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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: Fordman on April 17, 2026, 08:05:23 PM

Title: How does very light valvetrain affect spring pressures?
Post by: Fordman on April 17, 2026, 08:05:23 PM

I am swapping out(Edelbrock RPM heads) the edelbrock supplied 3/8" stem valves for 2.15/1.65  5/16"stem titanium valves along with a lightweight beehive spring/tool steel retainer. I am curious if the great reduction in the weight can/does affect the valve spring pressure??. Or does everything remain the same, just easier on the rockers or easier higher RPM's?. Thanks...

Title: Re: How does very light valvetrain affect spring pressures?
Post by: Fordman on April 17, 2026, 08:50:56 PM

My lazy bones found the answer on Google, along with a calculation to figure out the reduced spring rate. I'm  not big on tech, but google is very helpful at times. The answer is definitely YES, the spring rate will be reduced as the mass of the valvetrain ( referring to the valves/springs/retainers is reduced.....still learning.....

Title: Re: How does very light valvetrain affect spring pressures?
Post by: blykins on April 18, 2026, 04:41:25 AM

It will require less spring load as compared to before.  Probably quite a bit...

Every little thing up there can affect valvetrain stability and the spring loads necessary to control it.  That's why you see a lot of small OD valve springs these days, along with the smaller retainers to go with them, etc.