Let’s talk stock Magnum Retainer to Valve guide clearance

[Slantsix64]

Hey Buds, has anyone on here checked retainer to valve guide clearance on stock heads? There’s mixed up info when searching some say .470/.490. I have swapped a roller grind with .453 lift into a stock magnum with stock heads with factory retainers and locks. No issues but candid did not write down how much clearance I had left.



Also on a side note does anybody know what the locks and retainers which Hughes sells for more guide and retainer clearance is off of?

 

[Slantsix64]

Also have read that the magnum crate 380HP used stock retainers/locks just UPGRADED valve springs and positive valve stem seal to achieve .500 lift

 

[Bobzilla]

I don't think the Magnum 380 crate engines used factory Magnum retainers. Mopar had a different retainer they were using to fit their small diameter performance valve springs. Even the factory cast iron Magnum heads that came with a performance spring had the different the retainers. I bought a set of those new from the dealer back then for my truck, so I remember those for sure.

Post 12 in the thread below I measured mine.

Oil consumption and ticking after cam swap?

 

[junkyardhero]

Also on a side note does anybody know what the locks and retainers which Hughes sells for more guide and retainer clearance is off of?

i *think* that the retainers and locks are exclusive to hughes. either they are having them made to their spec by somebody or they are buying and modifying to their spec-- at least the retainers.

 

[Slantsix64]

I don't think the Magnum 380 crate engines used factory Magnum retainers. Mopar had a different retainer they were using to fit their small diameter performance valve springs. Even the factory cast iron Magnum heads that came with a performance spring had the different the retainers. I bought a set of those new from the dealer back then for my truck, so I remember those for sure.

Post 12 in the thread below I measured mine.

Oil consumption and ticking after cam swap?

Hmm, dang it. Bob what about grinding down valve guides? Possibly .030 of the guides and valve seals? I believe they have the positive valve seals not the umbrella style

 

[Slantsix64]

i *think* that the retainers and locks are exclusive to hughes. either they are having them made to their spec by somebody or they are buying and modifying to their spec-- at least the retainers.

I seen @TrailBeast comment saying the locks were off of a 2.2L off of a 1983 Charger 4 cylinder? I remember when I compared the retainers with Hughes and stock magnum they were the same but locks were shorter.

 

[Garrett Ellison]

i *think* that the retainers and locks are exclusive to hughes. either they are having them made to their spec by somebody or they are buying and modifying to their spec-- at least the retainers.

I would guess they’re having PAC manufacture those for them on an exclusive basis. Most springs I’ve seen from Hughes under the Hughes part numbers show up in a PAC box.

 

[Slantsix64]

Another question which valve guide cutter would work on magnum heads? Is there any that would just cut down the valve guide a bit and now make which have to buy different valve seals? And if I do what’s the part number on seals and tools I need!

Thanks

 

[TT5.9mag]

You shouldn’t have to cut anything at .453 lift. The 380 crate used a roller with .501/.513 lift and stock castings. I’ve seen some castings clear .530 lift. And some hit at .520

 

[gdonovan]

I'm going to put this here as it seems appropriate.

1) Will the Hughes 1110P valve spring work with the stock magnum retainer and locks?
2) The spring/retainer/lock kit from Hughes is on intergalactic backorder, so not an option.
3) No I have not called them yet, it's 7AM EST hence posting here.
4) Cam I'm looking at has a max of .490 lift (a tick below but I'm rounding up)
5) Yes I'm going to mock up a cylinder head later today to check valve to retainer clearance.
6) Any other drop in suggestions for valve springs beside the 1110P?
7) Yes I have have done an online search without much success. People gravitate towards the kit which is covered in point #2
8) No I have not asked an AI for advice nor will I.

Thank you for your consideration.

Interesting It looks like this spring P4876062 and a 2.2 retainer will drop right in. I have several dozen of them about.