Curious to see if anyone has insight or opinions on the valvetrain life I could expect in my motor. It has a comp solid roller cam 272/280 @ .050 on a 112+4 installation. Valve lift is .715". I run comp solid lifter #COM818-16 and spring #COM951-16 set at 240 pounds on the seat. The rockers are bolt on Jesels. I don't idle the motor very much and the peak rpm is 6200. So what kind of life can one expect from this moderate valvetrain?

I've been told that the springs should be done @ 250 hours.

Wette Vette,

Actually, that's a fairly radical set up for a pleasure boat. Anything more than 175 lbs. on the seat is going to wear out springs pretty quick. The Jessel valve trane is one of ehe best and will help to stabilze the upper end. Still, I would consider at least checking spring pressure every 20 hours or so. A spring checker is available from Snap On and pretty easy to use.

When I raced 7 Lire hydros in the 80's and early 90's I ran a 468 CI Chevy (190 over 427, 6.135 Rod length). Cam was a Crane TR 262 with 175 lbs. on the seat. Top RPM was about 7,400 RPM. I ran a Jessel rocker set up, Jessel belt drive for the Cam as well. After about 12 heats, which was roughly a total of 144 minutes of WOT, the springs needed replacing. These were on Air Flow research Brodix heads with titanium valves.

You might want to contact Bruce on this board. He builds some fine engines and is very helpful. His shop is in the St. Louis area.

Good luck!

Steve

I'd rebuild the lifters and change the springs at 75 hours with your combination. You should also check the springs every time you lash the valves.