bayer-z28

iTrader: (14)

I think I'm either at or getting close to 10k miles on my PRC dual Golds running a PatG Tq cam with LSk lobes. I know I should replace the valve springs around 10k miles, but not sure how to tell if they need it or not. (other than an obvious problem)

Darkman

iTrader: (2)

You can pull a few springs and test them with valve spring tester.

projectX

iTrader: (51)

Sorry I am a noob to valve springs and cams. So, you have to replace valve springs if you cam your car every 10k miles or am I reading this wrong?

amazonic

iTrader: (2)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...xpectancy.html

Darkman

iTrader: (2)

When you install higher lift camshafts valve springs do become a maintenance item. There is nothing magic about 10k miles or any other specific frequency since the maintenance interval depends on several factors. These factors include how much lift the camshaft has, the quality of the valve spring, how well the valvetrain was setup, and how the engine is operated. The bottom line is that with aftermarket cams and springs you can longer ignore you valve springs for a 100k or more miles.

crainholio

iTrader: (2)

I just finished a top-end rebuild due to weak/fatigued springs...could have neen $200 in springs and seals versus nearly $1200 in parts, gaskets, and machine shop labor if I'd replaced them proactively.

bayer-z28

iTrader: (14)

Wow........... 0_o Seriously?? I won't have to worry about them for at least another couple years or next head swap.. If there is indeed some factual truth behind this.

And is the maintenance issue just weakening of the springs? I was more/less fearing a broken spring..

And the cam is 224/228 .637 .639 110 quicker lobes.I'm still getting my sewing machine noise and haven't noticed any drop in power, so I guess I'm still good.


Thanks for the help guys!

ZeeOSix

Obviously, failing springs are of a major concern. But no kind of test can tell you spring failure is imminent or not. Only way to know if valve springs have a tendency to fail is from history of failures of a particular spring brand/model.

Testing for weak spring pressure is possible of course.

bayer-z28

iTrader: (14)

^ Good point. Thanks again.

NVR_SPDS

iTrader: (39)

I would wait until around 20k miles personally, and check your pressures. Like was said, there is no indicator except a spring break that will show you anything but low pressure. Ive had 2 spring failures, in 2 cars, months apart. Both were setup by the previous owners, and i didnt know the importance of spring maintenance until it was too late.

My 2001 WS6 broke a 918 (#8Intake valve) and completely FUBAR'd a piston after i went from the reverse split cam, to a 224R. I checked the spring pressures (unknown miles) and they were nearly 100lbs too light at installed and open height. I couldnt even get the right pressure near coil bind height.

My wifes 2000 WS6 broke a 918 a few months later (#8 Intake valve too, what are the odds???) These also had an unknown amount of miles on them, and were run with a TSP 231/237 cam. Checked the spring pressures, and they were within a few pounds of proper spec.

Basically, you can watch for a drop in spring pressure, and replace when weak, or replace them before an issue arises.

In my car, i now have AFR 205s/AFR springs, and a 224/228. In my wife's car, it now has a PatG/EPS 227/230 w/PRC EHT .675 Duals.

ZeeOSix

From what I've read in the past, there was a bad batch or two of Comp Cams 918 valve springs - can't recall the time frame those springs were manufactured. If these were them or not is hard to say.

trans_am7935

iTrader: (15)

i have these springs to on an LSR 227/235 and i love them. quiet as hell and have great spring pressures!

z99ls1

iTrader: (12)

Do you have prc duals or do you have patriot gold dual valve springs? I don't know where you heard 10k miles with the prc's because I have been hearing great things about them with there long life. These are one of the best springs thats out now I beleive. If you have a 918 or spring like it you would probably need to change them every 20k, but the prc's are much better

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Well when it comes to springs there are MANY factors on deciding when to do a spring job. Once a cam is installed, it will be considered matience like any other thing. The more lift and duration as well as how much the engine sees RPM will decide when it's time. Also a thing to consider is simply just time, as some cars are not seeing the milage but after 5-6 years, it maybe just a good idea to do.

The only thing you can do is pull random springs to get them checked but then how far are you away from just putting new ones in. See my point. If you question them, just do them esp if they are bee hive design.

My own exp: LT1 383 with a LT4 hotcam (***** cam) managed to have a Comp 987 Dual (see heavy) spring let go @ 30k miles on the build. This being a Automatic car as well so it only saw RPM when I was racing and not like a m6 car that could see that every gear.

slt200mph

iTrader: (42)

Ran PRC duals for 48,000 miles on a 232/234 .598/.598 112+0 LSA cam and they were still good when I replaced them.

JS01

iTrader: (10)

With those LSK lobes I would be surprised if the springs still had acceptable seat and open pressures with that many miles.

Steve Gunn

I wouldn't even worry about it until around 20,000 miles.
Bad advice? Maybe...

ramairJP

iTrader: (3)

I agree. LSKs are quite a bit harder than XERs on the whole valvetrain. They might still be ok, but the only sure bet is to pull a few and check them. That 48,000 mile info is good fodder to run them longer than 10,000 though.

Sales2@Texas-speed

iTrader: (5)

Check them for pressure, but I'd bet against them having lost any real pressure at 10K miles!

brians91formula

iTrader: (12)

had 25k miles on mine and the only reason why I changed them was because I had some TFS heads put on.