How To Set Valve Spring Height, install valve springs, Front Engine Dragster

In this video we will remove an old valve spring from a head, determine valve spring install height, install the needed shims, and install the new valve spring while the head is still bolted to the engine. We will then test out calculations by measuring seat pressure with the valve spring installed. It was pointed out to me that the springs I had installed on the new engine in the Front Engine Dragster did not have enough seat pressure for my expected top end RPM of 7,800. What to do? My mentor, Steve Walczak, found a set of Comp Cam springs (#996) that were a good compromise between seat pressure and open pressure with the lift that I have. My valves are relatively small, and light, so I can get away with a little lighter seat pressure. I will be shooting for around 338 pounds of force at close and just under 800 open. I have a strong valve train, a copper struck solid roller cam (Engle), .135 thickness push rod walls (Trend), Shaft mounted Crower rocker arms. So…..it should stand up to these pressures.