Need new valve springs what ones should i get?

[gnkid1987]

i have an 87 GN that i owned for about 10 years and i never changed the valve springs yet. i have a pt51 turbo, aly control kit, 55# injectors and the usual upgrades. i feel that its beyond the time to change th valve springs car feels a little sluggish on the top end. what springs and where should i get them from? and any tips while changing them would be awesome

thanks guys
ray

 

[buickGN3:16]

Alot of people upgrade to the 100lb valve springs, im in the same boat as u so im thinkn about upgrading myself, since i have my heads off due to a head gasket issue! Sigh

 

[charlief1]

Kirban has the springs If I remember right.

 

[buickGN3:16]

Kirban, Gbody parts, rjc racing, gn1 performance just to name a few. Hope this helps!

 

[frank_ster]

i got a set of lunati from summit racing they were for a v8 so i have a few extra springs. and was under 100$

 

[bison]

I've got some 980's sitting on the shelf with the pressure @ height data to get correct pressures if interested. All you need to do is install them at the heights i have on the data sheet that comes with the springs.

 

[gn4u2c]

be careful, 100 lbs or more could wipe the cam without using an additive or coated cam, if your just using straight oil dont go past 98o-'s

 

[Tom87GNX]

be careful, 100 lbs or more could wipe the cam without using an additive or coated cam, if your just using straight oil dont go past 98o-'s

980 springs will be fine if installed correctly like bison mentioned, however if your running a flat tappet cam it's advised that you use ZDDP additive in your oil. Even running stock springs without ZDDP can cause a flat tappet camshaft to fail.


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[buickGN3:16]

exactly what are 980's ?? Are they a little less lbs than 100lb springs? and what brand is best in the 980's??

 

[Tom87GNX]

980 is a partial part number. They are comp cams springs, part # 980-12. These spring are rated at 91lbs @1.7 installed height.

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[Tom87GNX]

If your running a stock cam the 980's will work fine. Set them at 1.7 installed height, and use ZDDP additive.


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[buickGN3:16]

ok, i was told to step up to the 100lb springs but the 980's seem close enuf dont u think? Yes cam is stock.. Any idea what they cost?

 

[Tom87GNX]

You don't need 100lb springs with a stock cam. I'm sure the more seasoned guys will agree. Considering your stock springs are probably around 50-60 seat pressure at this point, you will be doing well with 980's and the stock camshaft.


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[Tom87GNX]

I've seen them as low as $40-45 dollars. I got a nice deal on mine from another board member.


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[buickGN3:16]

Ok yeah i have 120,000 on my cam. Should be a noticible diffrence with a valve job, new springs & a little port work dont u think?? i use the brad penn race oil that has the zdpp already added in.

 

[chriss4655]

Just put a set of 980's on and it sharpen the car right up, pulls hard right thru the RPM range now. Make sure the install height is as close as u can get it . It was recommended to me by racers in the know to heat cycle the springs three or four times after there installed, prolongs the life of the spring

 

[buickGN3:16]

Did u use comp or what brand? & how much$?

 

[earlbrown]

How do you heat cycle a spring? Drive the car?

 

[Turbo6inKY]

How do you heat cycle a spring? Drive the car?

Put it in the oven?

This is a goofy suggestion. The springs are heat-treated and tempered at the factory (that's what makes them springs, as opposed to a coil of wire that crushes the first time you compress it), and you need to get steel a lot hotter than you'll find on top of a head to do anything to the metal.

 

[earlbrown]

When I opened my new PAC springs (which I suspect might be comp craps) they had a 'scaley' finish. I measured them with a spring tester and threw them in a vibratory polisher for about an hour. When I pulled them out, they were silky smooth and measured the same on the Rimac machine.

After that I threw them in my engine and used them just like they're used today.

I've never heard of a 'break in procedure' for valvesprings before. If they have to go through any kinds of cycles to find their happy place, everybody would be running around with incorrect poundages.