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Spring Strength vs. RPM

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Old Jan 31, 2007 | 07:10 PM
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Default Spring Strength vs. RPM

Got a question for all the LS techs, this is my first pushrod car.

I am looking into getting an MS4 for my Z06 that is my DD (10-15 miles per day MAX).

My question is, how does this cam affect spring strength when I'm really driving everywhere under 3K and barely WOT at all except for a blast on the highway here or there.

I know they are building the double springs, but I am not into changing them out at 10-15K miles.

So basically, does low RPM driving dramatically reduce spring life if the cam has alot of lift?

Thnx all, Zach
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 06:42 AM
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Either way, its cyclic fatigue. The more you stress the springs (lift) it comes down to number of cycles. I don't think keeping the RPM down will necessarily extend the spring life much at all.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 07:31 AM
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Ya if your going with a high lift cam a stiff spring is a MUST. No matter what RPM's you stay around it doesn't matter, the cam is still making the same lift at all times, so the springs need to be able to hold up.

Speed Costs Money How Fast Do You Want To Go.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Zee916
Got a question for all the LS techs, this is my first pushrod car.

I am looking into getting an MS4 for my Z06 that is my DD (10-15 miles per day MAX).

My question is, how does this cam affect spring strength when I'm really driving everywhere under 3K and barely WOT at all except for a blast on the highway here or there.

I know they are building the double springs, but I am not into changing them out at 10-15K miles.

So basically, does low RPM driving dramatically reduce spring life if the cam has alot of lift?

Thnx all, Zach
Judging by your intended usage, maybe the MS4 is not the best cam for you.

It really likes the upper rpms. Maybe you would enjoy a smaller cam.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Stang's Bane
Judging by your intended usage, maybe the MS4 is not the best cam for you.

It really likes the upper rpms. Maybe you would enjoy a smaller cam.
Certainly, but my point was that I really dont see WOT runs where I need power down low. I drive the car fast on the highway, but I have no issues with an aggressive cam.

I should have just asked if lift is lift no matter what RPM the engine is at, which makes sense.

Thanks for the comments guys.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 11:23 AM
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Ignoring heat and potential other spring dynamics at high RPM, the fatigue life is a function of stress and cycles. The stress will be determined by the lift for any given spring and the number of cycles is just how many times its gone up and down.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by vettenuts
Ignoring heat and potential other spring dynamics at high RPM, the fatigue life is a function of stress and cycles. The stress will be determined by the lift for any given spring and the number of cycles is just how many times its gone up and down.
Yeah, I may have to go with the MS3 or Torquer 2.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 02:41 PM
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what did u drive before the vette?
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by sidewayz28
what did u drive before the vette?
660rwhp 03 Cobra.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 06:39 PM
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I would think lower rpms would mean less cycles per mile so you should get more miles out of it but I don't think it will be fun to drive that way.
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