Cstraub

iTrader: (1)

can you tell me if you had the stock OEM style locks on your cylinder heads, this would include the ones that are just black oxided, or did you have an aftermarket machined steel lock.

Your input will benefit all LS1/LS6 engines for future builds.


Chris Straub
Stef's Performance and B&B Performance Products

JS

iTrader: (4)

Hmmm,Guess the lock is moving around Chris
Its sad that these big time companies are draging there feel R&Ding LS1 engines.

There so amazing,cant they see theres a big market in providing quality aftermarket parts such as blocks,heads,intakes,springs etc.

I applaud u for looking into making a better lock and or spring setup.
Keep us abreast of your work...

By the way,We sell and use your products
Your LT1 Valve Covers are beautiful...

KGSloan

i broke a spring. with only 4k miles on them and running .050" under their rated lift. was using the stock locks. are you saying that the stock locks might be a cause for spring failure? if so how. i just want to learn from those that know more than me

Cstraub

iTrader: (1)

These LS1/LS6 engines are "wasting" to many valve springs compared to the 5.0 hyd roller stuff that is about 2 times heavier and no problems to really speak of. Before I say anything I need to gather some more data but I know we are on the right track.

Chris

Thanks for the compliements, we try.

Jorday

I broke a spring with using aftermarket retainers and stock locks.

dug

iTrader: (10)

Im curious with which spring tool was used. The claw tool looks like they put more stress on the spring than the tool that compresses from the top like it supposed to. Also another factor to look at is how much the spring was compressed during installation. Squashing the spring down to coilbind cant be good for them but makes the install quicker and easier.

Seriously, the install has to be the toughest on springs. Being squashed down while cold. I bet some springs are doomd after the install.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

Well, I broke an ISKY spring (not sure which one) running a tr224 after about 14k miles. The springs were reportedly good for .600 lift and I'm only at ~.555.
Yes, I had stock locks as well.

Right now I switched to the 'new' blue stripe 918s with titanium retainers and stock locks. Please let us know if you come up with anything new.
Hope this helps

J-Rod

Springs are not doomed from the start from being compressed while cold. Compressing a spring is normal during installation and assembly. In fact most competent shops have a device for checking both the spring tension at propper setup height , and also at max lift, or @ CB. Its not going to hurt a spring to be fully compressed once or twice.

But I am curious what Chris has come across.

crainholio

iTrader: (2)

I went with Crane dual stock-diameter springs, had them rate checked at 1.800" and 1.237" heights (installed height measurements done w/ a micrometer). They were all well within tolerance (Crane specifies +/- 10 lb pressure variation, mine were +/-3 of mean at 1.800 and +/- 7 at 1.237").

I used Manley machined locks and the spiffy MORE spring compressor that looks like a rocker arm.

Haven't turned the key yet, but if I break a fricking spring I'll be really shocked. I'm not lifting anywhere near the springs' limit, I mic'd all 16 installed heights prior to installation, and I'll be breaking them in as specified.

-Kevin

Ed Curtis

Keep in mind Chris, I've spent a lot of time and money getting the Fords to do this. Others have tried and failed but we all know who's got it proven out...

As for the LS stuff, there are a few new things getting done and so far it's all looking good (right Chris! ) but it's still a virgin market... That will change very soon..

Ed

Cstraub

iTrader: (1)

Ed,
We'll you know as well as anyone how heavy the valvetrain is on the HO engines and they don't have near the spring failure these LS1's have. That's why I asked you to put a timing light on a running car with an open valve cover with anybodys springs, its damn scarey. We will have some more input next week and then we'll know for sure what we suspect is the culprit.

Chris
Stef's Performance

GrannySShifting

iTrader: (10)

so how much light can you really see thru there?

93PONY

I can vouch for that! Yours are the ONLY springs I will run on my Fords. Too many problems with Comp springs for me! Never seen a spring with LESS pressure cure valvefloat....but it did!

Can't wait to see these new LS1 springs in action.

BTW, I think purple is really your color Ed.

Ed Curtis

Blame PS John...

He said my blue lettering couldn't be seen with his blue background...

(That's why this one is in blue....)

Ed

Cal

iTrader: (1)

Is there a difference between LT1 and LS1 locks? I just replaced springs on both using stock locks and they looked identical. Never heard of LT1's busting springs. BTW, I'll be watching this thread with interest, keep up the good work!

Cstraub

iTrader: (1)

LT1's have the old squared tang. And yes your correct they did not have spring problems. this is also the same style tang that Ford 5.0's have. Can not say what we have found at this point. . .waiting on some more testing the I will "call the ball".

Chris
Stef's Performance

BLK02WS6

iTrader: (2)

Chris,
Any chance there will be something in the next couple of weeks that will help me make a decision on which springs to get? I need to make a choice soon, but if you say it will be worth my wait, I'll wait.

By the way, I was thinking Crane duals for stock pockets w/titainium retainers and hardened seats.

Thanks!

Cstraub

iTrader: (1)

If our results are what we expect, the no valvespring has a chance to live in this engine due to another part. So springs are getting the blame but they are breaking due to a "tolerance issue". So your spring purchase is no problem. Thats all I would buy at this time.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

I am so curious as to what you have found out. Please PM me any information that you may have that can help eliminate broken springs from continuing.

Much appreciated.

Brien

TVWilkes

I also think that the stock valve lock is a week point.After looking at the movement of the stock valve lock,I have decided to use the new super 7 valve lock. I am looking forward to the arrival of the shipment of locks from Chris.Patriot has a titanium retainer for use with the super 7 valve lock for the 8mm LS1/LS6 valves.This lock will be used as standard equipment on all of Patriot heads. It will also be available in the Patriot Gold dual valve spring kit.Good bye to the factory locks.