Hi folks,

What am I missing? 1998 4.0L block and head, I'm upgrading the valve springs to handle the Comp Cams camshaft.

Comp Cam #68-232-4
Mopar Performance Valve Springs P5249464
Mopar Performance Valve Keepers P4529218
Mopar Performance Valve Spring Retainers P4452032

Basically copied the build from this youtube video:


Here's what I am experiencing...basically the Mopar performance valve spring is larger diameter than the original valve springs, so they seem to want to wobble on the head. My machinist picked up on this during the head reassembly and wants to verify I have all the parts and info before he finishes the job.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxx...ew?usp=sharing

 

Here are the stock valve springs (first valve example) next to the larger dual Mopar performance springs (second valve example).

 

Are those "conical" or "cylindrical" springs? Conical (beehive) springs are supposed to be assembled with the narrow taper on top.

 

Attached is what I've been able to find on the specs of the spring. Based on this, I'd say they're cylindrical not conical, but I don't have them in front of me to tell for sure.

 

Last resort if you really need those performance springs, take the head to a machine shop and have them mill the head to fit those spring diameters.
Also an excellent opportunity to port and polish the head since performance seems to be the goal.

 

The red arrow is pointing to springs for a V8.

 

I ran those exact springs and hardware on my 96 stroker with no issues at all-no modification required

 

The v8 springs?

And, FWIW, might just contact Chad at Golen Engines for advise/parts.

 

Answering for the gentleman above, yes, the "V8" springs are what I have read 20+ threads on Jeepers using the P5249464 spring on higher lift cams. It is what Comp Cams recommended to me over the phone as well since they did not have a spring + keeper + retainer combo for the newer valve stem.

By the way, against my better judgement, I called Golen today and spoke to a fella about their 4.6 stroker builds and what valvetrain they use. Apparently they use a combination of the Comp Cams springs, with a custom keeper and retainer, after machining the head for installed spring height. This somewhat verified what I have heard in the past where Golen has been machining the heads too far, and not measuring the valve springs before machining, and then shimming each individual valve spring differently. Sure, this probably runs and works for many of their "100+ engines each year", but I don't like this method as it limits the future options without having to start over with a new head. The best advice this fella gave was his recommendation to call Comp Cams and have a custom ground camshaft made with the same specs just less lift, but if you're rebuilding the Jeep 4.0 it likely has higher miles on it given the age of these vehicles now, so you shouldn't re-use the stock valve springs unless they spec out ok for pressure and install height. They're probably worn out. If you're buying new springs, might as well buy a stronger spring and a cam with the desired lift so you actually get the power out of the engine you're seeking.

Anyways, I called my engine mechanic and asked him to proceed with the head assembly. If I have valvetrain problems later down the road for whatever reason, I'll report back. If I don't report back, the engine is still going strong.