Thick Valve Spring Shims?

Chad E532 · 01-06-2010, 12:37 AM

Does anyone make a valve spring shim thicker than 0.060"?
I am looking for something in the 0.100" range so i do not have to stack up 2 of the 0.060 thick shims. My thought is that the fewer amount of shims I use the better I can keep things running straight and true to the valve rather than stacking up a bunch of shims that could make the spring sit out of square.
Thanks,
Chad

STK4340 · 01-06-2010, 01:07 AM

Have you thought about using -0.050" locks and only one 0.060" shim? Just a thought...

Rich Biebel · 01-06-2010, 09:28 AM

Use a spring cup or id type spring seat plus the shim.....

ron mattson · 01-06-2010, 09:42 AM

call matt steen at victory engines 507-532-2436 he can custom make anything you need
i have had them made up to .250 thick with a center locating ring works great,

Ed Wright · 01-06-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STK4340

Have you thought about using -0.050" locks and only one 0.060" shim? Just a thought...

That is what I use. If that and a locating spring seat still won't get it I add shims. The -.050" locks get you more clearance from the rockers too.

STK1217 · 01-06-2010, 11:38 AM

What dia. springs are you using.

Chad E532 · 01-06-2010, 02:42 PM

I am running 1.500" OD dual springs. The heads were setup for 1.950 installed height with the hardened locators and 0.030" of shim already under the locators. They are AFR 195 Eliminator heads that run 8mm 10 deg retainers and keepers so I am not sure if anyone makes the -0.050" drop retainers. I looked at AFR and they only list the "standard" height versions. I originally bought the heads assembled with their springs, but on this winters refurb I was planning on installing the correct springs from the cam card which run the different height.
Thanks
Chad

Ed Wright · 01-06-2010, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad E532

I am running 1.500" OD dual springs. The heads were setup for 1.950 installed height with the hardened locators and 0.030" of shim already under the locators. They are AFR 195 Eliminator heads that run 8mm 10 deg retainers and keepers so I am not sure if anyone makes the -0.050" drop retainers. I looked at AFR and they only list the "standard" height versions. I originally bought the heads assembled with their springs, but on this winters refurb I was planning on installing the correct springs from the cam card which run the different height.
Thanks
Chad

Comp does. I use 1.5" PAC springs, and Comp has both the retainers and both -.050" and +.050" locks

Jeff Lee · 01-07-2010, 01:19 PM

Use a spring cup. Buy or have one made if necessary. It will help control the spring, especially if you have multiple shims under the spring right now. I picked up some good RPM when I made the change on my stocker.

01-06-2010, 12:37 AM	#1
Chad E532 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lindstrom MN Posts: 156 Likes: 5 Liked 54 Times in 7 Posts	Thick Valve Spring Shims? Does anyone make a valve spring shim thicker than 0.060"? I am looking for something in the 0.100" range so i do not have to stack up 2 of the 0.060 thick shims. My thought is that the fewer amount of shims I use the better I can keep things running straight and true to the valve rather than stacking up a bunch of shims that could make the spring sit out of square. Thanks, Chad

01-06-2010, 01:07 AM	#2
STK4340 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Vacherie, LA Posts: 63 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Thick Valve Spring Shims? Have you thought about using -0.050" locks and only one 0.060" shim? Just a thought...

01-06-2010, 09:28 AM	#3
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,275 Likes: 25 Liked 510 Times in 200 Posts	Re: Thick Valve Spring Shims? Use a spring cup or id type spring seat plus the shim..... __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479

01-06-2010, 09:42 AM	#4
ron mattson Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: cloquet mn Posts: 458 Likes: 15 Liked 54 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Thick Valve Spring Shims? call matt steen at victory engines 507-532-2436 he can custom make anything you need i have had them made up to .250 thick with a center locating ring works great,

01-06-2010, 11:38 AM	#6
STK1217 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 133 Likes: 36 Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Thick Valve Spring Shims? What dia. springs are you using. Last edited by STK1217; 01-06-2010 at 11:42 AM.

01-06-2010, 02:42 PM	#7
Chad E532 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lindstrom MN Posts: 156 Likes: 5 Liked 54 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Thick Valve Spring Shims? I am running 1.500" OD dual springs. The heads were setup for 1.950 installed height with the hardened locators and 0.030" of shim already under the locators. They are AFR 195 Eliminator heads that run 8mm 10 deg retainers and keepers so I am not sure if anyone makes the -0.050" drop retainers. I looked at AFR and they only list the "standard" height versions. I originally bought the heads assembled with their springs, but on this winters refurb I was planning on installing the correct springs from the cam card which run the different height. Thanks Chad

01-07-2010, 01:19 PM	#9
Jeff Lee VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 2,766 Likes: 0 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Thick Valve Spring Shims? Use a spring cup. Buy or have one made if necessary. It will help control the spring, especially if you have multiple shims under the spring right now. I picked up some good RPM when I made the change on my stocker. __________________ Jeff Lee 7494 D/S '70 AMX