Valve Lock Replacement

[SpeedThrills]

I have these valves (F5050, F5051): https://www.ferrea.com/chrysler-5000-series-hi-performance-valves/p480 I just got guides and a valve job. I figured it'd be cheap insurance to get new keepers. Should I get hardened? It's a 360, springs (researching what to get now) will be about 120 on the seat, 300 open. About 400 HP, 6500 rpm, street/strip. I suppose I'll email Ferrea to get the angle.

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

Hardend locks are a good thing. Yes

 

[Locomotion]

I have these valves (F5050, F5051): https://www.ferrea.com/chrysler-5000-series-hi-performance-valves/p480 I just got guides and a valve job. I figured it'd be cheap insurance to get new keepers. Should I get hardened? It's a 360, springs (researching what to get now) will be about 120 on the seat, 300 open. About 400 HP, 6500 rpm, street/strip. I suppose I'll email Ferrea to get the angle.

There's a little more to selecting the correct keepers/locks:

The valve lock angle needed on the outside of the valve locks is determined by the angle used in the retainers. Probably it's the standard 7*.

The valve design determines what number of and groove style the lock needs to have on its inside. Probably the standard/most common aftermarket "single groove".

Valve stem diameter is also a consideration. In your case, your valves have the typical LA Mopar 3/8" diameter.

There are also locks that can add or subtract from the valve spring height to get the correct installed pressures.

Confirm with your engine builder.

 

[PRH]

The Ferrea valves use std single groove locks.
What angle they need to be is determined by the retainers.

 

[SpeedThrills]

There's a little more to selecting the correct keepers/locks:

The valve lock angle needed on the outside of the valve locks is determined by the angle used in the retainers. Probably it's the standard 7*.

The valve design determines what number of and groove style the lock needs to have on its inside. Probably the standard/most common aftermarket "single groove".

Valve stem diameter is also a consideration. In your case, your valves have the typical LA Mopar 3/8" diameter.

There are also locks that can add or subtract from the valve spring height to get the correct installed pressures.

Confirm with your engine builder.

The Ferrea valves use std single groove locks.
What angle they need to be is determined by the retainers.

Ah yes, the retainer has the angle in it. I bought this engine used. This method (pic) is the only way I have of checking. Looks like 7*. And yes, the valves are single groove. And they are 3/8". Looks like I'm ready to order hardened keepers!

I is me own engine builder. This is the furthest I've been into a "build". I'm enjoying it immensely as I learn from all the great folks on FABO about the details that I've read about for years. I also had a friend who was good at engine building. He's since passed, he was a great source of info. (Built his own Stock Elim engines.)

I'll update a thread I have regarding spring pressures. I'm checking installed heights. Putting it back together I saw the need for guides and springs.

I appreciate all and any information. This thing ran 11.80's at 3000 lbs. before a rod spun. (I learned a lot about that, too!) I should've been buying lottery tickets!

 

[Locomotion]

You'll have to establish a baseline with a "known" standard 7* valve lock to know if you'll need .050" + or - or standard. Less valve spring shims used, the better.

One other concern is that your Ferrea valves are longer than stock. If they are different length than what came in the engine, that may cause some geometry issues and/or require different length pushrods. OEM stamped or adjustable rockers, hydraulic or solid lifters before/after?

 

[SpeedThrills]

You'll have to establish a baseline with a "known" standard 7* valve lock to know if you'll need .050" + or - or standard. Less valve spring shims used, the better.

One other concern is that your Ferrea valves are longer than stock. If they are different length than what came in the engine, that may cause some geometry issues and/or require different length pushrods. OEM stamped or adjustable rockers, hydraulic or solid lifters before/after?

Engine has run before. It has Crane Gold rockers. Geometry is ok. Has always had hydraulic.
I’ll update my other thread about spring pressures when I can.

 

[SpeedThrills]

Spring Pressure thread has been updated for anyone who might be interested. Valve Spring Pressure Discussion