Why is it that the LSx motors have such a habit of killing valve springs?? I know that Terry @ Patriot seems to have developed the latest and greatest spring, but we have been through this before (Comp 918's, REV 1116's, etc...; this is NOT to say that the Patriot springs aren't the break through that we've been waiting for- I don't have any personal experience with them).

I understand that we're talking about aggressive ramp rates and damned big lift (for a street motor), but there are PLENTY of motors out there running more agressive (mechanical) cams with just as much (if not more) lift (think hot big blocks). So, then, my question is, could the weak spot be the overall valvespring diameter (IIRC, the new Patriot springs have a re-designed valve lock/retainer but have retained the relatively smallish diameter of LSx-oriented springs)?? I know that factory heads can only have the spring pocket cut so big before getting into a water jacket.

So, here's the stupid part... what if there were to be a beehive-shaped spring (similar to the 918) with the small diameter end at the bottom?? That would allow them to have a larger over-all diameter for the majority of the "length" of the spring, yet still fit in a stock valve pocket.

Is this possible?? If not, what are the issues that are preventing it?? Is there even an advantage to large diamter springs at all?? I don't know... I'm just throwing the idea out there to see if I can convince ya'll that I'm kinda retarded...

 

I checked out the new super 7 locks compared to the stockers and it is AMAZING at the difference between how they fit. The stock locks actually move up and down on the valve stem and let the retainer "bounce" on the spring causing some bad things to happen. The new super 7 locks hold the valve and makes a much more secure retainer. I'd venture to say that the new locks will do LOADS to cure valvespring problems that people have had in the past. Maybe Terry will post up some pics of the stock vs. super 7 lock.

 

how long till these locks are out? I am sick of breaking springs and anything to prevent it I will buy.
-Steve

 

I have a set on my car You'll have to get new retainers to work with them. Call Terry @ Patriot, he'll give you the info.

 

I don't think that will be a problem, I have done too many damn spring swaps for any other answer
-Steve

 

I still don't buy all of the hype on the Patriot "Gold" springs. Just my opinion, of course, but unless I know the manufacturer I don't touch a spring.

 

DenzSS,
Who do you think mfg's springs? PM me if you want. There is only 3 major players and a couple or so minor ones.

Chris

Oh yeah, Burnout to answer you, inverting the beehive was tried by Isky about 20 years ago. No good results. The simple fact is that the hyd. roller was designed to make power at lower rpms. This gave detroit a weapon to make respectable power in the 80's with bad gas and low compression. The hyd roller is not designed for higher rpm due to the fact you can not have seat and nose pressures with valve springs to control and dampen the inertia mass the lifter has. Therefore as the cam profiles get larger and the "hotrodders" go higher in rpm, the problems will get worse.
The new 2 piece billet cam cores I think will help with lower maintenance on solid rollers and with the new pressurized lifters coming out I feel you will see more solid rollers going into cars.

 

Cstraub--Your mailbox is full.

 

Empty now....sorry.

Chris