Valve spring upgrade
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Valve spring upgrade
I am putting in new springs and was wondering how necessary it is to spend the extra money on the retainers, push rods, seals, ect. Is there anything else I should do whlie I'm at it that I might regret if I don't. Also I was going to go with Comp Cam 918 springs but have read a lot about them breaking. I am sure they are better than stock but what would be a better option.
98 C5 w/ AT 40K miles, AA kit V2 Si, Kooks 1 3/4 catted X, Magna Flow exhaust, stock heads. 480/450
Dave
98 C5 w/ AT 40K miles, AA kit V2 Si, Kooks 1 3/4 catted X, Magna Flow exhaust, stock heads. 480/450
Dave
Last edited by dc491; Jul 1, 2011 at 03:04 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 78
From: Forney Texas
The retainers on the non-beehive springs are much larger, so it's wise to get titanium if you're going with a conventional spring. Seals are something that it would be ridiculous not to replace while you're in there considering the cost. Pushrods are smart to replace because the factory ones will deflect under the added spring pressure. The Patriot dual gold extremes are a great, budget-friendly choice. Very popular and reliable.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 140
From: Weatherford, TX
It seems 918's are a popular upgrade for stock replacement or mild cam. No need to change your seals or pushrods if they are working properly, as these are compatible with stock hardware.
I have a set of almost new 918's with LPE titanium retainers, pulled from a set of Edelbrock heads I picked up. These have 0 miles only dyno time, as I'm told by the previous owner. As you can see by the condition, I believe they are mint. I just pulled them as my cam requires another spring. I haven't listed these for sale yet, but offering to my Corvette FI brothers for $110 shipped.
I have a set of almost new 918's with LPE titanium retainers, pulled from a set of Edelbrock heads I picked up. These have 0 miles only dyno time, as I'm told by the previous owner. As you can see by the condition, I believe they are mint. I just pulled them as my cam requires another spring. I haven't listed these for sale yet, but offering to my Corvette FI brothers for $110 shipped.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 48
From: Nathalie VA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18
If your Seals haven't been changed since GM installed them in 98 new ones would be recomemded. Doesn't matter if they have 40k miles on them or not. Like Bret said it would be crazy not to replace them for what they cost.
Go with Chris' setup thats a good price.
Go with Chris' setup thats a good price.
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