SouthFL.02.SS

I bought some TEA 1.5's that come with Comp 987's.
I'm running the TSP 231/237 .598/.595 cam currently with Comp 918's and stock retainers on my stock heads.

Now I've always assumed that the Comp 987's should be no problem, being that they're dual springs and have always read that they are "better" than the Comp 918's.

The Comp 918's are good 'till .600, and run fine with the 231/237 cam due to it's softer ramp rates. I've spun the engine many a time to 6900 rpms with no valve float recorded.

After doing a little searching, I can't find a max lift rating for the 987's. I've read anywhere from .590 to .630, but have not read an exact number.
If it really is .590 I'm gonna have to change the springs on my new heads.

Anyone?

Kurtomac

iTrader: (5)

ive talked in person to a couple of the guys from TEA they told me those springs the way they set them up are good for .630.....my springs have been used for probably 8000miles.....6000 of them on a Comp XER 224 224 581 581 112+2 cam the last 2000 have been made on a FMS F13 cam 230 232 591 595 113+2....same springs stock rockers.....wind to 6800.....no valve float indicated on the dyno a couple weeks ago...infact i pull 440rwhp 402rwtq through my 12 bolt on 18inch rims all belts and air filter in place shortbelt it pull 448rwhp......i wouldnt be scared at all to run the 987s again.....cheap insurance you could always run the 978 springs....use same retianers and all just drop em in and check install height

SouthFL.02.SS

That's good, but I've also read a few threads of FMS and TR230 cammed guys experiencing valve float, even with low miles on the springs. Oh, I'm rather upset now. I wish there were no debate about these springs.
Also, would I have to upgrade lifters to run 978's- or is that only an issue with 977's?

Kurtomac

iTrader: (5)

yea they got valve float with those stupid rockers....i believe the 977s are the ones you gotta worry about for stock lifters....i may be wrong though....i think im going to go with the Comp 921s for my next set and be done with it for 20K miles

SouthFL.02.SS

Thanks man, as usual, somthin' I buy has to have a glitch in it. If only these heads came with better springs. Doh. I'll probably swap the 987's out for 978's before putting the heads on.

Or, rather, can I drop Comp921's or Patriot Duals into these heads? Would I need special shims for this?

Kurtomac

iTrader: (5)

since youre putting heads on you could always put some Comp R lifters in there with the comp 977 springs and not have to worry bout valve float....but you run into a new case of problems....have to buy adjustable rockers or shim your stock ones to get correct lifter preload.....are the heads cut at all......id just try them out if you float....put new springs on....floating them a few times isnt gonna bend valves its the mechanical overrevving that bends valves unless PTV is VERY tight......I havent had any probs outta my 987s and F13 cam, stock lifters, stock rockers...and my heads are cut .016.....keep us posted id like to see how it turns out

Kurtomac

iTrader: (5)

Comp 921s and Patriot Duals are stock diameter springs, these Comp 987 978 and 977 are 1.45 diameter springs.....just shim springs to correct install height and youll be fine....if it were me id give those 987s a shot

SouthFL.02.SS

Thanks for your replies Kurtomac, they're greatly appreciated.

Beast96Z

iTrader: (21)

You don't want to over spring the cam. The instances in which the FMS and TR cams have experienced float was with YT rockers. If your 918's are fine, then the 987's will be just as good with more insurance. The FMS and TR cams have a harder lobe profile that the 231/237. The 977's would be way to much. If anything, use the 978's. There the same diameter and you won't have to buy new retainers. With the Patriot/921's,you will.
FYI, here are the spring rates:
918's- 130/318
978's- 126/368
987's- 138/325
977's- 155/419
As you can see, the 987's provide more pressure on both sides so there will be no problem with them if you have had no problem with the 918's. The 978's provide less seat pressure, but more open pressure, and the 977's are to much all the way around for the cam you have. My opinion, keep the 987's if you like the 918's.

mike02ss

Hey Southfl02ss when I spoke to TEA awhile back they said they warranty their springs for two years, so if you change the springs you might void the warranty on the head. Just a heads up.

Damian

iTrader: (89)

They'll be fine for a while. I'm going on 10K with my 987's with a cam with much faster ramps than the TSP231.

SouthFL.02.SS

cool, thanks all. ya'll are great... I love this board.
I guess I'll keep 'em on for 10K-15k then swap them out.

Beast96Z

iTrader: (21)

Just pull one and have the pressure checked on it. If it is still within spec, keep um, if not replace um.