Help with valve spring source

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midnight340

midnight340

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Hi Guys,
I'm wondering what valve springs you use in stock heads for more lift.

I have iron heads with 5" 4-groove valves that were in them and are in excellent shape, as are the seats. I lapped them lightly and all looks good.

My problem is that when I ordered my Lunati Voodoo solid cam (740) they sent me a nice set of beehive springs (135# seat at 1.77, 280# rating) to replace the OLD set of Lunati springs which were installed height of 1.700", BUT with the new retainers and locks I come up with only 1.53-1.56" between seats and bottom of beehive retainers.

I have read several times to not machine the spring seats lower due to proximity to water jacket. (I did have the heads machined so the seals would sit lower and give me room to the new retainers with my lift before I caught this.). Lift is .527"/.546".

I don't want to have to buy new valves if possible. Is there a solution to this?
 
Looks like their spring PN 74895...is that right? Listed for an SBC. I would not necessarily think the spring seat and valve relation is the same. .650" ID at the top of the spring.

75595 retainer. 10* locks.. correct?
 
Yes, those are the springs, retainers and locks that I have. In the Lunati catalog they are the recommended beehive and retainer for this cam. Maybe needs a different retainer????

If I had the right spring I could reuse my old retainers and 7 degree locks.
They fit a spring with about 1.075 I.D.
Seats on heads accept about 0.98-1.00” I.D.

So a spring with 1.66-1.70” installed by., about 120# seat and 300# open with this cam.

I probably just need to order the 73195 dual spring. I don’t know if I’d need more machining to use these dual springs.
 
Would a +.050 retainer help? Maybe you'd have to shim the springs to keep the rate?

Just thinking out loud.
 
midnight340 said:
Yes, those are the springs, retainers and locks that I have. In the Lunati catalog they are the recommended beehive and retainer for this cam. Maybe needs a different retainer????

If I had the right spring I could reuse my old retainers and 7 degree locks.
They fit a spring with about 1.075 I.D.
Seats on heads accept about 0.98-1.00” I.D.

So a spring with 1.66-1.70” installed by., about 120# seat and 300# open with this cam.

I probably just need to order the 73195 dual spring. I don’t know if I’d need more machining to use these dual springs.
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You'll need a higher rate straight spring with a dual spring versus the rate needed for a beehive... like the 73195 is at 402 lb/in. Probably the easiest way to go... (I looked quickly at some other retainers and did not find anything, but I don't know much about these beehive part details.)

You very probably will want to remove the inner spring for break-in with this spring rate and cam's ramp rate.
 
midnight340 said:
So is anyone running a beehive spring on stock iron heads???
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I doubt you'd need to use them with everything stock.

Those beehives are OK for some uses but they certainly don't impress me very much. Especially when the guys that do machine work for me say they never use them except on LS stuff.

Don't believe all you read in those magazine builds... those guys get their stuff free for pumping someone's product.

I usually use K-Motion springs but Isky, Howards and others make good stuff, too.
 
Thanks Krooser, Yes, so many opinions it makes figuring out a good path somewhat challenging.

Since I’m likely ordering different springs I appreciate recommendations for good suppliers. I’d like to know I’m getting quality springs!
 
midnight340 said:
Thanks Krooser, Yes, so many opinions it makes figuring out a good path somewhat challenging.

Since I’m likely ordering different springs I appreciate recommendations for good suppliers. I’d like to know I’m getting quality springs!
Click to expand...
I had K-Motion on my early Hemi and my kid's SBC dirt motor. Lots of pro engine builders use them for all but their highest dollar engines.

I have Crower on my small block 383 but the original builder is a WD on Crower so it has their Ti retainers, locks, lifters, did have a Crower cam in it when built.

You could also talk with Mopar specialists like IMM engines or Shady Dell for opinions.
 
I am using Crane spring and retainer kit part # 69308. Look like quality pieces. So might be something to consider?:)
 
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