important it is to replace the valve springs on a motor that’s been stored, so that’s what I’m going to do. However, not having a personal engine builder to turn the project over to, I really need some advice. Dual springs, single springs, single springs with dampers, coated springs, titanium springs… installed height, seat pressure, rotating vs. non-rotating…I’m in way over my head and I’ve just been looking at catalogs!
I’m sure a lot depends on the application, but can someone give me some general guidelines on where to start? My heads are stock 351 W, ported, with screw-in studs installed, the valves are oversized Chevy swirl-polished (height identical to Ford), the cam is a Moon solid lifter model—I’ll get the total lift spec tonight, and the rockers are Crane 1.6 rollers. The springs in right now are oem 390FE Ford single coil with dampers.
Thanks

 

[Randy V]

I would get the advise of the cam grinder. if that info is not available, select the springs for a similar cam.

For street use I try to stay away from Dual / Triple springs. Can't say as I've ever seen a titanium spring but frequently use the titanium retainers and valves.

Lisle makes a nice tool for removing springs without removing the heads.
eBay Motors: Lisle Valve Spring Compressor #16750 (item 300068180612 end time Apr-07-07 19:33:59 PDT)

 

[Jac Mac]

John,

Part no for those 390 GT springs was C3AZ-6513-B (16 reqd ) with 85lb @ 1.82" and 268lb @ 1.32" if you need a ballpark figure to start from.

Jac Mac

 

[Howard Jones]

I spoke with comp cams a wile back about a package. Cam, springs, lifters, push-rods, etc. They will want to know a little about your current motor and intentions but I am sure they can help. This pretty much goes for all the cam companies.

I do think you will need to check valve piston clearance no matter what you do but it's really not a big deal. Don't be afraid to take the motor apart. It will be OK. Lots of help here and on the Internet.

 

[John Fitzpatrick]

I spoke with comp cams a wile back about a package. Cam, springs, lifters, push-rods, etc. They will want to know a little about your current motor and intentions but I am sure they can help. This pretty much goes for all the cam companies.

I do think you will need to check valve piston clearance no matter what you do but it's really not a big deal. Don't be afraid to take the motor apart. It will be OK. Lots of help here and on the Internet.

Thanks, Howard -I'll give them a call Monday and see what they recommend rather than trying to wing it myself. I want to pull the heads anyway to be sure the bores are okay after sitting ten years, and while I’m at it I thought I might as well cc the chambers and piston dome and see what the compression ratio is going to be. And then just before I turned in last night I caught myself thinking, “As long as the intake manifold is off, why not make up a turkey pan pattern....”

I think this is what’s known as “mission creep”.