Hi,
I am installing new valve springs (Crane #99839-16) in my 1986 454 heads and have a question or two.
http://www.cranecams.com/?show=brows...&lvl=3&prt=122
1, Do I reuse the (lack of a better term) sleeves that are around the stock valve springs now?
2, Do I re-use the spring "rotators" that also came with the heads originally?
There is nothing on their website about it and their Tech line does not open for another 4 days.
Thanks

f,
There are too many configurations of Big Block heads to really answer this question. The most important thing is that the new spring be installed at the correct "installed height" as given by the manufacturer.

According to your link, that spring should be installed at 1.800" which is shorter than most big block springs. Most rats are around 1.880" You really need to measure the installed hgt and see what you have. As far as the rotators go, you can keep them, they probably will be fine in a mild engine. Comp Cams and others make a spacer that takes thier place if desired. The oil splash shield can also be used. There are other things that need to be addressed also, depending on the lift of your new camshaft, if you are changine it. You need to make sure that the valve spring retainer will not hit the top of the valve guide or the valve stem seal at maximum lift. The guides usually need to be machined on most cam upgrades from stock.

Once again, the most important thing is to have the correct installed height !! If you do not, nothing else really matters. This is an overly simplified answer, you might want to have your machine shop show you in person.

Hope this helps,
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

what 454 do you have? year model HP (stock) all the info is corect BILLK gave you. but you may have a head that instals at 1.800 to know for sure you have to check it with a spring mic, calipers or snap guage and mic also you can not put a cam bigger than .500 lift with that head it will smash your valve seals and like BILLK said could contact retainer to guide whatever you do make sure its absolutly right. a droped or bent valve sucks! hope this info helps wolffie327

Hey Bill you are close enough I may have to stop down.
Thanks for the info. I am in the process of refreshing a 1986 454 I bought a couple weeks ago. The only issue with the motor is it sat for a bunch of those years. Most of the oil inside (not in the pan but like in between the pistons and pins ) was like maple syrup. So I ripped it down and pretty much plan on putting it back together stock. The new cam is very close to stock and the springs are matched to the cam. So I should be OK but I will have a buddy check the height if I can ever get him up here from Delaware.

1986 7.4 (454) Mercruiser MIE340
Head # 14092360

Here is the kit I got
http://www.naparts.com/ProductModelD...ctModelId=1842

except with this cam
http://www.naparts.com/ProductModelD...ctModelId=2298