Thread: Valve springs (L76 specifically)

I'm in the process of putting on my L76 springs. Is it normal for the base of the LSx style springs to barely fit around the portruding part (the valve guide, I guess)? The stock springs have a little more play where as I have to really work to get the L76 springs on there. Once seated, they're pretty secure.

Also, is this difference in height between unloaded and install height normal for this style spring?



Also, here's a picture of the lip that it's hard to fit the L76 spring around:



And here's a size comparison between two unloaded springs. On the left the stock 3800 spring, on the right the L76 spring.

Okay, answered my own question somewhat. I found out that the L76 springs have a recommended install height of 1.8" and will lift down to 1.3". I measured with a tape measure (I know, not exact) and came up with 1 and 13/16" of install height. That comes out to 1.8125" so I'm right on the money. I guess it just freaked me a little seeing how much more compressed it looks than the stock 3800 spring.

Oh, and I'm using LSx style retainers from ZZP if it matters.

ZZ Performance

If someone has comments feel free. I'm kinda on my own as I haven't seen these springs used with the 3800 much and I want to make sure it's going to be okay.

Looking good . I have been looking into the L76 springs amd the Ls6 springs. Any benefit over either spring?

L76 is cheaper and more reliable with less strain on the valve train. The con is that they have a max lift of 0.50" so you're limited to a mild cam or 1.9 rockers.

I've got one full head done, and one cylinder on the other. Using this valve spring compressor is like a death trap. So it's been slow going. Putting the L76 springs on is easy enough, but it's almost too big to fit securely on the 3800 retainers. Takes a few tries to get right.

Where are you seeing .500" max lift? Last time I looked, the 2009 catalog listed them as .520", and the 2008 catalog listed them as .530". .500" would exclude any of the aftermarket cams.

It's normal for LSx springs to fit a little tighter, they won't even fit at all on some 97 heads.

I thought the 2008 catalog listed them as 0.50". I could've misread.

Thanks for the assurance, Scimmia. Wanted to make sure I wasn't doing something wrong.

Not a problem, I was just afraid you'd found some info I hadn't seen. I have a set of L76 springs and a VS cam sitting here, .500" max lift could cause me some problems.