Valve Springs ?

[3spd on floor]

So i would like to take a step up in my cam, and i know it is generally recommended to change valve springs at the same time. Should i also change the retainers and locks, or will the old ones do fine? I'm not looking at a huge cam, .448/.471 lift is all. I'm on a bit of a budget, so if i could save 100 bucks by not changing the retainers and locks

thanks

 

[D.Hearne]

Your stock springs and retainers will work fine with a small cam such as that Unless they're the originals or high ,mileage ones, just keep em.

 

[3spd on floor]

well as far as i know the engine has about 100k on a rebuild, think i should replace the springs just to be safe? And if i do replace them, the original locks and retainers will work? does anyone know what diameter the stock springs are?

also, i read on another thread, that its better to use the old springs for the cam break in as they will put less pressure on the lobes and lifters? anyone confirm this? i think it might have been you D.Hearne that said it.

 

[D.Hearne]

If the springs have that many miles on em, then change em. Also the locks. The retainers should be fine, unless they're stamped steel. And yes also to leaving the stock springs during a cam breakin, this will lessen the chances of wiping a lobe with a flat-tappet cam.

 

[FIRE14142002]

The springs need to be set up for the cam specs. This is why they send those little spec cards with the cam. As far as using the old weak springs to break in, never heard of it. If the spring preasure is to weak or to strong you WILL wipe a lobe. Call a shop that rebuilds heads and ask them they are professinals and most of the people on here are not even close to that, including myself.

 

[D.Hearne]

Comp Cams recommends using lighter springs for break-in's they also sell lower ratio rockers for the same purpose. They both lesser the load on the cam lobes for break-in purposes. I've wiped the lobes on two new cams , one with new recommended springs and the other with slightly lighter than spec springs.