How much can you machine spring pockets on SB Edelbrocks?

Does anyone know or know how to find out how much you can safely matching the spring pockets on a set of SB Edelbrock heads?

I’m at 1.680 and need to be at 1.860 so I need to matching .180 in the spring pockets but not sure if that’s possible.

Which retainers are you running?

If you’re at 1.680, you’re using parts that are “incorrect” for those heads.

The assemblies from Ede come with a nominal 1.800” IH, with some shims under the springs.
The as-supplied valve lengths are 4.98 intake/5.00 exhaust with a .250 tip length.

With some tall retainers you can get to 1.900.

As for attempting to cut the spring pockets .180”........ I would strongly advise against trying that.

Do NOT cut the spring pockets, there is water underneath
I found that out the hard way years ago on a stock set of 340 iron heads, hit water at .080
Go the other way to increase the spring height, offset stepped retainers and offset +.050 keepers or longer valves

Comp Beehive springs, 26120
Locators are .060”
.180 was with std locks, switch to +.050 for picture
Cam is .563” lift

Coil bind 1.230”
Add .050 to keep from coil bind
= 1.280

+ .563 cam lift
= 1.843

Install height is 1.720 (includes .060 shim for locator)

So I need .123 more install height, it was .173 with std locks.

Some options I was thinking about:

1. Cutting pockets .200, but that sounds like a no go
- can I safely cut any into the pocket? If I could cut .065” and the diameter of the spring, then I could loose the locator .060 and just use a .015 shim. That would get me .110”

2. Mill .030 off the locators

3. Change to .100 taller valves

4. Change springs to Manley 221428 which have coil bind at 1.085.

Use a +.100 retainer with that +.050 lock and take the rest off of the spring cup.

You will most likely have to grind the cups/locators to the desired spec. Those things are hard on tooling in my limited experience, with my substabdard tooling. : D

They don’t make +.100 retainer and I’m already using the +.050 locks. The easy buttons have already been pushed, looking for help on other options. Mainly asking if anyone knows if you can safely cut into spring pockets, even .065 would help.

I wish I understood more on what you are trying to do but I run a .660 lift roller cam on my Edelbrock heads. I open them for a 1.550 spring and shim as needed. Easy peasy.

A better way to put that is "They (I assume Comp) don't make a +100 retainer" to "They don't make a +.100 retainer that I know of"

With all of the LS stuff using small diameter springs there is quite a variety of +.100 behive retainers because the installed height on the new junk is relatively short.

Good luck with your project!

I had Victory 1 Performance manufactuer some custom tool steel retainers for my behives I planted on my 906s, but that was because the market options for 3/8 valves was very limited. I had to send them the locks that I intended to use and some valve height measurements. This was about 20 years ago when behives were relatively fresh to the performance market. The cost wasn't prohibative in the least. Just something you may want to consider if no other options are viable. They were graet to work with.

You’re trying to use a spring/retainer package that’s designed for more installed height than that head provides.

There are alternative non-beehives that easily fit those heads.
If you feel like you have to use beehives, you can either use shorter ones....... or start thinking about custom parts.

26918’s would work fine at 1.720 with .563 lift.

For the non-beehive applications, the Comp tool steel and Titanium retainers add about .030” installed height over the steel counterparts.
I don’t know it the same holds true for the beehive retainers or not.

how thick is that spacer between heightmike and retainer? Add that to your h-Mike number.

Thanks Dwayne, I think changing springs to the comp 26918 or the Manley 221428 is the best option

Jeremiah, I hadn’t checked other suppliers, thanks for that suggestion but still turned up with no +.100 options. I checked comp, Manley and PAC.

Wastedays, you have to run a shim btw the mic and the retainer when using the small beehive retainer and standard Mic. I use .060 shim because that is the thickness of the spring cup/locator so 1.720” is the actual install height.

Pittsburghracer, just trying to make the heads, valves, springs, retainers and locks I was provided work with a .563 lift cam.

Thanks to everyone that offered help and suggestions.

Ok now I’m on the same page.

I don’t use a washer on top of the height mic for beehive retainers.

The step on the height mic is .150” tall. You just subtract that from the reading.

So, if you were shooting for say, 1.830” installed height, you’d be looking for a reading of 1.980”.