2003 conical valve spring retainer

[dwg86]

Does anyone have a conical valve spring retainer they can mic for me? I need the outside diameter of the retainer and the outside diameter of the inside land (where the inside of the spring would sit).

[Russ Pottenger]

I'm getting 1.140 for the OD of the valve spring retainer, and .830 for the step.

[dwg86]

You're awesome Russ, thanks.

[dwg86]

Hey Russ, what is the recommended clearance between the valve spring and retainer.

[dwg86]

Ok, how about this spring for the 4.0/4.6 stroker?
Comp cams part number 980 spring: OD 1.230, ID .876, Installed= 92lbs @1.700, coil bind is 1.150, spring rate is 308lbs/inch. .550 valve lift to coil bind. I would think it would be ok for a .500 lift. that would be 246lbs @ .500. You would still need to machine the spring pocket in the head .060 to get the 1.700 installed height. This is not a conical spring, so it might float in the valve pocket unless the .060 cut in the head would be enough to keep it in place. I'm also not sure how much room there is between the inside of the valve spring and the valve seal. There is a clearance of .046 between the valve spring and retainer. From what I have researched, this is not ideal. The spring is supposed to be snug fit on the retainer. Anyone want to give some input on this? can it be used? a set of 12 of these springs are only $40.00 at summit racing, and they fit the stock 4.0 retainer.

[Russ Pottenger]

I have looked at Comps 980 spring as an alternative.
Whether it's built-in compromises I don't see any reason why it ' wouldn't ' work.

For the RPM range that most of our street Strokers run the less then ideal stock retainer to valve spring fit wouldn't be a problem. If the proper diameter spring seat cutter was used, seal to spring clearance won't be a problem.

My only other thought is for the same price and about 10 lbs difference the stock replacement VS-1456 will drop in without any machining required and is good to .475 lift which covers a 68-232-4 if the installed spring heights are set up carefully.

Unfortunately I'm currently not aware of a ideal drop in valve spring that would cover a .525 lift cam without some modifications to the cylinder head.

Fortunately for me I get around this problem because 90% of the heads that I sell or utilize on my customer stroker builds get a Chevy LS valve and valve spring upgrade.

[dwg86]

Hey Russ, it's good to have a machinist on jeepstrokers board that works on and has a knowledge about products that work and don't work.
My last stroker I built I used sbc undercut valves. That way I had a plethora of spring/ retainer choices.
What size are the lt valves? 2.00/1.50? Have you had any problems hitting a water jacket when installing exhaust seats?
It's been a few years since I built my last stroker, and there are a lot more parts available for the jeep stroker (cranks, rods, pistons) as well as more knowledge.

[dwg86]

Oops. I've got a double post, and I don't see a way to delete the second post.

[Russ Pottenger]

Thanks,
Doing the jeep stroker's may not be as ego gratifying as some of the engines im traditionally known for, but it's been fun.

The Stainless Chevy 2.000 1.550 LS valves I use are a little over .001 larger on the valve stem sizing as compared to the stock OEM jeep valves. The use of a diamond valve guide to hone allows a persision fit.

Haven't had any problems with seats. I use a 1.625 OD seat that is 7/32 deep.
I've had the advantage of utilizing cracked donor heads
to cut down the valve seat until I hit water. Same with the valve spring seat cutter.