valve locks/keepers

[Garys1969RR]

Can some one fill me in on the difference between 7* and 10* valve locks? I've heard that after you buy the stealth heads, change the keepers to 10* ones? And also change the retainers to a high quality brand. Would Crane retainers be acceptable? And does the retainer have to be made for 7 or 10 degree locks? Or do the locks/keepers work on all the retainers? Ok thanks.

 

[Cranky]

7* locks with 7* retainers and same with the 10's. The 10* have more angle so they are generally better at 'keeping' the valve in the retainer and especially so when using higher spring rates.

 

[Garys1969RR]

I saw a 512 stroker at a local shop that had dropped a valve from a new stealth head. They used it out of the box, and took it to the track. Sucked a valve thru the lights at 112 MPH, Made me a believer!

 

[Cranky]

I would have thought that the Stealths came with 10's in them but I don't really know. As for the brand, I would think Crane would be good but I've always used Isky products but who makes them for everyone is another question lol. Did the 512 pull the valve through the retainer?

 

[RustyRatRod]

Ibut who makes them for everyone is another question lol.

Ain't that the dang truth?

 

[moparsteve636]

I had that happen to me recently!Used the stealth heads out of the box,cost me alot of money to put it back together after dropping a valve!The heads are a good piece BUT throw the retainers and keepers away if your using any kind of big cam.Also the springs are to low in seat pressure!Less than a stock spring (around 120# seat press closed).A lesson relearned I won't use an out of the box part!!!!

 

[69Bee]

The lock and retainer angle have to match for it to work correctly. As far as brand: Crane, CompCams, Isky, etc.. would be fine.

I dont really understand all of the comments on the Stealth heads though. I looked at them on the 440 Source website, and the specs specifically state that they are only good up to a MAX lift of 0.510". Also, the closed seat spec for the Stealth head is 130lbs @ 1.875" closed when my 69 HP spec is 100-110lbs @ 1.86", STD spec is 121-129lbs @ 1.36".

The spring and lock/retainer seem to be set up to run a 509 Purple shaft or equivalent. What cam lift were the fellas that dropped valves running would be my question?

Specs at bottom of page:
http://store.440source.com/Stealth-Aluminum-Cylinder-Head-COMPLETE-SINGLE-HEAD/productinfo/200-1055/

 

[Garys1969RR]

Didn't see the head, was just at the shop and saw they had it apart. Think he was running a roller cam. Told them I thought I had heard that the Stealth heads should have the locks and retainers changed when new. Guess thats true with anything more than 509 lift? Or does that also apply at lower lifts?

 

[RustyRatRod]

I will sya this Gary.....don't get cheap ones. There are some Ebay ones that are like 9.99....DON'T do it. Get name brand locks. Isky, Crane, Comp.

 

[IQ52]

Once again, here is what I have personally found out about 440 Source Stealth heads.

http://forums.moparmusclemagazine.c...formance-discussion/440-source-stealth-heads/

 

[RustyRatRod]

Once again, here is what I have personally found out about 440 Source Stealth heads.

http://forums.moparmusclemagazine.c...formance-discussion/440-source-stealth-heads/

I know our porter, Jerry Killian likes um. He says the castings are pretty high quality. He doesn't seem to give a crap where they're made.