Valve Spring Question

86GT · 01-30-2003, 01:26 PM

I currently have Edelbrock heads that have an installed spring height of 1.800"

The springs I need for my cam are different than the ones on my heads, and I have the opportunity to get some for it. They are Crane springs, with the proper seat pressure for my cam, measured at 1.680". Does that mean I need to shim these springs to 1.800" ???

I've been trying to get some answers, and all I've heard was, use two .060" shims and I'd be ok. I dunno, I'm confused at to what I should do. Buy the Trick Flow Track Heat upgrade kit, with 1.780" springs, and use their shims, or just get shims for the kit I can buy cheaper.

Any suggestions?

Old Guy with 87 GT · 01-30-2003, 05:22 PM

it'd be easier to shim them or to get different locks in the retainers ,there are different types of locks to adjust the spring hieght

install one and measure the actuall installed hight ,depending on the locks that will determin the actualle installed hight .....
be better to change the locks but cheaper to shim

86GT · 02-02-2003, 10:10 AM

Yeah, the shims would be the cheapest way to go, maybe not the best. Do Comp or Crane sell the locks that'll change the installed height?

Old Guy with 87 GT · 02-02-2003, 04:08 PM

crane sells different lock sets ,comp should too

had to get a different set for my crane springs to adjust my retainer hieght.......lock set should cost like 20$ set

shims can be obtained at most michine shops for a couple of dollars a set

Shaggy · 02-02-2003, 06:13 PM

I would shim it as long as you are not going to experience coil bind at full lift(place the shims under the spring ). The reason being is that Edelbrocks do come with hardened shims or a spring cup for the spring to rest in and I have see a few that the spring has gotten into the aluminum, head and sent shaving through out the motor.

86GT · 02-03-2003, 08:13 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm borrowing a spring height micrometer and gonna see where the Crane springs and retainers/locks puts everything, just to be safe, and make sure my numbers are correct. A machine shop around here sells shims dirt cheap, so I think if I have to, I'll talk to them about shimming.

01-30-2003, 01:26 PM	#1
86GT Sniffed too much n20 Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Ont, Canada Posts: 1,018	Valve Spring Question I currently have Edelbrock heads that have an installed spring height of 1.800" The springs I need for my cam are different than the ones on my heads, and I have the opportunity to get some for it. They are Crane springs, with the proper seat pressure for my cam, measured at 1.680". Does that mean I need to shim these springs to 1.800" ??? I've been trying to get some answers, and all I've heard was, use two .060" shims and I'd be ok. I dunno, I'm confused at to what I should do. Buy the Trick Flow Track Heat upgrade kit, with 1.780" springs, and use their shims, or just get shims for the kit I can buy cheaper. Any suggestions? __________________ 2002 Windsor Weekend Q16 Qualifier

01-30-2003, 05:22 PM	#2
Old Guy with 87 GT Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Posts: 379	it'd be easier to shim them or to get different locks in the retainers ,there are different types of locks to adjust the spring hieght install one and measure the actuall installed hight ,depending on the locks that will determin the actualle installed hight ..... be better to change the locks but cheaper to shim __________________ the "not so old",old guy 87 Mustang GT T-top >hanlon t-5, pro 5.0, centerforce clutch ,adj. cable/quatrant ,3.27s ,full 2 1/2 ex(off road H) adj. reg. ,e-cam ,70mm TB, cobra intake ,1.7rr ,ported/milled e7ets w/crane springs ,306 balaced/decked short block w/speed pro forged flat top pistons ...257rwhp/302rwt best et 13.7@102 (4/11 ) '80 Capri (future project,currently collecting parts for 351 moter)

02-02-2003, 10:10 AM	#3
86GT Sniffed too much n20 Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Ont, Canada Posts: 1,018	Yeah, the shims would be the cheapest way to go, maybe not the best. Do Comp or Crane sell the locks that'll change the installed height? __________________ 2002 Windsor Weekend Q16 Qualifier

02-02-2003, 04:08 PM	#4
Old Guy with 87 GT Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Posts: 379	crane sells different lock sets ,comp should too had to get a different set for my crane springs to adjust my retainer hieght.......lock set should cost like 20$ set shims can be obtained at most michine shops for a couple of dollars a set __________________ the "not so old",old guy 87 Mustang GT T-top >hanlon t-5, pro 5.0, centerforce clutch ,adj. cable/quatrant ,3.27s ,full 2 1/2 ex(off road H) adj. reg. ,e-cam ,70mm TB, cobra intake ,1.7rr ,ported/milled e7ets w/crane springs ,306 balaced/decked short block w/speed pro forged flat top pistons ...257rwhp/302rwt best et 13.7@102 (4/11 ) '80 Capri (future project,currently collecting parts for 351 moter)

02-02-2003, 06:13 PM	#5
Shaggy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Houston,TX Posts: 466	I would shim it as long as you are not going to experience coil bind at full lift(place the shims under the spring ). The reason being is that Edelbrocks do come with hardened shims or a spring cup for the spring to rest in and I have see a few that the spring has gotten into the aluminum, head and sent shaving through out the motor. __________________ A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week. George S. Patton, General (1885-1945)

02-03-2003, 08:13 PM	#6
86GT Sniffed too much n20 Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Ont, Canada Posts: 1,018	Thanks for all the replies. I'm borrowing a spring height micrometer and gonna see where the Crane springs and retainers/locks puts everything, just to be safe, and make sure my numbers are correct. A machine shop around here sells shims dirt cheap, so I think if I have to, I'll talk to them about shimming. __________________ 2002 Windsor Weekend Q16 Qualifier

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