valve springs and cams - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

dinga · 03-09-2003, 21:51

Gday all,

i have recently acquired a crow stage 2 and am putting it in soon. One question that requires answering is whether i need to upgrade my valve springs to xr springs. the car is a 98 xh ute. any other advice before i put the cam in would be helpful.

cheers

Soxx · 03-09-2003, 23:34

Call Crow and ask them what they recommend.
XR springs aren't much stronger than standard springs.

Rick.

EDXR8 · 03-10-2003, 00:12

Crow were more than happy to help me out, just email or call them. The xh utes actually run an EB/ED block and heads which as far as I know will mean you have to upgrade the valve springs. I think EF/EL motors don't need them upgraded, but it is always a good idea.

fordboy1996 · 03-10-2003, 00:22

it would basically come down to the lift of new cam, if the lift is too big you will break the springs, the strength of the springs is irrelevent as you're not reving it any harder. either way Crow would have told you that it need new springs when they sold it to you......but if you're not sure just call them.

Dave.

ebxr8240 · 03-10-2003, 01:12

Yes though it's not intirely lift by itself that causes problems.You'd need to check for coil bind as well. But what causes valve float is the quicker lobe rates on the modified cam along with lift.In any case do exactly what the cam manu recomends. This part of an engine is often what lets go and damages other parts on the way down..

EDFUTURA · 03-10-2003, 04:03

I've been told two pieces of info that would be worth looking into - maybe someone here might know solid info?

1. Pre AU I6's use the same size springs as Windsor V8's - so upgrading their valve springs simply means buying performance Windsor ones (??).

2. The AU type valve springs (single conical type) can be fitted to earlier heads (??).

Anyone know if either/both of those is true?

rally · 03-10-2003, 14:52

Quote:

Originally posted by EDFUTURA
1. Pre AU I6's use the same size springs as Windsor V8's - so upgrading their valve springs simply means buying performance Windsor ones (??).
Anyone know if either/both of those is true?

This one is that is true. While you are there, replace the spring retainers as well with the good aftermarket chrome alloy ones - I have cracked several of the standard I6 ones through use of a rather large camshaft. Never had a problem with the others.

dinga · 03-10-2003, 17:10

will the standard springs etc in the engine now be ok with the new cam. i don't have the money at the moment to get new ones.

Soxx · 03-10-2003, 17:42

Quote:

Originally posted by dinga
will the standard springs etc in the engine now be ok with the new cam. i don't have the money at the moment to get new ones.

You really need to call Crow, as they will know the lift.
If the lift is too great, the springs will bind and you will either break the spring or the rocker.
If the lift is not enough to bind the spring, no damage will occur, but they may just be to weak and you won't be able to rev it high enough to obtain the full benefit.

No one here can accurately answer your question without knowing the lift of the cam, the installed height of the springs, and the amount of travel which the springs have until they bind.

Call Crow, now.

Rick.

EDFUTURA · 03-11-2003, 02:15

I used the Crow 22825 cam with std springs for ages with no problem - I don't know if that's the "Stage 2" cam - it was a regrind and needed 10mm extra shimming to stop rattling.

As other people have said - call Crow and talk to them - you might be lucky and actually get some sense out of them.