Mini Spares Articles - C-AEA527 Dual Valve Springs Fittting Instructions

This valve spring set has been developed to fit standard sized top caps, and cope with racing rpm, savage cam lobe opening rates and high valve lifts up to 0.520”. Most cylinder heads when modified for racing culminate in a fitted valve spring height of around 1.420” to 1.440”.

C-AEA527 DUAL VALVE SPRINGS FITTING INSTRUCTIONS

See bottom for useful part numbers.

However where possible, it is always advantageous to correct and match the valve spring heights (measured from the spring seat in the head to the underside of the spring retainer cap), as these will vary particularly where new valve seats are cut and the standard valve spring seats are left – some by as much as 0.050”!

23/08/2004

C-AEA527 DUAL VALVE SPRINGS FITTING INSTRUCTIONS

This valve spring set has been developed to fit standard sized top caps, and cope with racing rpm, savage cam lobe opening rates and high valve lifts up to 0.520”. Most cylinder heads when modified for racing culminate in a fitted valve spring height of around 1.420” to 1.440”.

C-AEA527 DUAL VALVE SPRINGS FITTING INSTRUCTIONS

See bottom for useful part numbers.

However where possible, it is always advantageous to correct and match the valve spring heights (measured from the spring seat in the head to the underside of the spring retainer cap), as these will vary particularly where new valve seats are cut and the standard valve spring seats are left – some by as much as 0.050”! The standard heights for pre-A+ heads are approximately 1.32” to 1.37” for small-bore types, 1.40” to 1.42” for large-bore types, and A+ heads 1.35” to 1.38” for small-bore types and 1.35”-1.37” for large-bore types. However, it must be stressed that these values are entirely dependant on the components used and machined condition of the head. It is essential that the fitted length of the valve
springs is checked prior to use to avoid damage to the valve train.

This will involve measuring the as- finished spring heights of the modified head then correcting as necessary. Adjustments can be made
by machining the spring seats, using shims of varying thickness or a mixture of both to achieve equalisation. MSC can supply valve spring shims in thicknesses of 0.010”, 0.030” and 0.060”.

At 1.420” fitted height, these springs will give a seat load of approximately 110-psi (no less than 95-psi being preferred for race use). To calculate different loads for different height add/subtract 3.4-psi per 0.010” difference – for either seat or valve lift at the tip values. Set at the aforementioned seat pressure this will give a nominal at the valve pressure for the intended installation/use of approximately 280lb at 0.500” lift.

To calculate approximate seat load at 1.44” fitted length –
1.44”-1.42” = 0.020”.
0.020” divided by 0.010” = 2
2 x 3.4-psi = 6.8-psi
Therefore new seat load at 1.44” will be -
110-psi  - 6.8-psi = 103.2-psi

To calculate approximate load at the valve tip at any given valve lift – for example 0.500” –
0.500” divided by 0.010” = 50
50 x 3.4-psi = 170-psi
Therefore load at 0.500” valve lift, where fitted height is 1.420”, will be -
170-psi + 110-psi = 280-psi

Note: Valve lift value will obviously change with change in fitted height load, so make this calculation first. Rocker gear ratio will also alter over-all rate/load as seen by the cam/follower. To assess this, multiply valve tip load by actual rocker ratio – i.e. for 1.5 actual ratio with above 0.500” value – 1.5 x 280-psi = 420-psi.

Download a printable PDF of this fitting instruction here
Mini Cooper Fitting Instruction C-AEA527 in PDF C-AEA527.pdf

Useful part numbers:

C-AEA526 Nominal 180 psi dual valve springs, road/rally use up to 0.495" lift/7,500 rpm continual use.
C-AEA527 Nominal 240 psi dual valve springs, rally/race use up to 0.570" lift.
C-AEA528 Alloy top cap set, hard anodised, very light, single groove collet only.
AEA653 Steel 'W' type top caps, single groove collet only, need 8.
C-AEA654 Competition inner spring locator (no step).
AEA403 Standard lower inner spring locator, need 8.
SS4 Set of 4 spring spacer-shims, 0.080" thick.
88G459 Single groove collet, need 8 (come in pairs).
ADU4905 Valve stem seal, late 'sprung' type.
AEG327 Valve stem seal 'S' type without spring.

test

Importation rules regarding vehicles are very specific: Only those over 25 years in age may be brought in to the USA without compilance to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

Author

admin