what rpm for valve float?

Discussion in ''Da Nailhead' started by 66larkgs, Jul 21, 2014.

  1. 66larkgs

    66larkgs paul 66gs turbo nailhead

    looking at chips for my msd and was going to throw a 5500 chip in it. I had a 6k chip in it but don't want to float the valve springs. I do have new dual valve springs and I figure with the turbo air wont be a problem at higher rpm's.. what would you guys recommend?

    Paul
    turbo nailhead
     
  2. 300sbb_overkill

    300sbb_overkill WWG1WGA. MAGA

    If your valve springs are matched to the cam and its operating rpm,then floating the valves shouldn't be a problem. Not sure how the twins factor in though,but goodluck,I hope you make it to Ohio!


    Derek
     
  3. Bigpig455

    Bigpig455 Fastest of the slow....

    Not that it has anything to do with your build, but my stocker with 49 year old springs would give up making power about 4800-4900 rpm.

    Tommy lent me his spring tester last winter and I swapped out anything that tested below factory specs with the extra springs from the engine he's building for me....now it makes power straight past 5000, probably up to 5300 or so.....changed the governor to shift at 5100 and cant wait to try it out at the track. I wound up changing 4 outers and 4 different inners.

    It wasn't floating valves like you read about, but I guess in a way it was, at least enough to lose cyl pressure
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2014
  4. 66BulldogGS

    66BulldogGS Platinum Level Contributor

    Paul - From what I have read and understand, as long as you have good valve springs matched to the cam like Rhett says, then you should be good for 5500. Just to be safe I would do like Rhett did and measure them all on a valve spring tester if you can get your hands on one for an hour. The old rule of thumb I have heard from back in the day was it took two sets of new valve springs to get one good set. Meaning even if they are brand new in the package doesn't mean they all will read what they are rated for. So it's best to check them all.
     
  5. Buford

    Buford Old guy member

    Just my $ .02...when you float the valves you also float the lifters that come back and smack that nice cam at 2000 to 3000 times a minute. Comments? Frank
     

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