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Valve spring pressures and testing #2698489
09/17/19 03:24 PM
09/17/19 03:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
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Mt Morris Michigan
mopar dave Offline OP
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Gonna pull some valve springs and test them. First, my cam is a SFT with .625/.595 actual lift after lash numbers. My current pressures are 145/410 with titanium retainers. Would this be enough? What pressures should I have up to 7000rpm? I need to get a spring tester, which one would you suggest for best accuracy under $200. This cam is in my 511 and is 270@50 on a 110.

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: mopar dave] #2698512
09/17/19 04:52 PM
09/17/19 04:52 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12,587
Great Neck,LI,new york
hemi-itis Offline
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I would call the maker of that cam and find out what it likes.
There is no such thing as a "cheap" tester!


HEMI-ITIS has no cure.
My condition is fully BLOWN!!
Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: hemi-itis] #2698543
09/17/19 06:55 PM
09/17/19 06:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,027
Mt Morris Michigan
mopar dave Offline OP
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What would you suggest for spring tester?

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: mopar dave] #2698598
09/17/19 10:16 PM
09/17/19 10:16 PM
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Portage,michigan
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B3422W5 Offline
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Dwayne specced the cam, right?
Call him and ask what spring to run on it. I would assume you would have done that already back when you bought the cam?


69 Dart GTS A4 Silver All steel, flat factory hood, 3360race weight
418 BPE factory replacement headed stroker, 565 lift solid cam
Best so far, 10.40 @127 1/4
1.41 best 60 foot
6.60 at 103.90 1/8

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: mopar dave] #2698610
09/17/19 11:11 PM
09/17/19 11:11 PM
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Washington
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madscientist Offline
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Originally Posted by mopar dave
Gonna pull some valve springs and test them. First, my cam is a SFT with .625/.595 actual lift after lash numbers. My current pressures are 145/410 with titanium retainers. Would this be enough? What pressures should I have up to 7000rpm? I need to get a spring tester, which one would you suggest for best accuracy under $200. This cam is in my 511 and is 270@50 on a 110.


Unless the core and lifters are special, that's about all I'd go. Porter may say otherwise and I'd listen to him.


Just because you think it won't make it true. Horsepower is KING. To dispute this is stupid. C. Alston
Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: mopar dave] #2698614
09/17/19 11:50 PM
09/17/19 11:50 PM
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Missouri
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jwb123 Offline
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Missouri
I use a cheap proform tester, and a calibration spring to make sure its right. Checked it against a Rimac tester as well, and it was within 4 lbs with a 400lb spring.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...R4rrZ5AIVgx6tBh1wiQhxEAQYAyABEgJcc_D_BwE

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-5316/overview/

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: B3422W5] #2698616
09/17/19 11:50 PM
09/17/19 11:50 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,027
Mt Morris Michigan
mopar dave Offline OP
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We spoke about a lot of things as he gave me a bunch of his time. I can't remember if it was him or someone else saying they thought the valves pressures were on the edge of being too light. I will have to go back and reread some posts and PM's. Dwayne did say to check my pressures thou just to be sure. Anyone use the spring testers you squeeze in a vice?

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: mopar dave] #2698632
09/18/19 01:42 AM
09/18/19 01:42 AM
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Pattison Texas
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Originally Posted by mopar dave
We spoke about a lot of things as he gave me a bunch of his time. I can't remember if it was him or someone else saying they thought the valves pressures were on the edge of being too light. I will have to go back and reread some posts and PM's. Dwayne did say to check my pressures thou just to be sure. Anyone use the spring testers you squeeze in a vice?


the one I have is junk, not even close.


1968 Charger COLD A/C Hilborn EFI
512ci 9.7 compression, Stealth heads, 4.10 gear A518 ODtrans 4100lb,10.93 full street car trim
2020 T/A 392 Stock 11.79 @ 114.5

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: CSK] #2698642
09/18/19 06:24 AM
09/18/19 06:24 AM
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Posts: 15,439
Val-haul-ass... eventually
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BradH Offline
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Val-haul-ass... eventually
Originally Posted by csk
Originally Posted by mopar dave
We spoke about a lot of things as he gave me a bunch of his time. I can't remember if it was him or someone else saying they thought the valves pressures were on the edge of being too light. I will have to go back and reread some posts and PM's. Dwayne did say to check my pressures thou just to be sure. Anyone use the spring testers you squeeze in a vice?


the one I have is junk, not even close.

The first one I bought was rated to 300#. I have a calibrated checking spring and it wasn't even close.

The second one I bought from a member here who was selling a "better" version of the same design rated to 600#. It checked fairly accurate the first couple of times I used it. I tried to use it again recently and it has apparently lost its mind and is reading way off. Entirely possible that I did something "wrong" with it, but I still wouldn't purchase another one if they're damaged inadvertently that easily.

Don't know what I'm going to buy at this point, considering everything that has a good reputation is in a much higher price range... $400++, from what I saw looking around online last night.

Last edited by BradH; 09/18/19 09:30 AM.
Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: BradH] #2698653
09/18/19 07:26 AM
09/18/19 07:26 AM
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Tulsa OK
Bad340fish Offline
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My Dad has one of the LSM spring testers. Like everything else they have it wasn't cheap but it seems to work very well. It is only meant to do seat pressure though as it doesn't have enough travel to test open pressures.

One interesting thing in the instructions is that you need to tap on the spring lightly with something once you get the height set to relieve any tension between the inner and outer spring, makes a noticeable difference in the reading.


