HI!... Last SAT I spun a rod bearing in my built 5.4, N/A. I'm currently going through a rebuild and while the FOX LAKE STAGE II heads are off I'd like to upgrade the valve springs due to there was no heavy springs out at the time when I built the heads. I'm currently running custom ground COMP CAMS cams. Here's the cam card :



This is a turbo grind due to the built 5.4 is going to be getting a custom T-76 turbo set-up this fall. It's 8.42:1 compression and before the tune it was making over 300RWH.P and 345FT/LBS of TQon the dyno. It was making power up to 6000RPM but we stopped short due to A/F's going bad. This engine in N/A form will probably end up going to 6400RPM and once turboed near 6800RPM. Now I'm currently running these springs :



I did a search and was getting conflicting info. Is there a stronger (more lb) valve spring available now. What would you guys suggest to run with my current set-up knowing that the rpm and power will increase with the turbo later this year. I have been told that I need at least 100LB installed. I've heard that some of the tuners are now running 120LB valve springs with the large lift cams. Thanks for any info/prices/part #'s you guys can provide.

Here's the build up thread if you guys are interested.

Neal.

 

there are definatley stronger springs out there now. Contact JDM and see what they are using. I believe they are using 120's now

 

You may be stuck with a Crower...I'm pretty sure the JDM spring wont go to .600 lift.

 

That big lift is going to kill your options. Cut down to some 550 lift and get some Enduratech springs!

Really hat to hear about it, but curious if you had a chance to figured out what caused the bearing failure yet?

 

Interested to here about that as well...

Are you running the stock oil pan ??

 

I would call Comp Cams and see what they recommend...

 

HI!... We don't know what caused the #2 rod bearing to spin. I believe it was assembled wrong but can't prove it. Engine builder is covering labour, me the parts. The valve springs I showed are the largest COMP CAMS makes for the 4.6/5.4. I'm running the stock pan but it was modified to be 3.5 inches deeper with a custom fabricated pick-up tube. I'm also running the MMR oil pump. Oil pressure was not a problem. Still made 50PSI at idle, even with the spun bearing. Actually the lift is large for one reason the turbo that's going on. Comp Cams spec'ed this cam out for my set-up. The guy was dead nuts on. He told me what RWH.P I would make and at what RPM running these cams in N/A trim, and was right on. He figure around 650RWH.P at 18PSI with the T-76 turbo. I'll have to wait and see I guess.

So any of the tuners want a crack at this????? SAL, JIM, JOHNEY.... ETC...........

 

You could call Manley and see what springs they recommend...

 

I've been working on it with my engine builder, but it's not pretty. There is no cut and dry solution that works, so we are looking at all available options.

 

HI!... I just finished talking to my engine builder. It just keeps getting better......... He has the short block stripped down, and the rear main crank bearing is destroyed and the heat caused by this, bent the crank. It can be straightened but will take time. Looks like the whole assembly will have to be re-balanced again. Block will be cleaned tomorrow, and crank should be done by the end of the week. New rod/main bearings are currently on order.


Anyway, back to my question. Is anyone currently making stiffer valve springs for my application above??????????????????????? Engine will be back together in 2 weeks, NEED TO KNOW...........

 

I'd suggest contacting comp and maybe offering up to machine a bit off the heads spring landing. (1.5mm (0.060") max) That would allow them to have a bit more working room and maybe a custom set can be made. (this would increase longevity of the spring as well)

Rich

 

Any word on what the cause was?

 

HI!... NOPE! The 3 engine builders there at the shop don't have the faintest idea why it happened and what caused it. The engine only had 4300KMS on it. I've got over $20,000(CAN) in this thing now and I would think it could stay together longer than 6 months I'm just glad it happened at 750RPM. If it would of happened at 6000RPM thing would of been much worst.

 

Rich
Its easier to re-order the valves with the keeper grooves moved up an 1/8" and then open up the spring pockets for a Comp LS-1 spring. The lesser of the two springs they sell will give you an easy .600 lift and 105 lbs on the seat and live a long happy life.
Dale

 

HI!... DALE : Can you elaborate on this a bit more? I've never heard of this being done on a modular head. Are you or anyone else here running the set-up your talking about? Just looked at COMP's site. Are you talking about the LS1 springs, part # 26915?

Thanks :

Neal.