Can someone please explain to me why some members have suffered from dropped valves? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Raptor626 · 10-24-2011, 01:32 PM

I want to know why some members were unfortunate enough to have their valves break off into the cylinder. I'll be honest, I wanted to get a nice cam but now I'm also considering all new heads as to not fall victim to the same thing.

What do you guys think? Why did this happen in the first place? Just a bad batch?

Thanks,

Danny.

*GTAHVIT* · 10-24-2011, 01:35 PM

I think it is more common in single bolt cams....

I'm not sure sure it is the valves... it seems to be the tollerances on these motors don't allow for much error in the valve train... Springs and Cam timing are what seem to be the biggest culprit.

just from my observation...

Raptor626 · 10-24-2011, 01:39 PM

So you're saying that an experienced tuner wouldn't allow this to happen?

*GTAHVIT* · 10-24-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor626

So you're saying that an experienced tuner wouldn't allow this to happen?

yes. In the vast majority of cases... but you have to spend the money on a complete 3 bolt cam and valve train... don't just buy the cam and call it a day... If you are thinking about heads then you are already on the right track.

spend your money on hardening the entire valve train: Timing chain, gear, tensioner, springs, etc.... I think those that are just buying Cams are more likely to have a problem

again... I am so not qualified to answer this, so I'd let some of our tuners chime in...

doomsdayjesus081 · 10-24-2011, 02:32 PM

Another cause could very well be not replacing the springs and pushrods with a new cam. I haven't heard anything on the 5th gen's but I do know there were a lot of broken factory springs with the c5 zo6's even with the stock camshafts. Comp also had a couple batches of 918 springs that failed a couple years ago. The best thing would be to talk to a reputable builder/tuner and listen to what they say. They will set you up pretty well.

Raptor626 · 10-24-2011, 02:54 PM

Yes, both of you make good points. I'll shoot over to Vette Dr's or COW and see what they say. TSP offers some nice packages.

mikeSS · 10-24-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTAHVIT

yes. In the vast majority of cases... but you have to spend the money on a complete 3 bolt cam and valve train... don't just buy the cam and call it a day... If you are thinking about heads then you are already on the right track.

spend your money on hardening the entire valve train: Timing chain, gear, tensioner, springs, etc.... I think those that are just buying Cams are more likely to have a problem

again... I am so not qualified to answer this, so I'd let some of our tuners chime in...

when getting a cam, do not go cheap on anything.

*GTAHVIT* · 10-24-2011, 03:00 PM

You should to the Melling oil pump also while your in there...

Raptor626 · 10-24-2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTAHVIT

You should to the Melling oil pump also while your in there...

10-24-2011, 01:32 PM	#1
Raptor626 Account Suspended Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Summit White Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Astoria, New York Posts: 796	Can someone please explain to me why some members have suffered from dropped valves? I want to know why some members were unfortunate enough to have their valves break off into the cylinder. I'll be honest, I wanted to get a nice cam but now I'm also considering all new heads as to not fall victim to the same thing. What do you guys think? Why did this happen in the first place? Just a bad batch? Thanks, Danny.

10-24-2011, 01:35 PM	#2
GTAHVIT Blessed Drives: 2013 Sonic RS MT Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saint Augustine FL Posts: 28,444 View My Garage	I think it is more common in single bolt cams.... I'm not sure sure it is the valves... it seems to be the tollerances on these motors don't allow for much error in the valve train... Springs and Cam timing are what seem to be the biggest culprit. just from my observation... __________________ Click image to see build thread. PQ - "the love of cars. It's a boys first step toward manhood and a mans last hold on boyhood." Fbodfather - "We do not want to use the Z28 moniker on a car that does not deserve this hallowed name." The_Blur - "Let's not confuse competitors with equals."

10-24-2011, 03:00 PM	#8
GTAHVIT Blessed Drives: 2013 Sonic RS MT Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saint Augustine FL Posts: 28,444 View My Garage	You should to the Melling oil pump also while your in there... __________________ Click image to see build thread. PQ - "the love of cars. It's a boys first step toward manhood and a mans last hold on boyhood." Fbodfather - "We do not want to use the Z28 moniker on a car that does not deserve this hallowed name." The_Blur - "Let's not confuse competitors with equals."

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10-24-2011, 01:39 PM	#3
Raptor626 Account Suspended Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Summit White Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Astoria, New York Posts: 796	So you're saying that an experienced tuner wouldn't allow this to happen?

10-24-2011, 02:32 PM	#5
doomsdayjesus081 Drives: VR 2010 Camaro SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New York Posts: 132	Another cause could very well be not replacing the springs and pushrods with a new cam. I haven't heard anything on the 5th gen's but I do know there were a lot of broken factory springs with the c5 zo6's even with the stock camshafts. Comp also had a couple batches of 918 springs that failed a couple years ago. The best thing would be to talk to a reputable builder/tuner and listen to what they say. They will set you up pretty well.

10-24-2011, 02:54 PM	#6
Raptor626 Account Suspended Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Summit White Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Astoria, New York Posts: 796	Yes, both of you make good points. I'll shoot over to Vette Dr's or COW and see what they say. TSP offers some nice packages.