Building Your Own Motor
Keepers / Valve Locks
Keepers also known as Valve Locks go hand in hand with Spring Retainers. You will need the right Keepers for the Valve and the right Retainer for the keepers and the Springs. You will have to get the right Keepers to fit the Valves. Keepers are half of a wedge, made out of a strong Metal. They come in angles of 7 Degree and 10 Degree angles of the wedge. The 7 Degree Keepers are for your average Motor and the 10 Degree Keepers are for all out Racing Motors. They have a raised groove or Multiple of Raised Grooves to fit the end of the Valves.
Valve Spring Retainers
You must use the right Valve Spring Retainer to match the Keepers either 7 Degree or 10 Degree Retainers. You must also use the right retainer for the Valve Springs you are going to use. Some Retainers have a step in them for Multiple Springs to keep the Springs separated.
Valve Springs
Valve Springs are rated by the Seat Pressure of their installed Height. This is installed on the head with the Valve closed. Stock Valve Seat Pressure is around 100 Lbs. Racing Spring Seat Pressures can be as high as 265 Lbs or more. Spring are also rated by their compressed capabilities. This would be for you to know how much Lift a Camshaft can put on the Springs. Some Valve Springs can handle a Maximum Lift of around .700, most stock Valve Springs might Open to a Maximum of .500.
