Getting a few more rpm without valve float
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,277
Likes: 32
From: Mission Viejo California
Getting a few more rpm without valve float
Hi guys. I bought my car with cnc ported lt4 castings. This was done circa 1998. Since then there have been a bunch of breakthroughs as far as spring tech and valvetrain tech.
My car is an auto so it shifts at approx 5500-5700. Going through the traps in third, it gets up there in the rpm.
I'd like to know if there is a particullar valve spring that will give me a few more rpms reliably such as a bee hive ect. If so, what is the part number? Are there anything else I should look at such as titanium retainers or anything else?
What is a reasonable price for a cam swap on one of these cars too? I may get the valvetrain done and a cam swap while I'm at it. I currently have a hot cam in it or so I believe(it was installed prior to me getting the car and its of 1998 specs/technology).
My car is an auto so it shifts at approx 5500-5700. Going through the traps in third, it gets up there in the rpm.
I'd like to know if there is a particullar valve spring that will give me a few more rpms reliably such as a bee hive ect. If so, what is the part number? Are there anything else I should look at such as titanium retainers or anything else?
What is a reasonable price for a cam swap on one of these cars too? I may get the valvetrain done and a cam swap while I'm at it. I currently have a hot cam in it or so I believe(it was installed prior to me getting the car and its of 1998 specs/technology).
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 549
Likes: 2
From: Bardstown ( Bourbon capitol of the world ) KY ( The Bluegrass state )
If you decide to get a cam, hold up on the valvetrain. Select a cam and then ask the company that made the cam what they recomend. I have a comp cam and they were very helpful in getting my car setup for the proper valvetrain. I hope this helps 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,277
Likes: 32
From: Mission Viejo California
probably only about 1000-2500 depending on how much I'm working on it. I put about 1000 on it last year, if even that much.
I'm actually not trying to pickup too much. Perhaps even a cam swap with a better lobe profile would be more than enough. I'd like to be able to go to about 6250 or so without running into problems. I'll probably only rev it out to 6000 at the track.
BTW, do you know anyone nearby that will handle a cam swap on my car without too much trouble or costing me an arm and a leg?
What approach would you take on something like this?
I'm actually not trying to pickup too much. Perhaps even a cam swap with a better lobe profile would be more than enough. I'd like to be able to go to about 6250 or so without running into problems. I'll probably only rev it out to 6000 at the track.
BTW, do you know anyone nearby that will handle a cam swap on my car without too much trouble or costing me an arm and a leg?
What approach would you take on something like this?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I agree with doing a cam first and then selecting a valve spring to match. Also, I like Ti retainers.
For >5yrs and >50k miles I've been running CC #981 stock style (single spring w/ camper) springs, no tin oil shedders and full size Ti retainers w/ 10deg locks with my ProMagnum 1.6:1 RRs. My A4 shift points are now between 5,800rpm and 6,000rpm with no float.
For >5yrs and >50k miles I've been running CC #981 stock style (single spring w/ camper) springs, no tin oil shedders and full size Ti retainers w/ 10deg locks with my ProMagnum 1.6:1 RRs. My A4 shift points are now between 5,800rpm and 6,000rpm with no float.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
Considering the rev limiter of an LT4 is 6400 rpm...turning 6250 should be cake. Admittedly the LT4 had lighter valves, but...
I recommend 918 beehives. I'm sold on them...20,000 with no issues...took my 6200 valve float to 7000+...with a hydra rev I must admit, but they compliment each other.
My dual spring Ti retainers ate themselves in normal operation. Single coils may not have that issue, but I have been told that Ti is a consumable...they are not as durable as steel for sure. The beehives use a steel retainer that is lighter than a Ti single std retainer so...
Good Luck!
I recommend 918 beehives. I'm sold on them...20,000 with no issues...took my 6200 valve float to 7000+...with a hydra rev I must admit, but they compliment each other.
My dual spring Ti retainers ate themselves in normal operation. Single coils may not have that issue, but I have been told that Ti is a consumable...they are not as durable as steel for sure. The beehives use a steel retainer that is lighter than a Ti single std retainer so...
Good Luck!
