valve springs

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moparstud440

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My dad has the Trick Flow 190 heads that have the following valve springs. He went with this option so he could get the 10 degree retainers.

1.550” O.D. Dual Spring (TFS-16094-16)
138 lbs. @ 1.950” Installed Height
430 lbs. @ 1.250” Open
420 lbs./inch Rate
.680” Maximum Valve Lift

He is wanting to use a Mopar Performance .590/.590 camshaft. Are these springs to much for a mechanical flat tappet and if so what kind of spring pressure do you guys like to use with your mechanical flat tappet cams? He will be using 1.6 rockers if that makes a difference. Engine is a race only engine that won't see more than 6500 rpm.
 
I am not a professional engine builder but in my opinion those springs seem to be right in the ballpark. Especially when you take into consideration you're running a 1.6 rocker arm that will increase the need for higher spring pressure. Normally on Mopar flat tappets of that size I run around 325 lb on the nose / full lift on a1.5 on my hot Street/strip setups.
 
My dad has the Trick Flow 190 heads that have the following valve springs. He went with this option so he could get the 10 degree retainers.

1.550” O.D. Dual Spring (TFS-16094-16)
138 lbs. @ 1.950” Installed Height
430 lbs. @ 1.250” Open
420 lbs./inch Rate
.680” Maximum Valve Lift

He is wanting to use a Mopar Performance .590/.590 camshaft. Are these springs to much for a mechanical flat tappet and if so what kind of spring pressure do you guys like to use with your mechanical flat tappet cams? He will be using 1.6 rockers if that makes a difference. Engine is a race only engine that won't see more than 6500 rpm.
The factors are it's not a very fast ramp for a solid compared to what grinds are out today...and the cores are iffy....
I would set those up for about 125-130 seat and 310-330lbs open. The lash is .028/.032...so it's more a .550 lift cam.@1.5
@1.6 there .ore than plenty of open and seat. The spring is big all around pressure wise.
I think KO has it right. Those cams never called for that much pressure. The 847 springs that would work with the .528 were essentially 340 spring pressures and only 275 or so open. The 542 iirr is only 120 seat 310 open, the bb brother to that isnt much more at all.
Just dont break it in at 138 seat or itll be a roll of the dice if it wipes lobes.
 
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The 590 lift becomes 630 with 1.6 rockers. Higher ratio rockers require 'more spring' to control the valvetrain because the v/train is accelerated faster. I would use the springs that came with the heads.
 
If you look up the specs for that part number spring in the valve spring section of the TF website, you’ll find the specs won’t match what you posted(the info on the paperwork with the heads).

TF buys that spring from PAC. It’s a number 1294.
The specs in the PAC catalog match what is on the TF site in the spring specs.
The ones I have tested myself match the PAC specs.
It’s a pretty stout spring for a FT cam.
Careful break in will be required.

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So, the rate is 427lbs/in based on the chart...... which would put them at 154lbs at 1.950, not 138.
Starting at 154, and adding .600 lift would put them at: (427 x .600 = 256, +154 = 410 open).

The PAC catalog shows 154@1.950 and 410@1.350 for the 1294.
 
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If you look up the specs for that part number spring in the valve spring section of the TF website, you’ll find the specs won’t match what you posted(the info on the paperwork with the heads).

TF buys that spring from PAC. It’s a number 1294.
The specs in the PAC catalog match what is on the TF site in the spring specs.
The ones I have tested myself match the PAC specs.
It’s a pretty stout spring for a FT cam.
Careful break in will be required.

View attachment 1715912399

Do you have a spring you would recommend or what kind of spring pressure I should be looking to achieve that would be better suited?
 
People are using those springs for big FT cams all the time.

In the PAC catalog it is listed as a high end FT spring.

I’m just cautioning you to be diligent about proper cam break in.
 
The 590 lift becomes 630 with 1.6 rockers. Higher ratio rockers require 'more spring' to control the valvetrain because the v/train is accelerated faster. I would use the springs that came with the heads.
Yes, but only from the rocker forward.
Just clarifying if consider the lifters and push rods as part of the valve train.
 
You mentioned in the op that it was a race only motor that being the case I wouldn't worry about changing the spring. Here's my line of thought for one ,miles will be very limited so spring pressure gets a little more forgiving in comparison to a street motor that's racking up miles that can work against a heavy spring load(lobe ware) Also in a race application a little more spring is always better than not enough in my opinion there's always a chance of an RPM Spike and it's good to have a stout spring. But if you are determined to lighten the spring load a little I would look into retainers as mentioned previously different styles can reduce spring load.
 
Springs are fine for the intended use. Remove the inners for break-in. Don’t be lazy or hem and haw about doing that. There are guys here who will tell you they never have and had no issues. Good for them. There are others who didn’t and wiped their cam, some here more than one cam. Don’t be lazy. That’s the only reason not to. Pull the inners.
 
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