The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Valve Spring Caps

Will a SBC valve spring cap interchange with a 1956 848 head. I have read they will , but will defer to the Exsperts here.
I am in need for 2 complete sets.

Thanks
Shady

what is the reasoning behind the caps?? i just had my machinist rebuild a large port GMC head for me. the oem valves had caps, we put all new seats, springs and valves in and he told me i would not use these and gave them to me in a bag.

I have a pair used 848 heads that did not come with springs or rocker assembly’s. They check out as good candidates for restoration. I can source everything but the caps. That’s why the question.

Shady

They put the caps on during the time when oil wasn't very good and engines were worked hard. Oil is much better and you will never run your old vehicle like we did 70 years ago. Just don't worry about the caps.

Let’s clear up the confusion, I am talking about retainer or cap, that holds the the 2 keys which lock the valve spring in place with the valve. It’s about 1.25” and round.
Shady

The part according to Chevy Master Part Books is listed as GM# 3835392 - Cap - rotator assy. valve spring.

Used on all 1947-62 6 cylinders for both intake and exhaust, except for Commercial 1-1/2 ton and up truck 6 cylinders that used different "rotator assemblies" on the exhaust valve of the heavy duty 6 cylinders. They do not interchange with the V8 or later 6 cylinders.

Very limited availability from a quick web search tonight. I found 12 NOS pieces available on evilbay, but the seller wants $19 each for them - OUCH!

I did find that EGGE Machine Company looks to offer a Valve retainer 3835392 listed at $5.89 each, but unknown if in stock or not.

Hope this answers your questions.

Use Chevy small block V8 exhaust valves, springs, retainers, and split keepers if you choose. Are they technically right?- - - - -No. Will the engine care? Also no. Way too many people bow down and worship 75 year old factory parts manual numbers like Moses brought them from Mt. Sinai, chiseled on stone tablets by the hand of the Almighty!
Jerry

Chevy has used 11/32 valve stems for at least 80 years and they use the same grooves so the keepers will work. Rock Auto has the keepers for about $1 each. Chev has used springs that were a little over 2" for the same time frame. The inline springs are just a little bigger in diameter than the V8. So just to be safe I would match the retainer with the springs. I'm not sure that it would make any difference, but it wouldn't hurt to match them. The retainers really don't wear out. Used ones will work just fine.

Just as a practical matter, small block V8 valve springs, retainers, and split keepers are rated for much higher RPM than an unmodified stovebolt six can ever run. 350 Chevy V8 exhaust valves are an exact dimensional clone of the stovebolt valve. I've run them at 7K+ RPM for thousands of laps on dirt tracks. Compare prices- - - - -even stainless aftermarket valves and the associated hardware are dirt cheap. I've used them by the dozen on plenty of stovebolt heads with no failures whatsoever.

www.ebay.com/itm/202799964937?

www.ebay.com/itm/800856779636?

You'll have a few leftover parts- - - - -so what? Give 'em away! (Or stash them for the next engine build)
Jerry

Thanks Guys

Shady

Just to be clear I can run the Chevy small blocks springs and retainers on both intake and exhaust? If I run the stainless SBC exhaust valves I need the boot or umbrella style oil defector on the exhaust valve and can still use the o-ring style on the intake valves?

Shady