Im going to be putting the lt1 cam into my car shortly... should i use the stock springs or what springs should i use... i saw this :

GMPartsDirect.com
P/N 12551483
Description: Single Spring
Outside Diameter: 1.32"
Pressure at Installed Height: 101# @ 1.78"
Solid Height: 1.22"
Average Rate Pounds per Inch: 332
Retainer Part Number: 10212808
Valve Seal Kit:NA
Used on 1996 LT4 Corvette and ZZ4 engines.


Any valve spring suggestions are welcome... i dont want my total budget for the install to exceed $350-400... i already have the cam and 081 heads

Thanks in advance.

 

I'm not a big fan of any GM spring, "GMPP" or otherwise. I would go for a tad bit more on the seat. 120-130 sounds right. Comp makes some great springs as do all the other competant cam companies.

Depending on how much RPM you want out of the engine (max RPM is infuenced by seat pressure, aka-valve float). Either the Comp 981 spring (which is about $60-ish for 16) or a step up and go 986 springs (which run about $85 per 16).

Of those 2, for a real tight squeeze, I would go 981's:

* Outside diameter: 1.254 in.
* Inside diameter: .880 in.
* Seat load: 105 lbs. at 1.700 in.
* Open load: 295 lbs. at 1.250 in.
* Coil bind: 1.150 in.
* Rate: 423 lbs.

They fit in the factory spring pocket, no enlarging needed. With the ZZ4 springs, or any spring larger than 1.26" OD for that matter, the spring pocket needs enlargement. Anything else is pretty much one in the same so might as well step up to a 1.43" OD and get 986 springs if you do want to enlarge the spring pocket. Either way, new hardware is needed.

 

I'm running the comp cams 981s in my engine. They were recommended with the 08-500-8 comp cams cam so I just picked them up. She revs to 6000 and beyond with no prob.