Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-01-20 Origin: Site
Choosing the right springs for your camshaft is a critical aspect of building a reliable and high-performance engine. When dealing with Howards Cams, their vast catalog, including specific models like Howards 98543 and Howards 98637, offers tailored solutions for various setups. This guide delves into selecting the ideal valve springs for Howards Cams, explaining the role of valve springs, and discussing their compatibility with Howards’ camshaft catalog. Additionally, it incorporates related topics like the types of springs, the importance of spring stiffness, and how to determine the correct spring using tools like a spring calculator or compression spring finder.
Valve springs control the movement of the engine’s valves by ensuring they open and close at the precise moments dictated by the camshaft’s lobes. Proper valve spring selection is crucial because mismatched springs can lead to engine inefficiencies or even catastrophic failures.
Maintain consistent valve timing.
Prevent valve float at high RPMs.
Support proper seating of valves to avoid leaks.
Absorb and manage the force exerted by the camshaft’s lobes.
To determine the correct valve springs for your Howards Cam, consider the following factors:
Camshaft Specifications: Refer to the Howards camshaft catalog to identify the specifications of your chosen camshaft, including lift, duration, and RPM range.
Installed Height: The installed height of the valve springs determines how much room the spring has to compress. Howards recommends 98438 springs for stock head installed height setups.
Spring Pressure: Ensure the spring pressure matches the camshaft’s requirements to avoid valve float or excessive wear.
Spring Type: Choose from compression springs, torsion springs, or flat springs, depending on your application.
Material: Opt for high-quality materials to withstand stress and heat, such as chrome-silicon or titanium alloys.
The Howards valve spring chart is an invaluable tool for matching valve springs to camshafts. It provides detailed data on spring pressure, coil bind height, and compatibility with specific camshaft models.
| Spring Model | Installed Height | Open Pressure | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howards 98438 | 1.800” | 300 lbs | Stock heads, moderate lift cams |
| Howards 98543 | 1.850” | 320 lbs | High-performance street and mild racing |
| Howards 98637 | 1.900” | 350 lbs | High-lift cams, racing applications |
Stiffer valve springs provide increased pressure, which can prevent valve float at higher RPMs. However, they also increase the load on the valvetrain components, potentially leading to accelerated wear.
Prevent valve float at high RPM.
Support aggressive cam profiles with higher lift.
Improve performance in racing or high-performance engines.
Increased wear on lifters, pushrods, and camshafts.
Greater load on the timing chain and gears.
May require reinforced components to handle the added stress.
Higher-pound valve springs are designed for extreme applications, such as high-lift cams and engines operating at very high RPMs. They maintain valve control under these demanding conditions, ensuring performance and reliability.
Engines with camshafts requiring significant valve lift.
High-RPM racing engines.
Applications where valve float is a concern.
Valve springs come in various shapes and types, each serving specific purposes in automotive and industrial applications. Here are the three primary types:
Store energy when compressed and release it when relaxed.
Commonly used in engine valve applications.
Easily located using a compression spring finder.
Provide rotational force when twisted.
Less common in valve applications but useful in other automotive components.
Stretch under tension to absorb energy.
Used in applications requiring controlled extension forces.
Flat Springs: Provide uniform force across their length.
Shaped Springs: Custom designs tailored for specific applications.
Battery Springs: Used in electrical connections.
Recommended for stock head installed height, the Howards 98438 springs are ideal for moderate lift camshafts. Their balanced pressure and durability make them a go-to choice for daily drivers and mild performance builds.
These springs cater to high-performance street engines. With an installed height of 1.850” and open pressure of 320 lbs, they’re suitable for engines requiring higher spring rates without compromising reliability.
Engineered for racing applications, the Howards 98637 springs handle aggressive cam profiles and high RPMs. Their open pressure of 350 lbs ensures precise valve control under extreme conditions.
A spring calculator helps determine the required spring specifications based on engine parameters, including lift, RPM, and installed height.
Using a spring finder simplifies the process of locating compatible springs by filtering options based on dimensions, material, and performance criteria.
Online spring stores provide extensive catalogs, often including tools like spring charts and calculators to assist in selection.
Modern valve springs incorporate advanced materials and designs to enhance performance and durability:
Flame Retardants: Improve thermal resistance in high-temperature environments.
Crosslinkers: Enhance material strength and longevity.
Waterproof Chemicals: Protect springs in moisture-prone conditions.
Choosing the right valve springs involves careful consideration of camshaft specifications, engine requirements, and spring characteristics. By leveraging resources like the Howards valve spring chart and tools like a spring calculator, you can ensure optimal compatibility and performance.
Use Howards 98438 for stock setups and moderate lift cams.
Opt for Howards 98543 or 98637 for high-performance or racing engines.
Consider factors like spring pressure, installed height, and material.
Utilize tools like spring finders and calculators for precise selection.
By understanding the role of valve springs and their compatibility with Howards Cams, you can build an engine that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. Let Howards’ comprehensive catalog guide your decisions for the best results.
