A Guide to Fitting LS6 Valvesprings Into Almost Any Head

LS2, LS6 Valvespring fitment. What to get right, watch out for and math on max lift.
Also, pressure testing and finding coil bind height on a stock LS6 spring vrs a Summit Racing LS6 (0.55in lift spec)
Extras include why the beehive is as versatile as ever, and chasing valvespring pressure has consequences on camshafts.
Finally, the end shows the installation in practice on a set of VN heads fitted to a +0.060in 308 with a 218@0.050in duration cam on 0.47in lift. Intake is a ported Edelbrock Air-Gap and modified aftermarket 4-2-1 headers.

[@shaun9067]

Thanks great video

[@tiitsaul9036]

Thanks for sharing.

[@RussellCompton-fh3gr]

blue for me,,,thanks

[@DrSkrungle]

put a bolt or dowel through the center of the spring when in the vice and save yourself a trip to the ER

[@crd-nz_001]

I will have to make a fixture, so it sits in the vise safely yet still gives room to see the spring for future videos.

[@dominostang]

Hi it 's a nice video .i've got a 71 CLEVELAND with quench 4v heads with the 2.19 intake valves. do you think that the blue ls spring could do the trick replacing the stock spring with the cobra jet cam?

[@crd-nz_001]

I am exploring this option myself. Unfortunately, the problem lies in the Cleveland 1.72in installed height vrs the 1.8in for the valvesprings. The spring saddle is also too big and needs machining to accept the smaller diameter spring. I haven't found a seat cutter that will do this, other than ones that will cut for the pressed steel seat locater ones designed for aluminum heads. This takes up a further 0.060.
If a valve with an extra 0.14in in height (that's assuming the collet location remains the same measurement from stock - measured from the valve tip down), then it's possible. Or, there are +0.100tho valves and machine the heads by 0.040in. I have no info on if the heads will crack over time from the removal of metal. +0.200 plus a shim could also be done.
Next, a pushrod length change will be needed. I would assume that raising the valve will need an equal length increase in the pushrod and a shim of similar thickness put under the pedestal. Not really a problem if they are adjustable stud type arrangement.
Once set for 1.8in valvespring height, other, stronger beehive springs with more lift become available other than a standard LS.
In short, as of today, I can't see how an LS spring can be made to drop into a Cleveland head as cheaply as demonstrated in this video. I am not saying it's impossible. Even if the machine work can be done at home, a full set of valves, collets, retainers, and pushrods are still needed. However, once I do, I will be sharing the procedure.

[@crd-nz_001]

Opps! I re read what you were asking. As above, but to run your idea a different way.
If memory is correct, 0.60in was max lift from the blue valvespring (with 0.020in coil bind gap) Minus the 0.080 seat difference, and we are down to 0.52in As long as the CJ cam stays under this lift point, and the spring seat can be machined to accept the smaller I.D. of the spring, plus a collet/retainer change... then it's possible. Obviously, there is risk with how close to coil bind it will run, but I am assuming you are no fool and will check all this yourself. Just be aware that Beehives prefer closer coil bind numbers than 0.050in. How much under 0.02in is the risk I leave to you.