SO i recently lost my set of inner valve springs that i took out preparing for cam break in. It has been about 1 1/2 years since i started my car rebuild and I am nearing engine starting time graemlins/hurray.gif I lost my inner valve springs, always wanted to try the comp Beehive springs, and have also heard AFRS springs werent all that good.
I have;
454 BBC
AFR 305CC heads
"had" 1.550 OD dual valve springs with titanium retainers
Ultradyne 288/296 solid flat tappet with .630 lift
Lunati recommends this spring for the cam;
part#73121, installed height,1.940 Installed
Load 140, OD 1.526. ID 0.775. MAX lift 0.730

I want to go with the comps beehive springs, and don't know crap about springs. I am thinking of calling them, but dont' know what info i need ahead of time. anyone have any experience or can offer any help? thanks!

I'd phone Comp to check. The specs you listed are very close to the new beehive spring that SC magazine tested in the AFR equiped 496 rat. 148lbs @ 1.900, 370 @ 1.250. Part #26120-16, cups 4704-16. The article is in the Mar. 2005 edition.

John

Don't know much about springs, but looks like your car should scream.. I can't imagine that thing is too heavy.
I *think* you may end up needing new retainers for the beehives.
looks fun..

matt

http://www.compcams.com/Information/WhatsNew/Files/26120%20Beehive%20Spring2.pdf

they do say on those springs that max lift is about .600 i have more than that, are these a good choice?

Cody,

The SC article used a HR with these springs, lift was .629" on intake and exhaust. Is your solid cam lift net, after lash? In any account, I would definitely give Comp a call to be sure they are suitable for your intended use.

How is the Firebird coming along? From the sounds of it, you must be getting real close to getting it back on the road. Cant wait to hear about the first test drive!

John

I would go with conventional valvesprings until the beehives have been out a while longer. Be careful of the new trick of the week items.

Haven' they been on the LS1 since 97?

Yes i am really excited to see this project finished. I still have a lot more to do, but once the engine is broke in, and i get everything driveable, it will be a huge accomplishment. Then i will need to finish up some things, like custom ebrake cables, finish bending and flaring some brake lines, and finish painting the entire front clip and putting it on, along with some other small but important details. I have done a ton of work to this car; all in very fine detail. This is the first car i have ever taken this far, as i am only 24, and started this project at 22(almost 23) Beehive springs have been on all the production LS1's so they aren't a new trick. I will definetly be calling comp up!

My buddy ran conical valve springs on a sbc about 7yrs ago. They were 1.25 at the base and I think 1.44 at the top. He was running a .530 lift hyd. cam with stock size valve spring pockets.

The biggest negative to the beehives is that they are only a single spring. If you break one, you loose the cylinder. Chances of breaking one are slim, but the consequences are nasty.

Well comp doesn t' offer a beehive that will handle over .600 lift so it looks like I will be trying to find a set of just the inners!