408 Ford Stroker Engine Build Up

Setting up valve springs on my canfield 195 cylinder heads
Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Well I fast forwarded, got all my intake and exhaust port work done, now it's time to start assembling my canfields. I am using a comp cams 998 valve spring, which when installed at 1.880 will be around 240lbs of seat pressure and the open rate is I believe about 680 lbs. It's a 1.6250 diameter spring. I am also using a comp cams titanium retainer, comp cams 10 degree super locks and comp cams valve spring locator which is an inner diameter locator instead of the typical outer diameter cup style.

I am using a +.100 long 2.08-1.60 intake and exhaust valve to get the install height above 1.860. I was trying to achieve a 1.900 install height to keep the pressure down, but going to have to live with the 1.880 for now. I could have used a +.050 lock but that would present other problems in relation to my shaft rocker setup I will be running, I will go over that in detail when time comes.

One thing you will find out real quick when working with a near 700 lb valve spring, your spring compressor better be up to par or you will not get very far at all. Fortunately I have a very nice pneumatic compressor and with 140lbs of tank pressure, it compresses the valve spring just far enough. A cheaply made manual compressor with collapse damn near instantly when attempting to compress the valve springs.

One last thing before pictures, remember all locks, retainers are not created equal. When I was using my install height micrometer I would run into one valve setup that would yield 1.865 install height, I would simply change out the locks or the retainer from a different one and voila, I would achieve my 1.880 height I was looking for. I think it's very normal to have a .010-.015 thou variance in these machined parts, keep it in mind when setting up your heads.

Oh ya one last thing, I know alot of guys wont have access to this but I did have some install heights that would not go over 1.865 so I had to put the spring locator in my lathe and take .010-.015 thou off it it to achieve my desired 1.880, which by the way this spring has coil bind at 1.090 and with my custom solid roller camshaft, I will have over .120 thou before coil bind at max lift, good to go!

First mock up with height micrometer, 1.858 install height.

This next picture, all I did was switch some locks and retainers and got the 1.880 install height I wanted. Keep in mind even though this pic shows I am off a few thou on the desired 1.880, I can not exert the same as a 245lb spring, so I can guarantee once the spring is installed it will be atleast 1.880

So, basically rinse and repeat 8 times per cylinder head. Here is a shitty picture of the 2.08-1.60 intake and exhaust valves. I am using Ferrea 6000 series stainless valves. I really like these Ferrea valves and have used them numerous times before.

Here is a quick glimpse at the inner spring diameter locator, and the intake ports with a bit of work done to them. They have been ported slightly and ready for use with a fel-pro 1262 intake gasket.

Here are a few shots of the first finished canfield 195 cylinder head. Mind you I will be leaving 2 springs off on the next head and will be using a checking spring on the intake and exhaust. Don't even think it's wise to use your regular spring when checking piston to valve clearance or pushrod length with an adjustable pushrod.

Ok that's all for now, I have alot more coming up. Were getting closer. Oh also, I want to thank Jim at FordStrokers again for being very patient with me through this build of mine. He is first class in my book. Till next time..