Clay Smith & SSI - Valve Springs

Valve springs are one of the most critical components of your engine. It is very important to match the camshaft and potential RPM range with the correct spring rate.  Stock springs will float around 4500rpm on a stock cam, and as such they are not recommended for use with performance camshafts. We suggest up-grading to a valve spring such as those used for small block applications (289/302) for mild cams (264/274 duration). Or to single springs with dampers, or dual springs, when high performance cams (274/292) are used. Softer spring pressures can be used when the rpm range rarely exceeds 4500-5000rpm, however higher pressures are recommended for engines that frequently run in the higher rpm ranges, such as those used for occasional or frequent drag usage.

Wives Tale: Too much spring pressure is hard on valves – In truth, what’s hard on valves is the speed at which they contact the valve seat when closing. What dictates how hard the valve hits the seat? It’s supposed to be the camshaft closing ramp (shape of the cam lobe), but when the spring pressure is too low the valve does not follow it’s intended path and instead slams into the seat and actually bounces. Hence higher spring pressures can actually aid the valve by forcing it to more closely follow the shape of the cam lobe. However to much valve spring pressure adds to friction and valve train component wear. Therefore it is important to match the spring pressure to the profile of the camshaft.

When installing a new camshaft or valve springs, always check and verify the installed height, seat pressure, nose pressure, coil bind, retainer to rocker arm clearance, and retainer to valve seal clearance. Failure to do so may result in severe engine damage, and voids all camshaft and/or spring warranties.

Spring Types
Clay Smith and SSI Valve Springs are precision wound, shot-peen'd, detailed, heat-treated, and made from the finest silicone and/or stainless wire available. Clay Smith Cams (CSC) or SSI Valve Springs must be used with our cam profiles to validate the camshaft warranty.

Stock Replacement Single Springs are intended as replacement springs for stock or low lift cam profiles only, and low rpm ranges which do not exceed 4500rpm.

SSI Single Springs (289/302) may be used with performance cam profiles, but special care must be observed when installing them. It is very important to verify all of the spring clearance issues (as noted above), particularly coil bind, in applications with high lift aftermarket performance camshaft profiles. The use of single springs may void our camshaft warrantee, however we offer them for our customers who prefer using single springs due to their ease of installation. Machining may be required to install spring cups/seats. The purchaser agrees to accept all responsibility and/or liability for damages that may occur.

Single Springs with Dampers, and Dual Springs are recommended for use in higher revving engines with medium to high lift aftermarket camshafts. They offer increased rates for elimination of valve float at higher RPM's, reducing coil bind in high lift applications, yet offer increased safety in the event of spring breakage. Maximum Valve Lift (combined total): 0.700"  Valve spring cups are recommended for all springs, and must be used on our aluminum heads to validate the warranty.

Spring Retainers: We stock light weight, one piece, spring retainers which fit all of our valve springs.