Rebuilt Flathead Problems.

[GordonC]

Ok I need the advice of the experts.

My springs came in - thank you Gary! - and I am assembling my valves. The picture I have is of 2 different ways of assembling the chevy valves I have. All springs are new and measure 2.48". I was shooting for an installed valve spring height of 2.125" and with a .060" thick shim I had 65 lbs. pressure. The valve on the left has a 2.150" assembled height which should be good to go except for the discussion on if the rotators should be used or not and the lock is in the first groove on the valve.

I also assembled a second one. This time using a conventional retainer and new valve lock but this time I put it on the second groove of the chevy valve just to see the difference. On this valve I got about 2.170" with a .060" shim when assembled in the second groove. This valve may have a little less pressure but would probably be ok as well, if I can get over using the second grove.

Last I did this same valve with the normal retainer and new lock installed on the first groove of the chevy valve and got 2.400". So I would somehow need to make up .375 of an inch if I used the top groove on the chevy valve with a standard retainer.

SO have at it boys pick your poison and let me know what you think. I have not assembled anything else yet until I hear some opinions here.