Thread: Comp Cam Beehive Valve Spring Question

I just returned from the machine shop re: the install the of the beehive valve springs. I was hoping to use stock length intake and exhaust valves. They are new and the intakes are severe duty and the exhaust are inconnel. The measured distance from the the bottom of the valve retainer to the top of the spring pocket is 1.73 inches. That will be tough to obtain the recommended spring height of 1.88. The shop is reluctant to machine much out of...

Somethings radically wrong here there is no big block chevrolet I am aware of that has an installed spring height under 1.88". So somethings definitly wrong here, even stock valves in these heads should measure about 1.900 to 2.10" from the valve retainer bottom to the bottom of the spring pocket. Have them try a set of +.050" locks or a different retainer lock combo, maybe they can get to the 1.88 to 1.920" installed...

Quote: Originally Posted by Raylar Somethings radically wrong here there is no big block chevrolet I am aware of that has an installed spring height under 1.88". So somethings definitly wrong here, even stock valves in these heads should measure about 1.900 to 2.10" from the valve retainer bottom to the bottom of the spring pocket. Have them try a set of +.050" locks or a different retainer lock combo, maybe they can get to the...

Quick, Did your machine shop install new valve seats ? If so, maybe they did not machine them deep enough. If I remember correctly, the valve stem height should be about 2.100" That is the dimension from the spring seat to the tip of the valve. I agree with the others, almost every Rat head I have done easily has 1.850 -1.900 installed hgt with Comp retainers. I wonder if they are using the wrong locks for those retainers ? I think I...