Suggested valve springs for a 1966 L72

[AUTOHOLIC]

My 1966 L72 came to me with the wrong (hydraulic cam) engine in it. I am replacing it with a factory spec L72 solid lifter nitrated cam. The engine is a 1969 vintage and I will continue to use it even though I have the BORN WITH block for the car in my garage.

The original L72 valve springs were notorious for breaking. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good replacement with part numbers and where to buy?

[markids77]

How about getting the matching set from your cam manufacturer? They can also provide suggested installed height, lash specs and whatever else you might require.
EDIT: Don't forget to ask about suggested distributor gear and fuel pump pushrod materials... both must be made from softer material than the cam.

[GTOguy]

Originally Posted by markids77

How about getting the matching set from your cam manufacturer? They can also provide suggested installed height, lash specs and whatever else you might require.
EDIT: Don't forget to ask about suggested distributor gear and fuel pump pushrod materials... both must be made from softer material than the cam.

This is what I would recommend. Along with a competent machinist who can get the installed height and seat pressures where they need to be so that the valves and cam and lifters and pushrods can all live.

[roadpilot]

I run a Comp Cam and Edelbrock springs #5862
Good luck finding them.

[AUTOHOLIC]

I ordered the cam and lifters from Howard’s and completely spaced out asking about valve springs at the time.
My real question is what is the best set of springs to replace the troubled original springs for the subject cam if anyone has experience with this.

[markids77]

Originally Posted by AUTOHOLIC

I ordered the cam and lifters from Howard’s and completely spaced out asking about valve springs at the time.
My real question is what is the best set of springs to replace the troubled original springs for the subject cam if anyone has experience with this.

Since metallurgy has improved so dramatically since the 60s most any domestic manufacturer you could name has better than OE springs available.
I say again my recommendation is to buy the "premium" upgrade option from whoever made your camshaft. I am certain Howard's customer service reps can; and will make a specific recommendation for you if you simply ask.
EDIT: Will you run OE pushrods which will almost certainly be different lengths than for a hydraulic cam? Are you intending to run the original stamped rockers? Do you understand the questions asked so far?
If the answer is NO... Please make friends with a reliable, local engine builder who can guide you to engine happiness less the detailed research required to get there on your own.

[AUTOHOLIC]

Originally Posted by markids77

Since metallurgy has improved so dramatically since the 60s most any domestic manufacturer you could name has better than OE springs available.
I say again my recommendation is to buy the "premium" upgrade option from whoever made your camshaft. I am certain Howard's customer service reps can; and will make a specific recommendation for you if you simply ask.
EDIT: Will you run OE pushrods which will almost certainly be different lengths than for a hydraulic cam? Are you intending to run the original stamped rockers? Do you understand the questions asked so far?
If the answer is NO... Please make friends with a reliable, local engine builder who can guide you to engine happiness less the detailed research required to get there on your own.

I understand the questions, I used to own an automotive repair shop. Yes the pushrods will be changed and the factor rocker will likely stay as the were really not a problem that I know but I have also run aftermarket rocker on other engines I have had.