Thread: What valve springs for Vortec heads?

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Hi All,

Im finishing up my SB350 engine build, and I want to run a cam with .465 lift with remanufactured Vortec heads. I already checked my retainer to valve seal clearance and it reads .530, which suprised me since other people said theres only about .480. Could this increased clearance be a result from the remanufacturing/cutting of the seats and valves? Anyway, I assume the .465 lift on this cam will work fine. BUT....

Im concerned about the valve springs pressure and coil bind....

1) Stock vortec has 80 lbs springs which I think is too light. Should I be around 100 lbs or so?

2) Are there any inexpensive springs that will drop right in? I dont want to grind or machine anything to make new springs fit. Id also like to keep the stock retainers.

By the way, its just going to be a street motor, not going to the track. So not looking for anything radica, just a cheap fix to the spring issue.

Thanks!

comp cams have a new beehive conical valve spring that creates more room for valve lift before spring reaches coil bind. Clearance I think is 0.450 to 0.550. I haven't use these but have heard good results.

I have reman vortec heads on my 327. Im running a comp cams XE262 cam with 440 lift and magnum roller tip rockers. The reman stock springs were OK. I swapped to the comp cams beehive springs which gives me lift to 500. Im planning on swapping to a 280 duration and 480 lift cam. You are welcome to the stock springs, retainers, and keepers.

Thanks, Would you have an item # on those beehives? It sounds like those are exactly what I need. I saw them on Summit, but only found 1.240 diameter, vortecs need 1.250 if im not mistaken.
Man, they are not cheap! But then again, nothing is anymore.
I saw these also, less costly, wonder if these will work?
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

26915 $155 on ebay
774 retainers $49 on ebay
600-16 Hardened Steel, Single Groove locks 7º 5/16”
601-16 Hardened Steel, Single Groove locks 7º 11/32”
603-16 Hardened Steel, Single Groove locks 7º 3/8”
(the last number is the valve stem diameter, measure yours and order accordingly on ebay from Discount Performance or Atalantic Speed Performance for $8)
These locks will fit these retainers, these retainers will fit these springs, these springs will fit your vortec heads.
I'm not pushing ebay but these two places sell good stuff, good prices, and fast shipping.
Good luck with your vortec heads. I am very happy with my heads on my 327. The only thing I don't like is the intake gasket is expensive when I do a cam change.

Thanks for those item numbers and info! Ill look into that stuff later today, since there's a local car show and swap meet today...so needless to say im excited to get out of the house and over there. By the way, I understand your praise for ebay, half the parts I buy are from ebay...theres some good parts dealers there.
Thanks again for your help, much appreciated.

You can use any SBC 1.25" spring on Vor-Tec heads. You have just have to remove the dampener and set them up at the correct height for the spring and cam combo.

tom