quote:Originally posted by mike the snake:
Would it be a good idea to order up and install a new set of valve springs, just for safety's sake?
I think that engine has been in the car for a while now, I haven't beaten on it, but either way I'd rather spend a little money now and replace the springs than wait for one to break and cause expensive damage.
I think that you should talk to CompCams about that issue. Ask THEM what their recommendations are for the springs.
I think it is VERY safe to say that the springs should get changed out as a precaution at some point. Absolutely.
The trick is to know when.
Go look at the specs on all of Fords PRODUCTION high performance engine camshafts.
The ONLY one I can think of that has over .500" lift is the 66-7 427 Medium Riser. It's .525.
The Boss 302, Boss 351 are both .495 and the 289HP is .477.
Those are the kind of valve lifts that are necessary for the engine to make it's 12,000 mile/1 year factory warranty.
EVERY engine failure that I know of that is aftermarket was a valve train failure. Every one.
When you tear it down, it always comes up as a "mismatch" of either the locks, the retainers or the springs.
The short answer is that no-one can put a mileage expectation on the valve train but I'd take a wild guess and say, don't expect 100,000? That ones a no brainer.