Anyone ever install conical valve springs. I picked up a set from Comp Cams to replace my stock springs during a cam change, and I'm not sure which way they go on.

Haven't tried them on the head yet, but the retainer seems like it is for the larger diameter end of the spring, which would mean the spring would sit on the head with smaller side down. Seems upside down to me. Shouldn't the larger part of the spring sit on the head, and then taper smaller as it reaches the rocker?

If you have the ovate wire, beehive springs, then the larger diameter side should be down in the spring pocket. The smaller diameter side should have retainers to match and be at the top of the valve stem.

You should check the part numbers of the retainers and springs to verify you have the correct items.

Wide end in the spring pocket, small diameter up top. Did you remember to buy the smaller retainers with the springs?

Good post b/c years ago there used to be springs sold that fit the 1.25" dia. or so stock spring pockets, that were 1.50" in dia. up top like a BB spring!!

pdq67

Guys,

Spoke with a technical person at Comp Cams, and the conical springs do go on the head with the larger end up.The 1.25" side sits in the stock spring seat, while the top of the spring in 1.465". Seems upside down, but that's the way they go.

Stock spring pocket is 1.25"
The beehive is 1.25" on the BOTTOM and 1.44" or so on TOP (retainer side)
This isn't rocket science,,,,, don't try and over think it.


Why on earth would you want to use springs with a big bottom and a small top?
Springs that are larger dia are what you are after, they have better life, cooling and rates with less coilbind.

Why on earth would you want to use springs with a big bottom and a small top? Springs that are larger dia are what you are after, they have better life, cooling and rates with less coilbind.

Because a smaller retainer is lighter and takes less spring to control. I always thought these went in small end up too so I must be :confused:

Looks like the guys at CarCraft installed theirs upside down. Never did trust those magazine boys... Not


http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0402_valvesprings/index1.html

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/vortec_valve_spring_upgrade/index.html

If you have the ovate wire, beehive springs, then the larger diameter side should be down in the spring pocket. The smaller diameter side should have retainers to match and be at the top of the valve stem.

You should check the part numbers of the retainers and springs to verify you have the correct items.

+1^^^

Looks like the guys at CarCraft installed theirs upside down. Never did trust those magazine boys... Not


http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0402_valvesprings/index1.html

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/vortec_valve_spring_upgrade/index.html



installed mine upside down also. man they sure work good that way, though :)

i would call comp again. the guy who helped you took "special bus" to skool:crazy:

the new style beehive spring has the small end up so you can use a smaller retainer but we have used springs with the large end up when rules called for a stock head no machining because way back when you could not get a stock dia. spring for a high lift cam

Another advantage of the smaller retainer on top is weight reduction. In the valve train, every ounce counts.

Tommy - I just can't get over that avatar. Guess it reminds me of one of my old high school tag alongs... oh well, never mind... her ears were a bit longer. :)

Corky,

Was she "stump-broke" too????

He, He!!

I just had to..............................

Bttt..

Guy's, that's why I mentioned that there are TWO conical springs out there!! Bee-hives w/ the new flattened "ovate" shaped wire that install small dia end up and "regular-wire wound" conical type that install the small end down so that you can take advantage of the larger dia. top that spec's out more like a BB spring...

The new bee-hive's are a re-pop of an older idea whereas the other conical type are a real, altho older "hotrod" idea for a spring that can be made to do what wasn't avaialble back then...

pdq67

Guy's, that's why I mentioned that there are TWO conical springs out there!! Bee-hives w/ the new flattened "ovate" shaped wire that install small dia end up and "regular-wire wound" conical type that install the small end down so that you can take advantage of the larger dia. top that spec's out more like a BB spring...

pdq67

OK - I did not know that. Back in the books for me. :eek:

pdq,

Thanks for re-iterating what I originally stated about the ovate wire -beehive style spring. I thought I was specific but it appears that some people did not understand or were quick to try and say I was wrong when they did not read the full description I gave.

Hope this helps Adam G...

Thanks Adam, we all try to help here to learn stuff.

I really like the idea of the ovate wire bee-hive springs, BUT not their high price!!

And I think Olds used this idea back in the early '50's, but I may be off here..

pdq67