68 Barracuda Formula S 340
87 "Chrysler" Conquest
Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: mopar dave] #2698654
09/18/19 07:40 AM
09/18/19 07:40 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 284
PA
Harry's Taxi 2 Offline
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Originally Posted by mopar dave
We spoke about a lot of things as he gave me a bunch of his time. I can't remember if it was him or someone else saying they thought the valves pressures were on the edge of being too light. I will have to go back and reread some posts and PM's. Dwayne did say to check my pressures thou just to be sure. Anyone use the spring testers you squeeze in a vice?


I have a Proform one and compared it to an LSM one and they were very close......within 5lbs if I recall correctly.


'86 Maple Grove KOS Mopar low qualifier......true street legal with no power adders.

NOS-used when losing since 1940.

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: mopar dave] #2698657
09/18/19 08:01 AM
09/18/19 08:01 AM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
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Originally Posted by mopar dave
We spoke about a lot of things as he gave me a bunch of his time. I can't remember if it was him or someone else saying they thought the valves pressures were on the edge of being too light. I will have to go back and reread some posts and PM's. Dwayne did say to check my pressures thou just to be sure. Anyone use the spring testers you squeeze in a vice?


I have one.. at first it was way off.. I changed the gauge 3 times to get it right.. make sure there is
no air in it.. I have 1 master spring that I use to check the low and high end of the gauge.. you have
get a good gauge for it
wave

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: MR_P_BODY] #2698660
09/18/19 08:40 AM
09/18/19 08:40 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,097
back in Georgia
dthemi Offline
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Buying just one tester, I'd go for an LSM on motor tester. Slap on new spriings idle it, then, run over them with the on motor tester and let that be your down from here number. Point being, you just want to replace them when they start to go away. I found that by being able to easily check them on the motor, I keep a closer eye on them.

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: mopar dave] #2698668
09/18/19 09:29 AM
09/18/19 09:29 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,439
Val-haul-ass... eventually
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BradH Offline
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Val-haul-ass... eventually
What are the dimensions, specs & config (dual, or dual w/ damper) of your springs? Also, any idea what they weigh?

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: BradH] #2698671
09/18/19 09:58 AM
09/18/19 09:58 AM
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Posts: 20,116
PA.
pittsburghracer Online work
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I always wondered if some of you guy shop for the he cheapest Cardiologist and Dentist too. I would rather have a good used tool than a cheap new tool. Lots of deals out there if you dont mind checking around on the Internet


1970 Duster
Edelbrock headed 408
5.984@112.52
422 Indy headed small block
5.982@112.56 mph
9.42@138.27

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Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: pittsburghracer] #2698674
09/18/19 10:17 AM
09/18/19 10:17 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,027
Mt Morris Michigan
mopar dave Offline OP
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I just thought if the testers under $200 were accurate I would pick one up and check my own springs, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I just want to get a couple check, so it would be wise imo to just take them to a local shop and have them checked. If I did this for a living, then yeah, I would buy the $1000 spring tester.

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: BradH] #2698675
09/18/19 10:19 AM
09/18/19 10:19 AM
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Mt Morris Michigan
mopar dave Offline OP
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yeah, I was looking at the 600# tester by Comp. Thought maybe it might be a good piece. Thanks for clearing this up guys.

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: mopar dave] #2698700
09/18/19 11:22 AM
09/18/19 11:22 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,439
Val-haul-ass... eventually
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BradH Offline
Taking time off to work on my car
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Val-haul-ass... eventually
Originally Posted by mopar dave
yeah, I was looking at the 600# tester by Comp. Thought maybe it might be a good piece. Thanks for clearing this up guys.

Looks like Jeg's house-brand testers are identical to what COMP sells, only Jeg's has them for about 1/2 the price. Pay your money and take your chances, I suppose. luck

I don't know if the LSM bench testers are worth the $400+. Everything above that price level is $800 on up, unless you can find a nice used higher-end tester for a good price.

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: pittsburghracer] #2698705
09/18/19 11:55 AM
09/18/19 11:55 AM
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PA
Harry's Taxi 2 Offline
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Originally Posted by pittsburghracer
I always wondered if some of you guy shop for the he cheapest Cardiologist and Dentist too. I would rather have a good used tool than a cheap new tool. Lots of deals out there if you dont mind checking around on the Internet


Maybe because now days in more cases than not the high dollar stuff is the same Chinese crap as the cheap stuff........so why piss away money to say it's a brand name.

I agree with you on looking for older used stuff.....you don't realize how crappy some stuff is made today till you get your hands on some older manufactured tools.


'86 Maple Grove KOS Mopar low qualifier......true street legal with no power adders.

NOS-used when losing since 1940.

Re: Valve spring pressures and testing [Re: BradH] #2698707
09/18/19 11:58 AM
09/18/19 11:58 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 421
montana
BANDIT Offline
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montana
I’m with DT, very easy to check them regularly on motor with the LSM. I have an old 500# Rimac I use when they are off or to compare a used set. I’ve been offered good money for it, but it will stay bolted to my workbench. I also have the LSM on motor spring swap tools for my -1’s and 572-13’s, will even use them when heads are on bench, way more control over inadvertent stuff flying around shop. Spendier stuff, but has helped in some tight spots and good quality stuff. Jim


64 Dodge Coronet 440. In progress
1998. Dodge Avenger. 8.35@165. 4400 DA
250” Neil and Parks Slip Joint. 7.36@183.
4600 DA
242" Mullis Dragster. 6.90@ 200mph
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