Can you use stock 3800 retainers with these springs? Thanks

its not recommended.

Thanks. Are the LS1 or 2 springs closer to the 3800 in spring rate?

They have a seat pressure of 90#'s, which is not a huge differnce from the stock springs, but the spring ramp rate with extra lift than a stock 3800, the spring acts like a 130# spring when fully sweeped from open to closed.

So basicly, they act like a spring more than 105#, but bit less seat pressure than a 105#.

quote 90# springs are GM LS6 yellow springs*. The LS6 comes from the factory with .550" of lift and spins to 6500 RPM to give an idea of what the springs were made for. Seat pressure is lower than the Comp Cams (105#) springs but spring rate is higher so they do work well for aggressive ramp rates

I am unfamiliar with LS1 or LS2 valvesprings, we have only used ls6 springs..

Can they just be installed or do the heads need to be machined?

[This message has been edited by goatnipples2002 (edited 09-28-2007).]

97 heads have smaller seats than 98 heads, so you would have to machine a pre 98 head.

Can the locks and retainers from the LS6 be used as well? My motor is a 96, so I am screwed for now.
So what do we have to do so you will type that thread on 3800sc fiero mod list? We all know you wouldn't have to answer as many Q's.

[This message has been edited by goatnipples2002 (edited 09-28-2007).]

quote Originally posted by goatnipples2002: Can the locks and retainers from the LS6 be used as well? My motor is a 96, so I am screwed for now. So what do we have to do so you will type that thread on 3800sc fiero mod list? We all know you wouldn't have to answer as many Q's.

Search the 60 degree V6 forum and the Z24 forum for spring rate info on the LS series springs, lots of 60 degree engine owners are using them with noted mods required, the significance to you being that the 3800 shares the same valve stem diameter as the aluminum head valves and have been considered as a larger valve source. I have also read info on retainer combinations and valve stem seal requirements.

The LS6 springs fit on the AL head 60s just fine. But I have read different about the 3800.

Yes, but there is info regarding retainers and locks, which stock for at least some of the 3800 engines may be the same as for the fwd engines since the valves differ mainly by size for some of them. You'll need the install height which for the LS6 spring is 1.8", I don't beleive GM did it on the 3900 HO but I removed the stock spring dampening cups before installing the LS6 springs because they were about .040" thick at the base the install height for the stock 3900 spring is 1.7" so that put me closer to the LS6 springs install height. Side by side the LS6 spring was a little taller than the 3900 spring, that was the only difference I noticed right away.

quote Originally posted by goatnipples2002: Can the locks and retainers from the LS6 be used as well? My motor is a 96, so I am screwed for now. So what do we have to do so you will type that thread on 3800sc fiero mod list? We all know you wouldn't have to answer as many Q's.

get these v8 guys off my back.