Valve spring assembly help

notrod59 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 10:19 PM

I'm working on installing my new cam in my truck.I used Camquest to pick my cam and related parts. Taking the heads apart I noticed there is a shim between the valve spring and the head. The shim is stamped with "THIS SIDE UP" and "V.S.I. 203". Do I need to remove this shim or leave it?

Also, should I re-use the "cup" between the old spring and retainer, on the new assembly? I have new springs, retainers, and locks, but no cups. I read somewhere that it is recommended to use the cups but I don't know if that would change the tolerances on the springs.

Thanks, Chuck

amick · #2 (**permalink**) 01-04-2010, 10:32 AM

It is generally better to use a spring cup or a shim inbetween the spring and the head. This prevents the spring from eating into the head. Having said that it can also affect installed height. This is something you must check on your motor. The spring you are using will have a recommended installed height that it needs to be put in at. If using the cup or the shim will cause it to not be able to meet that height then they should not be used.