I have a 396 with comp solid cam, shims under springs have grooves wearing into shim from the damper part of spring. Should the shims be replaced?
How often should valve springs on a solid cam be changed. Thanks for any help.

Should the shims be replaced?
Yes

How often should valve springs on a solid cam be changed.
When they have lost pressure or are not all the same any more.

Bill,

Aren't the shims hardened so shouldn't be grooved by the damper coil??

Now shims do have radial grooves in them on one side! AND I always forget if they face the head or go the other way??

I think the grooves face the head to allow oil to flow through/under them to help cool the springs, but I may be off here???

Bill???????????????

pdq67

"regular" shims are not hardened. The HP ones are, but they still do not hold up well with real heavy springs. Personally, I like to put some type of spring seats under most springs in performance applications. If shims are needed they go under the spring seats.