Hey guys,

I have a 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger. It has a 318, LD4B intake manifold, 1406 600cfm carburetor, auto trans (factory stall convertor), 3.23:1 gears, P225-70R-14 rear tires, 2 1/4" dual exhaust (using factory exhaust manifolds), & MP electronic ignition. Everything else in/on the engine is factory (1971 vintage).

I will be adding the SummitRacing "SUM-K6900 - Summit Racing® Classic Cam and Lifter Kits" (Cam and Lifters, Hydraulic Flat Tappet, Advertised Duration 278/288, Lift .421/.444, Chrysler, Small Block).

The tech guy at SummitRacing said I should use "TFS-16901-16 - Trick Flow® by PAC Racing Single Valve Springs" (Valve Springs, PAC Racing, Single, 1.495 in. Outside Diameter, 355 lbs./in. Rate, 1.100 in. Coil Bind, Set 16)

But, I've heard/read other people say I should use "CCA-901-16 - COMP Cams Valve Springs" (Valve Springs, Single, 1.494 in. Outside Diameter, 353 lbs./in. Rate, 1.160 in. Coil Bind Height, Set of 16).

Which valve springs are correct? I'm a complete rookie with engine modifications (the electronic ignition almost put me over the edge).

Please help!!

For a start I would measure your closed (base circle) and open (full lift) spring height dimentions and clearance between the coils at full lift "open" with what cam/springs are in there right now and the cam lift. the springs seem similar ex for installed height. How much are both sets? Yes I've seen that 901-16 recommendation many times from members who have went that route

I ran the same Comp #901's on a .470"/.470" cam and a .489"/.480" cam. They were good for my setup to about 6100/6200 rpms before valve float. Very good spring for both of my hydraulic flat tappet cams. I have been told they are good up to .490" lifts.

you are over-thinking/overwhelming yourself with minor differences.

You are running what is basically the stock 340 cam, run the 340 valve springs too. Rock auto sells them for a bit less than the recommended kits above, SEALED POWER VS678, $3.30 each.

The 340 springs mentioned above will work. They are safest choice. There is an Enginetech equivalent on Rockauto ERV901 which is even less expensive, like $2.01 each. I've had good luck with Enginetech parts.

You don't need Comp 901s or their equivalent. They are stiffer than you need and increase the risk of failure during breakin (although it is still quite small if you take care.)

R.

I was told I also need retainers? So valve springs and retainers is what I need?

Can someone provide actual part numbers (and vendor) for this? I'm a complete newbie to any/all of this.

Thanks to all for all your help!

You almost NEVER need new retainers unless one of two things happens.

Inspection shows the need for a replacement or you are building a very serious race motor with tons of spring pressure.

You also do not need locks either, unless inspection shows the need to replace some.

With the very mild, almost stock, cam you are looking to run you are fine with what you have unless you see something during installation that suggested you replace them.

I would suggest you replace the valve stem seals while you are there though and since you should replace the valve cover gaskets (they will probably fall apart if they are old, cork ones) get the newer steel reinforced neoprene ones.

Springs ENGINETECH ERV901 (already gave you the sealed power #)
Valve stem seals FEL-PRO SS70014 (stock type, all seals incl.)

Both at Rockauto.com

As for the valve cover gaskets

http://www.manciniracing.com/valcovgas.html

Thank you Supercuda! I'll get my RockAuto order together.

Supercuda, this is twice in a week I have agreed with you, must be a new record.

To the OP, if on the off-chance your engine has rotators on the exhaust valves they need to be recycled and replaced with new retainers like are used on the intake valves. If all 16 of your spring retainers look the same you are golden.

R.

You are learning Grasshopper

I totally forgot about rotators, never had any on my engines, but I only do pass car stuff for myself.

For him or for you!

Trick Flow 16901 spring. Same as comp spring, about $10 less at summit.

Stock 340 springs would work as well.

The 16901 spring has 5 lbs more pressure, 101#, at an installed height of 1.65 vs a stock 340 spring 96#. Pretty insignificant.

Pick your parts, pay your money.

Once again I say unto you, that's nearly a stock cam, no need to go any better on springs than the Enginequest.

I'm sure many people have installed that cam or the 340 cam in a stock 318 or 360 and not changed the springs at all. Back in my chevy days I did the equivalent, swapped a .450 lift cam for a .400 lift cam without touching the springs. No issues except dealing with the extra power.

R.