5. Should I replace my factory valve springs when I upgrade my engine?

Factory valve springs are designed to provide a balance of acceptable performance and manufacturing economy at OE engine power levels. Once you begin to increase those power levels, you subject your factory valve springs to valve train stresses that they won’t be able to handle.

For example, upgrading your camshaft to a street performance grind will increase valve lift and RPM range, not to mention torque and horsepower –all of which translates to mechanical stress levels that your factory springs simply were not designed to control.

High performance valve springs -such as those manufactured by COMP Cams®, are specifically designed to control the additional loads imposed on your valve train by that new cam. Select a set that is appropriate to your application, and you will enjoy many years of trouble-free performance.

7. What causes valve springs to fail?

The four most common causes of valve spring failure are: incorrect spring selection, mishandling, improper installation, and abusive operation.

When selecting valve springs, it is imperative that your choice be appropriate to your camshaft type and intended use for your engine. An inappropriate valve spring choice is almost certain to result in accelerated wear and/or engine damage.

All valve springs should be handled with care to avoid stress fractures or scoring of the spring material. Improper handling and installation of a valve spring can cause anything from the failure of the spring to perform to its rating -to premature spring failure.

Checking your valve spring’s installed height will ensure the correct spring pressures at open and closed valve position. Running the springs at the wrong installed height can result in premature coil bind, incorrect spring pressures, or both.

The final failure potential lies how you operate your engine. If you rev your engine past it’s safe RPM range, the resulting valve float can cause catastrophic engine damage. Choose the right spring for your rpm range, ensure that it’s installed correctly, and you’ll enjoy long and reliable valve spring and engine life.