Vortec head cam lift question

[James Blankensh]

I am using some vortec heads on my small block chevy motor and I was curious how to solve my lift problem. I have read that the heads are only good to a certain lift of about .470. My cam will have .454/.480 lift.

Is it possible to run umbrella seals instead of the stock seals to gain enough clearance? I DO NOT want to take the heads back to the machine shop to have the guides ground down. I have a set of springs that the performance shop said would provide enough lift, but they look a lot like the stock springs.

Thanks for the help!

James

[James Blankensh]

I also wanted to add some information that is on my springs.

1.260" O.F. Single Damper
110#@1.800" 310#@1.200"
Max lift .600

Thanks again for any help

[Tbi-MAX]

i think its a new patented coil that fits it with retainers... but other than that, i think you must have to machine work to make it work properly. someone will answer you correctly.

[James Blankensh]

I installed a couple of valves into the heads and checked the clearance. It looks like between the retainer and the top of the valve seal I have .590 inch of clearance. .559-.480=.079in clearance. In my engine building book it says minimum clearnace is .070 so I think I should be good to go.

James