[WildBill79]

Can someone recommend some valve springs for me that will work with a '72 350 with a Summit 2801 cam and #17 heads. Thanks

Bill

[71firebird400]

My vote would be for Crower 68404's.

$102 at Kauffman.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but your stock valves should be near a 1.6" installed height (which is why the 68404's will work).

[WildBill79]

Originally Posted by 71firebird400

My vote would be for Crower 68404's.

$102 at Kauffman.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but your stock valves should be near a 1.6" installed height (which is why the 68404's will work).

I really havy no idea which springs to go with so I am relying on the opinion of the group. Will the 68404's work with the stock retainers or require any machining?

Bill

[Z Code 400]

Bill,

New (Stock replacement) dual springs will work nicely with that camshaft. They are available from www.sivalves.com for about $40.00/set.

The Crower #68404's install just like a stock spring with all stock parts. As always, be sure to verify your installed height with a machinist's pocket ruler. Stock installed height is 1.600" on the stock heads with no modifications. No machine work required.

Sometimes, a .030" shim is required depending on the amount of material removed from the seats during the valve job or from seat recession. Always check your installed height...Robert

[screamingchief]

Stock installed height is 1.600" on the stock heads with no modifications.

Technically most sources list a range of 1.561"-1.590" as the stock installed height for most common D-port heads...

I doubt any list 1.600" precisely as the their installed height.

1.582" is a very common OE installed height.

Loosing the oil control shields adds .030" to that "stock" installed height.

And yes most valve jobs sink the valves a bit,hence most just "round up" and use 1.600" as a base setting to shoot for with rebuilt heads.

I agree,use the crower #68404-16's,good springs,just watch the retainer to guide/seal clearance and you should do fine.

[71firebird400]

The nice thing about the Crowers is that they'll easily handle up to .550" lift (if you ever put 1.65 rockers on that cam, your lift will be 486/512)

I'm not sure what the coil bind specs are on the stock replacements springs, but they should be able to handle your cam (with stock 1.5 rockers).

It's your call!

[Z Code 400]

Chief is correct in that 1.580" to 1.590" is the 'textbook' setting, but most heads I have actually measured of late are between 1.600" and 1.630" installed height. I cannot stress the importance of measuring your installed height enough. Never rely on what you or anyone else thinks the setting could be...confirm it.

The stock springs from SI go solid at about .990" compressed height...Robert