Question about aluminum heads what valve spring retainer keeps do I use

[poormansspeed]

Hi guys I recently bought a set of bear aluminum 440 heads for my 1974 dodge charger ralley in building it is my first set of a aluminum heads my question is I’m using the stock springs and retainers as it’s a all stock 440 besides a aluminum intake hp exhaust manifolds and now these aluminum heads my question is I am using Ferrea racing exhaust valve f6306-8 from what I can find they use a 2 grove valve spring keeper can I just use intake keepers or dose anyone have any information on this that can help me please sorry if I sound stupid just trying to learn have never messed with aftermarket heads and valves before my first time doing this in my short 26 years of life

 

[pnora]

Polar or Grizzly?

The keepers need to match the retainers. Springs should be tested and installed heights need to be measured. There is a lot going on and mismatched parts could lead to disaster. Plus what condition are the seats, guides and surfaces? Heads used or new? What brand.

 

[451Mopar]

Most aftermarket valve use the single grove keepers.
With aluminum heads you need a valve spring seat so the spring dosent eat into the head.
Use a valve spring micrometer to check valve spring installed height.
You can get locks and retainers that are machined to increase or decrease installed valve spring height.
The locks / keepers also need to match the retainer keeper angle. Factory retainers are 7-degree, and most aftermarket retainers are 10-degree.

The retainers should also match up to your valve spring diameters (more of an issue with dual springs.) Same with the valve spring seat locators.

 

[69Bee]

Those valves have a 11/32 stem, so the retainers and keepers need to be of that size.

Keepers: 11/32" Single groove and either 7 or 10 Degree to match the retainer. Normally STD. unless you need to adjust for spring installed height then either -0.050" or +0.050"
Retainer: For 11/32" valve stem and either 7 or 10 Degree depending on valve lift and spring application (single or dual) and size