So I was perusing the internet today contemplating whether or not to cam my L31 before dropping it in, as I'll be breaking it down to look for trouble, when I found these:

http://www.alexsparts.com/products/V...AT-TAPPET.html

For the price, they seem almost too good to be true. I will be doing the work in february and will keep you all informed.

 

If they did their homework correctly, no reason it shouldn't work.

 

That's what I'm hoping. That makes these cheaper even than the GM beehives and right up my alley expenses wise.

 

Where are you getting your LS springs? Last I saw they were dirt cheap new.

I'm not bashing this guys product but off set locks and retainers are not some sort of automotive wizardry, almost all the valve train companies sell them.

Be weary of cheap retainers the ones I used were vastly inconsistent when setting spring install height.

 

The springs by themselves cost as much as that kit does, which was why I was happy to find it. I will be careful though and make sure to measure everything properly. Thanks for the heads up :]

 

I can't find those springs now Grumbles, I did a brief search for them. They were $45 for the OEM Z06 springs from Lingenfelter's Ebay store. Should have jumped on that one I guess.

Don't think I'm kocking this guys product though if it does what it says it does it's a good deal for sure.

 

found them

http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...Category_Code=

 

Trouble with the LS springs is you then need to buy locks and retainers and whatnot, which ends upsetting you over 100 usually. If you happen to know where i can pick up a cheap set, I'll definitely do that. Do those require any machining? no right?

 

so wait.. with those LS springs, and locks and retainers, can you do the .550 lift, with no mods?

can i just rob a set of LS heads for its locks and retainers, and use em?

 

Before you go buying a set do some research as I have never tried putting them in Vortec heads, but it's widely excepted they fit in standard SBC spring pockets.

The extra lift comes from the spring install height. It is much higher then Vortec/SBC stock. SBC install height is 1.7 and LS is 1.75-1.8.

Anyone know what the exact size of the Vortec spring pocket is?

 

The LS6 yellow springs are a dropin on vortec heads. Botton outside of the spring is 1.270 + or - 1000. GM says they are 1.250 same as vortec. If they don't drop right in just heat them with a hair dryer and they will fit right in. The GM castings on vortec heads are not true on all heads. Use comp cams 787-16 retainers $54.51 and 648-15 keepers $23.19 you will get free shipping from comp cams. To get the .550 lift you have to use valve seals the go on the valve guide. Use the thin seals. I installed at 1.8 height on hyd. roller cam. You CAN'T use LS retainers and keepers the valves are 8mm and vortec are 11/32.

 

This goes along with what I'm planning for my "next build". I'm wanting to try out Vortecs ported for LS 8mm valves and valve springs.

 

The valves themselves are TOO long. They dont make rockerarm studs long enough to get the correct rocker arm to valve angle. The cost of putting LS valves in as to 30* valve seat cut on votrec valves is a lot of money for same gain. If you really want a big gain (over stock setup) take out the bump in the exhaust port, it really gets the gases flowing out. If you want more room for bigger valve lift, just cut the top of the guides down and you can get .660 lift with the LS6 yellow springs.
I thought we were talking about a dropin for more valve lift on vortec heads.

 

From what I see they are a hair shorter then SBC valves.

SBC valve measures 4.918 don't have a LSx valve to check but retailers say 4.874.

 

Can you still get .500 lift without new seals?

 

so wait.. best solution for more lift.., is to just cut the valve guides... end of story?
better flow, port the exhaust..
correct?

 

The standard / correct way would be to cut the guides and upgrade the springs for the correct clearance and if using very high lift screw in studs to avoid pulling a pressed in stud.

My issue is that I have a cam with a .485 lift on the exhaust lobe so I just need slightly more clearance. I'm in the same boat trying to find the best most cost effective solution.

It is my understanding simply polishing the exhaust ports is the best route.

 

Vortec springs are junk! The vortec retainers are also a problem. They go so far down the valve, they make contact with the seal and valve guide over 470 lift. If you are not using a wild cam you can get away without changing to screwin studs. You will not have heavy (open valve)spring pressures. Yes you can just change springs, retainers and keepers, but while it is apart new seals are a smart move. The LS6 spring is the best way to go for the money and the least work. Just don't get lost in over thinking the project. You can spend many $$$$ and get same for much less. There tons on vortec heads and springs, read. I did my first set in 1999 and made many changes along the way.

 

so, i can use the ls6 stuff then,and get enough room to do like .490 lift?

 

YES-- LS6 yellow springs (beeheive) comp cams 787-16 retainers and 648-16 locks. I would change the seals but that is your call. Stock seals only give you about .515 lift. Seals are cheap and just slip on over the valve guide and then you have .550 lift clearance.

 

Thank you for this answer. Been wondering for some time. I have a low mile set of vortec heads 7k miles and wanted to leave the seals as is. Any reason for changing the seals with that low of miles and a cam with .485 lift?

 

do you have to use the comp retainers/locks or, are there other stock options out there?

I'll be in search of the springs... any recomendations on diy exhaust porting?

 

I think crane makes a set. The beehieve(GM) springs (yellow) LS6 go for about $60 on fleebay. Just do the 30* cut on the exhaust, some guys claim it is good for up to 450HP. I did the whole nine yards bigger valves and a lot of porting. Mine dinoed at 456 HP 564 torque. But mine is 400 sbc out to 427 inches, custom roller,BA,BA,BA. I did this back when I had the money to this stuff, those days are gone for me.

 

I dont have the money now, which is why i asked about the DIY. lol

 

what about using the LS6 springs on stock 305 TPI heads? would i still need the comp cams 648-16 locks?