HeadsU.P.

One more thought. What are the length of the valves? Maybe too short for that head? Maybe should be + 0.100 longer? IDK

derekderek

If the inner spring comes out, install the inner only on the valve and turn engine over by hand. Once again, you need to have words with the people that sold you those springs. Now, you need new springs. Think beehive...

HeadsU.P.

I don't believe that inner spring is classified as a spring. I believe that is a spring damper. Takes the vibration harmonics out of the outer spring. But yes, it does look like it could bind, but to the extent of bending pushrods like yours? Not convinced.
One more question: Was clay applied to the tops of the pistons to check valve / piston clearance when this whole thing was going together? You need at least .080 if not more on the exh side.

By the way. Thanks for the excellent updates and photos to help others in the future.

jim2527

Crm318

Thank you guys for all of the help and deductive reasoning...and thanks to my friend with the awesome Snap On bore scope lol. I assume you cant run these springs without the center spring. Would it be cheaper to buy the valve guide cutting tool and use the current springs, or grab a set of LS1 beehives and retainers (if you suggest a set or part number, please let me know). The valves measure at 4.875" intake and 4.91" exhaust, which i believe is stock length. Im going to try to order everything tonight. Seeing as I still have the pushrod discrepancy of .13", do yall suggest I go with a 7.05 pushrod? I will have to give the valve clearance clay method a try.

derekderek

Spring installed height 1.78? Cuz .500 gets you to 1.28. .525 gets you to1.25. You need springs. 1.5 rockers give you .010. Not enough. You are shopping for springs.

Crm318

I am. Do any come to mind? These are the current specs (obvioudsly no the clearance part).

• On unmachined Vortec Heads .550” Max lift
• 1.260 OD Valve Spring Super Clean Material
• 115# @ 1.800” Install will take a max of .600” lift
• 7 degree Machined Valve Locks
• 1.250 Steel Retainer 7 Deg 11/32 +.050

jim2527

What the spring seat to retainer distance @.525?

EDIT: sorry didn't read the last 2 posts first

Gunfighter13

https://www.jegs.com/i/COMP-Cams/249/26915-16/10002/-1

This should work. I would still cut the Valve guide down a little to get a safer distance than what you have now.

Gunfighter13

I recommend you change over to this type of valve seal.
https://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/9725/10002/-1
https://www.jegs.com/i/AFR-Airflow-R.../6611/10002/-1

Crm318

Here is another question: If the inner spring is binding on the valve guide boss, could I take both heads and have them cut down? In doing so, i would only be out a set of head gaskets and not another $240 dollars for beehive springs and retainers seeing as my current springs match my cam specs. Its just the valve guide boss that is giving me issue.

Gunfighter13

No matter which way you go, I would cut the valve guides down. If you are confident there has been no damage to the springs you could go that route. But for me I would spend the money for the peace of mind it would give me.

Gunfighter13

You can buy the cutter online from Jegs and cut them with a drill. They are easy to cut and the tool is easy to use.

427Hotrod

So are you saying the inner damper is going solid at full valve lift? Should be able to put the assy with retainer, spring and damper in a vise and compress to installed height minus .525 and see/measure to make sure.

JIM

CanadaGrant

Hi Jim, I think his inner spring is binding on the valve guide boss causing it to expand on compression and bind on the inside of the outer spring. Result would be reduced spring compression (inner) and bent push rods.

Crm318

Yes. The inner spring was binding internally, which is why I couldnt see it occuring from the outside. Im going to talk to my machinist tomorrow about getting the guides cut.

derekderek

BUY A SET OF BEEHIVE SPRINGS AND RETAINERS THAT FIT THOSE GUIDES!!! those dampers bind before you get to .525. you run those springs with no dampers and they are weaker. send those springs back to the guy who said they would do .550 on unmachined vortec heads.

stingr69

Measure the diameter of the valve guide boss and also the diameter of the inner step of those retainers. Maybe the inner step on the retainer is compressing the inner damper ????