Generic Valve Springs for Rebuild - OK to use?
 

Looking at rebuilding a 3.0SC motor that has travelled over 400,000ks (250,000miles). It had the orignal head studs, and only 1 had broken.
The owner has no history of previous work but it looks like the top has been rebuilt at some time and the case has been split too...

As I'm fairly new to this, I'm asking if it's considered the norm to replace valve springs that have done this much mileage. From what I've read, a lot of the SC have had their springs changed as per a recall many many years ago, but we have no way of knowing if this one has had it done.

The motor will have a set of 964 cams fitted.

Is it OK to use the cheaper springs that are listed here on Pelican?
Has anyone had any issues with them?

I have to admit, that 4 years ago (approx) I did a rebuild and we used the Pelican springs.. after a year, I went to do a cam swap and we found that one of the springs had broken!

So, am I unlucky enough to have lightning strike twice??

What are others using?

Mike

Springs and spring pressure are more important than people think. Don’t put cheap springs on your build. Aasco Makes good stuff.

Are the AASCO springs a higher pressure than stock? I'm relatively inexperienced, but would think a higher spring pressure isn't needed when using a fairly mild cam for a street car.. wouldn't it rob the engine of a few hp?

The high performance aasco springs are great but you are correct you would be over springing the engine using them on your build. Your old springs are more than likely worn out. I’ve tested quite a few sets and they are always out of spec even though they are still nice and square. I use the aftermarket “cheap” springs about $15. Don’t install them upside down, check installed height, they will do well.

Daniel