901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers

Posted By: 98RAM1500

901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/10/14 12:09 AM

I was told that 901-16 valve springs would work with the stock retainers on my 302 casting 318 heads, they only cover up to half of the diameter of the spring is this ok? just wanting to double check before assembly

Posted By: 65rbdodge

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/10/14 01:11 AM

i have put 901 springs on 2 sets of 302 heads without any problems. I don't remember seeing them only cover half the diameter of the spring though.

Posted By: scratchnfotraction

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/10/14 10:57 PM

I run 5 sets of 901-16 spring with 16 stock intake retainers to ditch the exhaust rotators. on LA small block heads 318/360

all of them on lunati flat tappet cams,1 luntai voodoo roller cam and now on the hughes whiplash roller cam in my 91 318 with 3302 heads.

all lunati springs for small blocks are doubles with damper and need machine work to fit head.

the comp 901-16 drops on with head on engine, uses stock retaners/seals.

hughes spring have a little more seat pressure but less spring rate than the comp 901s = little less seat presure but more spring rate.

what cam are you going with?

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/10/14 11:16 PM

Quote:

I was told that 901-16 valve springs would work with the stock retainers on my 302 casting 318 heads, they only cover up to half of the diameter of the spring is this ok? just wanting to double check before assembly

The most important part is how the fit against the ID of the spring? They want to almost have a zero play fit , if the float a large amount around inside the spring the retainers are TOO SMALL .

Posted By: 98RAM1500

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/11/14 02:33 AM

Im using stock late 70's 318 head retainers & the mopar performance 444 lift (340 spec) cam with lifters

heres a pic of the retainer centered on the spring and yes it does have alittle play on the id

Attached picture 7992967-DSCF0002.JPG

Posted By: 98RAM1500

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/11/14 02:34 AM

heres another pic

Attached picture 7992971-DSCF0005.JPG

Posted By: 98RAM1500

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/11/14 03:02 AM

the engine will be a 318 bored 40 over, with stock replacement internals, 429/444 lift (340 cam), 302 casting heads with some mild porting & polishing, edelbrock performer with 600 cfm holley.

what about comp cams 744-17 retainers? & would they work with the stock keepers?

Posted By: scratchnfotraction

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/11/14 03:44 AM

Quote:

the engine will be a 318 bored 40 over, with stock replacement internals, 429/444 lift (340 cam), 302 casting heads with some mild porting & polishing, edelbrock performer with 600 cfm holley.

what about comp cams 744-17 retainers? & would they work with the stock keepers?

I ran a Napa house brand 340 cam that had the .429/.444 lift with stock 360 heads/springs it pulled to 5500 with no issues on stock springs.

but good you are wanting to do it right by measuring and using correct parts that fit. don't for get installed height, coil bind,valve stem clearance with new retainers/locks/seals.

I just slam some well used parts with some new parts with some fresh oil and COLOR ME LUCKY!

have to say I have had some fun with junk and enjoy it when it is winding up hard and drops a valve/slings a rod/spins a bearings or all of the above at once every NOW and THEN.

kinda my low stakes gambling addiction. got 2 more roller cam 318s on the stand waiting for a chance to

seems my nv4500 5-speed just uped the stakes alittle by the looks of my tires.

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/11/14 06:53 PM

Quote:

Im using stock late 70's 318 head retainers & the mopar performance 444 lift (340 spec) cam with lifters

heres a pic of the retainer centered on the spring and yes it does have alittle play on the id

What is the ID of the spring ? How much is a little play ? Do you have a set of dial calipers ? What is the recommended retainer for the spring you want to use , that will give you the number you wantto check against the stock retainer .

and as scratchy said , installed height is important , you need to check that and put the springs in at the correct height .

Or just slam it together and see what happens ...

Posted By: 98RAM1500

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/12/14 04:51 PM

im probably gonna get the comps matching retainers & keepers just to be safe

. thanks for the help guys

Posted By: RTSrunner

Re: 901-16 comp springs work w/stock 318 retainers - 01/12/14 06:21 PM

Quote:

I run 5 sets of 901-16 spring with 16 stock intake retainers to ditch the exhaust rotators. on LA small block heads 318/360

all of them on lunati flat tappet cams,1 luntai voodoo roller cam and now on the hughes whiplash roller cam in my 91 318 with 3302 heads.

all lunati springs for small blocks are doubles with damper and need machine work to fit head.

the comp 901-16 drops on with head on engine, uses stock retaners/seals.

hughes spring have a little more seat pressure but less spring rate than the comp 901s = little less seat presure but more spring rate.

what cam are you going with?

I also eliminated the exhaust rotators on my '82/3 318 and replaced them with a set of Edelbrock springs.The installed height of the springs was too short on the exhausts with stock retainers.The exhaust spring seat on the head must have been taller when used with the rotators.I used Hughes Engines retainers that allowed the spring to have more installed height without machining the spring seats in the heads.They are available in several increments to adjust this,and all dimensions/specs are listed on their page.They will sell you a half set if you need different heights for intake/exhaust,just call and ask.I know it's not exactly an answer to your original question,but if you end up needing to buy retainers,might as well check installed height too and buy them once!
Hughes Engine link:
http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/produ...EFjY2Vzc29yaWVz

RT