Topic: CB750 springs and retainers.update got'em more cylinder height ?'s

[Don R]

Now that I've floated the valves on my K4 836 kit motor and dinged an exhaust valve, it's time for aftermarket springs and retainers so I can install my Kenny Harmon F grind cam.
 It has the E bay 836 kit, 4 into 1, ported head and new stock valves. I'll probably shim the cylinder to gain some clearance, (The pistons are a little out of the hole).

 Which springs and retainers are the best for my application and why? Prices seem to be relatively close. What about new keepers and shims to set installed height?

[Don R]

Looks like I'll call APE. I like the beehive springs but I've broken an outer once or twice in my time and the inner kept the valve from dropping.

[MCRider]

Looks like I'll call APE. I like the beehive springs but I've broken an outer once or twice in my time and the inner kept the valve from dropping.

Yeah, send APE the biz. I've got their springs and Ti retainers.

[Don R]

They just did a trans for me, should have had them ship it all together.

[Big Jay]

We make this stuff in house and have it in stock.

[Don R]

Thanks, big Jay. I'll be calling as soon as my wallet will allow.

[Don R]

The kenny Harmon F cam it is. Gotta try it. Does anyone have experience with setting installed spring height on a K head? Having them too tall was a spring killer on my 567" race engine.

[NitroHunter]

I've heard no more than coil bind + .040 and also heard 70# on the seat? This is a good question Don maybe Jay can shed some light on this, at least with his. I just looked at a new pack of APE SOHC springs and they have no reccommendation.

And Don just for you    we just cycled out some ti springs because they "only" made 400# on the seat.   

[Don R]

I was concerned when mine got shimmed TO 400 on the seat! 567" BBC. Here's why I'm asking,
 I needed a new cam due to some pitting so we went with the engine builders new profile. first thing was stud rockers started spitting needles into the oil pump, so Rebuild it and new shaft rockers went on, Then a small bolt got loose from the shaft rockers (my fault) ate it up again. Not it's all fresh and broken springs again. The spring company says they need shimmed closer to bind to relieve the harmonics. Slow learner!
 I'm used to an engine lasting longer than a nitro motor LOL.

[MRieck]

If you are using an F grind I'd look for 1.330 to 1.320 assembled height depending on how hard you will run it. The springs will drop 5 lbs relatively quickly once you start poring coal into the engine.

[Don R]

Thank you.

[Don R]

I got my new springs and retainers, thanks Big Jay!
 Now for my clearance issue, I haven't checked the KH/F cam yet but I  want to shim the cylinder base to get the pistons back in the hole. They are .008 out and i'd like to at least get them even with the deck if not down in the hole a little. I believe the Ebay kit head gasket is on the thicker side compared to a stocker and I used a Honda base gasket reported to be .020.
 If I use an MLS head gasket it may be thinner too so after I figure out how much to add what type of cylinder base shim should I use and where do I get one? I'm thinking at least .040. maybe a bit more.