Cutting valve spring pockets for dual valve springs

[AlanCasida]

I have pretty much decided to get a hydraulic roller cam for my 428CJ motor but the heads have not been cut for dual valve springs. I see there are tools to do  this with just a drill. Is this something I should try myself or just bite the bullet and have a machine shop do it? My machine shop is a 4 1/2 hr drive one way so if I can do this myself it would be nice, but I don't want to screw the heads up either. 

[chilly460]

Just an option, Alex's Parts sells drop in hydraulic roller valvesprings that may avoid cutting the valve pockets.  Not sure if you specifically wanted to run duals, but this is an option https://alexsparts.com/new-max-output-ii-drop-in-style-high-lift-beehive-valve-spring-kit-for-fe-ford-w-hyd-roller-vsk9p20-q5b/

[AlanCasida]

Just an option, Alex's Parts sells drop in hydraulic roller valvesprings that may avoid cutting the valve pockets.  Not sure if you specifically wanted to run duals, but this is an option https://alexsparts.com/new-max-output-ii-drop-in-style-high-lift-beehive-valve-spring-kit-for-fe-ford-w-hyd-roller-vsk9p20-q5b/

That just might do the trick. I had no idea such a thing was available. Thanks!

[blykins]

Those springs will be too light for an FE hydraulic roller.   

Contrary to their ad, there are other beehive spring options if you absolutely just can't machine the heads, but if the heads are off the vehicle, I'd do it right and have the steps cut down around the guides and swap to a modern Viton valve seal size. 

If that step is not removed, you're stuck with having to find a conical/beehive spring to fit (narrows down the spring choice and you may be finding a cam to fit the spring, which is not optimal) and also a hardened shim to keep the spring from chewing on the head.  A spring locator will not sit down flush.

If you have a mill, you can do this yourself with a pilot-guided cutter that cuts both the guide and the step down.  Otherwise, I'd have a shop do it.  It's a quick job, maybe if you called them ahead of time, you can have them do it while you're there.

[My427stang]

I am with Brent on all points

Recommend you get a retainer to seal clearance too and while you are at it, make more if needed and cut seal surface of to .531. .500 is good too but with a 3/8 I usually stay bigger

Last if it hasn’t been discussed make sure you know which locator you plan to use and leave enough step for some shim along with OD

Easy work if you plan all the dimensions