Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

I’ve got a set of heads with intake and exhaust rotators. For a very mild under 5000 rpm build where longevity is more important than outright power, are the rotators a bad idea? Spring pressure will be a bit higher than stock but nothing crazy (hft application). Do the rotators still work properly with a little more spring pressure?

Also...are the valve locks different with the rotators?

Most cam company's say don't use them with performance cams. However I have seen them used with
mild performance cam with no apparent problems. I would not use them.
Valve locks are the same

The story I heard is...... not needed with unleaded fuel.

True or not? No idea.

But...... I have seen way more failed rotators than retainers....... and none of the common modern gas powered stuff seems to use them anymore.

I usually get rid of them myself.

what heads ? what valve seats?

What are you guys using when getting rid of exhaust rotators on SBC heads which have a corresponding taller spring installed height?

Cubic_Cleveland wrote: ↑Sat Nov 02, 2019 4:30 pm What are you guys using when getting rid of exhaust rotators on SBC heads which have a corresponding taller spring installed height?

Lots of companies offer a .100" taller free height 1.260" O.D. valve spring.
Although, some Chevy heads use a shorter spring on the exhaust side when using the rotator.

Walter R. Malik wrote: ↑Sat Nov 02, 2019 5:42 pm

Cubic_Cleveland wrote: ↑Sat Nov 02, 2019 4:30 pm What are you guys using when getting rid of exhaust rotators on SBC heads which have a corresponding taller spring installed height?

Lots of companies offer a .100" taller free height 1.260" O.D. valve spring.
Although, some Chevy heads use a shorter spring on the exhaust side when using the rotator.

Thanks Walter