Determining shim size in valvetrain

Springs: k-motion k-800
1.460 OD
1.850 installed height

Retainers k motion k-7400
These offer an extra .050 installed height


Now onto the question. What size shims do i use? Most offer a 1.480 OD, and are offered in .015, .030, and .060 heights.

I think i want the 1.480 OD (yes/no/i am lost), with the .060 height to make up for the shorter retainer? yes/no/opinions?

Cam is this one in case it matters.
http://dab7.cranecams.com/SpecCard/DisplayCatalogCard.asp?PN=109841&B1=Display+Card

Any OD larger than the spring is OK as long as it fits in the spring pocket & also fits snugly aroung the guide to prevent it from moving. As far as thickness, you must measure the retainer to head space of EACH spring (use a snap gauge & micrometer or a spring height tool) & then shim accordingly. Do not assume any existing part is correct as they will all vary. Take the time to measure them all.

What you said makes sense, but what am i looking at to measure? Am i shimming to achieve the installed height of the sriping?

Originally posted by atljar
What you said makes sense, but what am i looking at to measure? Am i shimming to achieve the installed height of the sriping?

Correct, if the distance from the spring seat in the head to the retainer is 1.865 you put in the .015 shim. If it is less than 1.850, you have to take some material off of the spring seat or the valve seat.