AMC V8 304 Engine question

[mrhc]

I am rebuilding this engine and the camshaft I got calls for 1.82" installed valve spring height. The specs in the Chilton manual says 1.812" installed valve spring height. Is this too much of a difference in this measurement or will it be fine to reuse the valve springs if they are not worn out?

 

[SteelHeadz]

I would replace them if your rebuilding the engine. Even if the old springs falls close to the spec, there's no guarantee that the spring is not worn down. The spring tension could still be compromised unless you have a spring tension tester. When i rebuilt the 360 on my CJ , i replaced all the bearings , piston rings, valve springs and seal and also did the modification on the engine block for the oil passage to the rear main bearing. I had the block and heads checked by a certified machine shop before assembly. This gave me a peace of mind that the engine is sound.

 

[69jeepcj]

Agree-- replace them. If the tension isnt enough you can run into valve float at higher rpms, and they will compromise power if they are weak. I installed a cam last spring and the guy at comp said my existing springs would be ok so I didnt change them, Well everything I have read since then says I should have.

 

[jps4jeep]

New Cam= New Springs, Everytime

 

[Jester32]

Yup. Always. I change my springs twice a year but I run .820 lift solid roller in my big block and a .710 lift in my small block lol. So I know what a good spring is lol. But anytime a spring has any kind of miles or on a tear down I replace them.

 

[Jester32]

Also the installed height is dependent on the way the head was machined. If you can't get it at the spec you may need to machine or shim accordingly. Or run a spring with similar loads at your installed height as long as you don't get cool bind. Leave a minimum .060" at Max lift.

 

[69jeepcj]

.820 and .710 lift solid roller cams, bet that sounds awsome at idle, whats the lobe seperation number. Is installing springs a easy do it yourself job????? and would weak springs cause pinging. Initial timing is only 12 and total is 36*. Dont want to hijack the thread so if you have info on this I will start a new thread.

 

[Jester32]

Oh ya they sound mean. They are on a 113 lsa cuz I spray the heck outta them. It is if you start a thread I would chime in with pics of setting up springs etc.

 

[Turbogus]

I agree with repalcing the assy. if it's within budget (my problem of late) One thing that makes me cringe whenever I see posts that involve referring to Chilton's, Haynes, and others is that, in my time, I've found misinformation contained therein on various vehicles. Since this dicovery, I always obtain the manufacturers' service manuals while expensive (normally) I've been finding them much more reliable. Hope your fix goes easy and doesn't break the bank!