Vlavesprings - Spring Fling - Tech

ConclusionThis one test should by no means create the illusion that this new beehive spring is the ultimate solution to everyone's valvespring problems. Load is certainly still important to control valves at virtually any rpm, but it's also clear from Comp's dynamic testing and our own quick dyno flog that adding in the concept of valvespring frequency and what the entire valvetrain needs to ultimately control the valve is also very important. We've also learned that the lifter side of the valvetrain will benefit greatly from additional stiffness, especially for pushrods (even at the expense of additional weight), while the valve side of the rocker arm will work better by reducing weight. This makes life much easier on the valvespring.

You can expect to see more of this kind of information in the future as valvetrain testing and experimentation continues, but don't be surprised if you begin to see valvespring pressures become more conservative, especially with the use of these new beehive type of spring designs. Are you prepared to become a cone head?

1 1/4 wt. 911 spring + retainer + locks = 99 grams1 1/4 wt. beehive + retainer + locks = 63 grams

This is a 57 percent increase in mass that the standard spring must manage compared to the beehive spring.

Cam SpecsWe equipped the 454 H.O. Rat motor used for our test mule with a Comp Cams Xtreme Energy hydraulic-roller camshaft (PN XR-282HR) using factory hydraulic-roller tappets.

Parts ListAll part numbers listed here are Comp Cams pieces. The PN 26918 beehive spring is also a great drop-in for use with the small-block Chevy iron Vortec heads.