So I have planned my new engine, and I am beginning to purchase parts. I am planning on AFR 195cc Street Heads, Part Number 1040.

I am going to be running a ZZ4 Cam, with lift of .474/.510 on 1.5 rockers, so I am going to be running 1.6 rockers, giving me a lift of .506/.544, plus the zz4 is a hydraulic roller cam, so I don't think the stock AFR springs are up to this.

I then saw that there is a spring upgrade for the heads, but it costs $180.00.

I hear people talking about the Comp 987 Springs all the time, would those be up to the task at hand or do I need something better?

I see that the stock AFR springs are 1.450" OD and the Comp 987 springs are 1.430" OD.. is that a problem? Do I need to get new retainers also, if these springs will work for me and I get them?

What other springs should I consider?

 

You could use the LT4 Hot cam springs. Although there may be better springs made by any of the reputible companies.

 

Comp 986/987

 

As I thought... but what about retainers... do I need new ones since the AFR heads come with 1.450" OD springs and the 987's are 1.430" OD? Or will the retainers with the afr heads be fine?

 

That would depend on what the inner step and whatnot are on the the AFR heads. I would just run the suggested hardware from Comp, either 7° or 10°, depending on what AFR packs. Steelies are like $25...

 

AFR Locks are 10°, so I just need the steel retainers then... or if the AFR ones fit... they should be fine right... as long as the spring fits right into them?

 

If you could find out the OD and the inner step, as well as the inner locator, then you could compare. In all honesty, I would just run the Comp hardware, less the locks.

 

The afr upgraded springs have served me just fine for my .559 lift cam. They seem to be really good springs. They will go to .600 lift.

 

Just an update for anyone who cares...

I ordered the heads, I decided to just get the upgraded springs, good for .600 lift after talking to the sales man, he said that if you are within .005 of the spring limit it is good to just upgrade them to avoid floating the valves and possible damage, he also said that the AFR springs are very good quality, and there are a few people running them either right on their limit or slightly over the limits without problems.

Total for the heads was 1504, that included the upgraded springs, and matched intake gaskets for the heads as well as a 2.7% charge for paying via PayPal and shipping and handling, sadly it will be 6-8 weeks until I get the heads, but I have plenty of other things to work on in that time.

BTW the place I bought them from was called Tenacious Performance... tenperf.com
They were very helpful and friendly.