Valve Spring Orientation on a L78 396

[Gary C.]

While overhauling my 396 cylinder heads, I noticed the valve springs were of the progressive winding type, with the inner spring being more noticeably so. Online research indicated that these springs should be installed with the tighter coils closest to the cylinder head. Upon inspection, I found that some of my springs were incorrectly oriented.
I'm curious if this is common knowledge among engine builders or if I was simply unaware of this detail.




Valve Springs.jpg

[Mark E.]

Re: Valve Spring Orientation on a L78 396

Why does it matter? The spring rate is the same either way.

[Duke W.]

Re: Valve Spring Orientation on a L78 396

I'm not sure it makes any difference either, however, placing the close coil end against the head may reduce the dynamic mass, i.e. less inertia.

Those aren't the OE 396 springs. The OE springs were a single spring with an interior flat wire damper like small block valve springs that were known to be weak and many broke especially mechanical lifter big blocks that were run hard.

Chevrolet didn't get around to releasing an improved spring until 1969. This was a dual spring with integral retainer and umbrella seal. unfortunately they were discontinued at least ten years ago and there is no exact aftermarket replacement.

It looks like the outer spring has a retainer (bottom), but I don't see the seal, so I don't know if what you have are the second design or aftermarket. I think both second design outer and inner springs were constant rate, not progressive.

Duke