Is it time for new valve springs after 45 years?

[Mebsuta]

I have vintage original valve springs on my 383 RR. They checked okay in 1989. Think it's time to retire them?

What I have on hand is Melling VS430 (crossover Sealed Power VS675, Elgin RV891X, P4286812. That's what the Melling catalog said to use with 383 HP cam, which is what I have.

Free height 2.230
OD 1.484/1.504
ID 1.070/1.09
Wire size .207
Closed pressure 100-110
Open pressure 236-256
Coils 6.25 RH

They are Hecho en Mexico, but I don't care about that.

Think I should use them? I don't want a real high pressure extreme spring and will never use a cam with more than .455 or so lift. I will keep the originals in a box and get them out and admire them sometimes.

 

[boltupal]

When you think about how much damage one bad spring can cause. The answer will be painfully clear. Buy really good new springs.... and roller rockers

 

[WP29440SE]

if you've put 25 miles on it since 1989 and if it aint broke, then ..... but if you've put 100,000 on it since 1989.....ive seen good springs on 150,000 mile 400's. new ones cant hurt ...

 

[Cranky]

When you think about how much damage one bad spring can cause. The answer will be painfully clear. Buy really good new springs.... and roller rockers

Why roller rockers? They are really a waste of money on a low lift cam....

 

[coloradodave]

When you think about how much damage one bad spring can cause. The answer will be painfully clear. Buy really good new springs.... and roller rockers

Respectfully disagree. Roller rockers aren't necessary on a stock or mild build. Put the money into something that will actually improve your ride...

 

[Mebsuta]

if you've put 25 miles on it since 1989 and if it aint broke, then ..... but if you've put 100,000 on it since 1989.....ive seen good springs on 150,000 mile 400's. new ones cant hurt ...

I'm going to think about this before I do anything.

Also I was a little surprised by the roller-rocker suggestion and am glad y'all don't think its necessary. That sounds expensive.