ValveTrain Weight. Stock vs. LS1 + 3.3 springs.

[Sundance 6g72]

Got some results for everyone


STOCK

retainer - 22.36g
single lock - .95g
spring - 76.3g

Total - 100.56g PER VALVE (two locks!)

LS + 3.3 oem spring (Ebay "Alex's Parts" and Sealed Power)

Retainer - 11.32g
single lock - 1.27
spring - 71.1g

Total - 84.96g per valve (two locks)
I counted the springs because i wasnt sure if a lighter spring means anything or not. Did not measure valves but i know big gains can be had with lightweight custom valves.

I spent $70 on the springs AND LS1 retainers with locks from alex's parts and got around a 15gram reduction in weight (if you include the springs)

the locks are a tad heavier but the retainers being half the weight is awesome! Not sure when titanium parts would be needed but they are available all over. You cant beat that at $70.

3.3 springs



Retainers compared to stock

[MC#4]

Looks like good info man. Thanks for takin the time to post.

[Sundance 6g72]

np

now im wondering if the weight loss is considered to be a good amount?

[c2xejk]

Valvetrain weight loss and stronger valve springs is a good thing. Alex's parts has sold a chrome moly LS1 retainer that shaves another 2 grams off the retainer weight. Titanium would be an option if you want to shave even more weight, but I think custom valves would decrease the weight even more.

On the spring weight. Generally you look at half the spring weight because half is in full motion and half isn't.

[John B]

On the spring weight. Generally you look at half the spring weight because half is in full motion and half isn't.

Hmm, the conicals might be even better than that since the half most in motion is the smaller upper coils...
I'm using Compcams 995s and titanium retainers.

[Sundance 6g72]

i do know that stiff springs is not something to worry about when talking about power losses. Like Ed said, half the springs are pushing while half are resisting. the spring weight counter acts its self.

[RoadWarrior222]

Higher pressure = higher surface friction at the cam.

IR considering the opposite approach, making it fat and torquey, keeping it all below 6000 RPM, so considering 4G54 (G54B) stock springs with lower pressure... and lightened valve parts.

[c2xejk]

Higher pressure = higher surface friction at the cam.

With roller cam followers the increased friction is very minimal...

[Force Fed Mopar]

What locks did you use with the LS retainers? Part #?

[Ondonti]

With roller cam followers the increased friction is very minimal...

So it would be more about the valve stem tips and lifters etc.

It was 10-12 grams savings with my lighter valves

[c2xejk]

What locks did you use with the LS retainers? Part #?

I generally recommend Comp Cam 623 locks, but the stock LS1 locks will work.

---------- Post added at 07:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:53 PM ----------

So it would be more about the valve stem tips and lifters etc.

Not a huge amount of friction, momentum and spring pressure yes, but not friction. Slider followers would be different.

It was 10-12 grams savings with my lighter valves

About doubles the weight savings of the retainers and springs.

[Sundance 6g72]

make sure the comp cams locks are 623 - 16 not 623 - 12.

the 12s are way to big and heavy.


EDIT - i meant to say dont get 632 locks. i guess 12 and 16 is just how many you get in the pack.

[Force Fed Mopar]

I generally recommend Comp Cam 623 locks, but the stock LS1 locks will work.

Hmm, I thought the lock groove on the 3.0 was different.

make sure the comp cams locks are 623 - 16 not 623 - 12.

the 12s are way to big and heavy.

Should be the same lock, just in a 16 or 12 pack?

[Sundance 6g72]

ooooo maybe. sorry i read that wrong

dont get 632 locks. I forgot i have 632 and ed gets 623.

[c2xejk]

Hmm, I thought the lock groove on the 3.0 was different.

The LS1 lock groove is smaller. That said, the goove is an assembly aid. The lock acts a collet... I probably have 10K on the ones I am using and have rev'd the engine to 7500 RPM so the locks do hold... ( had the same concerns when I first thought up the idea.)

Should be the same lock, just in a 16 or 12 pack?

Yes, the 12 and 16 refers to the quantity of valves (ie. 24 and 32 individual pieces...)

[RoadWarrior222]

If you get the 32 pack, then if you fumble any and lose them in the engine, you can be all, "oh well" and get another one out of the package ;-)












No really, for those not quite following, if you drop anything in the motor FIND IT.

[Sundance 6g72]

yeah its nice to have the big pack of locks. i grinded mine down today and had no issues but its nice to have spares.