Valve Spring Q&A

Q. Why should I replace my factory valve springs when I upgrade my engine?

A. Factory valve springs are adequate for stock engines, but as with most factory components, they are mass produced and performance is often secondary to cost. Once you begin to modify an engine it places added stress on every part of the valve train system. When you upgrade your camshaft even to a mild street performance grind, you increase valve lift, opening/closing aggressiveness, duration and the rpm range of your engine. All of these factors directly affect valve movement, which your valve spring is tasked with properly controlling. This is why it is so important to use quality high performance valve springs, retainers and valve locks from a reputable manufacturer. COMP Cams valve springs utilize only the finest wire material available, latest designs and advanced manufacturing processes, yielding the best performing and most durable valve springs in the industry. While it is hard to visually see the difference between a “low buck” valve spring and a quality valve spring, rest assured that your valve train will know the difference. Choosing to save a few dollars on inferior valve springs is a high stakes gamble with serious consequences.



Q. What is the proper break-in procedure for new valve springs?

A. It is important for new valve springs to take a heat-set. Never abuse or run the engine at high rpm when the valve springs are cold. During the installation process use COMP Cams Valve Train Assembly Spray (#106) on the springs, rocker arms and pushrods to supply the necessary lubrication for the initial start-up. Upon initial start-up, limit rpm to 1500-2000 until the temperature has reached operating levels. Shut off the engine and allow the springs to cool to room temperature. This process will help eliminate premature failure and prolong valve spring life.



Q. What are the main causes of valve spring failure?

A. The most common causes of valve spring failure can be traced to three areas: misapplication, mishandling and improper installation. When selecting valve springs it is necessary to consider camshaft specifics, intended rpm and valve train mass. If you take a valve spring beyond its operating range the results can be catastrophic. All valve springs should be handled with care to avoid stress fractures or scarring of the spring material. Improper installation of a valve spring can cause anything from changes in spring pressures to coil bind issues, ultimately resulting in premature failure. Proper installation and installed height will provide correct seat/open pressures. It is critical that each one of these areas is well thought-out to achieve peak valve spring performance and service life.



Q. Will I have to do any machine work to the cylinder heads when I upgrade my valve springs?

A. COMP Cams offers an extensive line of valve springs, including single, dual, triple, and Beehive designs. For most applications we have springs available which simply drop into place, requiring no additional modifications. Some factory cylinder heads feature small diameter spring pockets and/or tall valve guides which limit the amount of duration and valve lift before retainer-to-valve guide clearance or coil bind becomes an issue. In these cases the spring pocket and/or the valve guide must be modified to make room for a larger diameter valve spring. COMP Cams carries spring pocket cutting tools with detailed instructions to perform this procedure.