Valve Spring Tests

First order of head jobs was to find the correct valve springs. For this I had borrowed two test springs and solid lifters so I could measure the installation and open heights. As I would have to bolt the head on the block, I also decided to measure the valve-to-piston clearance. So, two valves went in the head.

For the piston clearance I placed some blu tack in the valve reliefs.

And I was ready to bolt the head to the block. I made sure to follow the correct order for torquing the bolts and then installed the lifters, push rods and original rocker arms. Before adjusting the lash, I rotated the crank until both valves were closed and then tightened the nut until the push rod just started to feel sticky. Time for measurements. Results were:

-	Intake	Exhaust
Installation height	1.80 inches	1.75 inches
Open height	1.33 inches	1.28 inches
Lift	0.47 inches	0.47 inches

Now I was able to find correct valve springs. Not that surprisingly after a phone call to US-Parts, we came to the conclusion that I should buy what Comp Cams suggests for my cam: Comp 942-16. They had the correct pressure and height so I went and bought a set. Their required installation height was 1.7 inches though so I would have to measure every valve and add shims to get it correct.

Finally I removed the head and checked the blu tack.

The valves had hardly even touched it. After cutting both in half, I measured the clearance to be 0.25 inches. No problems there.