New Q55 springs

[promotor]

Public service announcement! QED have recently changed the characteristics of their Q55 springs to a much stronger / heavier spring.

The few sets I purchased were the low load type - apparently they were clearing old stock from approximately 1 year ago so I received the old stock. At the time I didn't know that there was a change coming.

The new springs have yellow paint on them and this is how they come from QED - the old type never had any paint marks on them in my experience.

Having compared the old and new spec side by side it is clear that the spring wire is thicker. I measured the load of the springs at the install height of 1.150" and this is noted in the picture. The recommended install height of the heavier spring is still 1.150" so is identical to the old spec Q55 springs that I was sold.
The higher figure for each spring is for the spring load @ 0.420" spring compression ie valve lift shown relating to both old and new spec of springs.

Does anyone know of another supplier that supplies springs that aren't as stiff as the new ones, or is it now a case of this will have to do? For a road engine these seem to be marginal in terms of being kind on the valve train.

There are potential ways around this such as longer valves / thinner pad followers and installing the newer springs at a slightly longer length but that isn't always an option on every head. The old spec Q55 springs still have their place for road engines so it seems a shame they aren't going to be available any longer.

These new springs appear to be heavier duty than some race springs (and in fact I thought I'd bought some almost identical with yellow paint as race springs in the past from a different supplier).

I haven't got reason to suspect my spring tester as giving duff figures but it would be good to know if anyone else has access to these springs and a spring tester to back up (or refute!) what I'm seeing

Has anyone fitted these new yellow painted springs and how have you got on with wear of cams and followers in road engines?

[rgh0]

Yes the QED Q55 were a very different spring and good for a high lift road engine with a 6500v rpm limit. I have seen yellow stripe springs before described as a "rally" spring but never had the chance to test them or know their smanufacturing ource so interested in any data you have.

cheers
Rohan

[promotor]

Yes the QED Q55 were a very different spring and good for a high lift road engine with a 6500v rpm limit. I have seen yellow stripe springs before described as a "rally" spring but never had the chance to test them or know their smanufacturing ource so interested in any data you have.

cheers
Rohan

Hi Rohan.

I'll see if I can get some measurements on them later this week - any info you would like to see?

[rgh0]

Data needed is

1. Actual spring free length, coil bind length and which spring coil binds first (when mounted in the retainer (normally the outer).
2. Spring rate by measuring spring load as it compressed in mm increments with spring mounted in retainer to get correct relative lengths of inner and gsg.outer spring.

cheers
Rohan

[holywood3645]

I have a new set I never installed. Please PM me if anyone wants them (same price QED charges but no VAT)
James

[rgh0]

Yes the QED Q55 were a very different spring and good for a high lift road engine with a 6500v rpm limit. I have seen yellow stripe springs before described as a "rally" spring but never had the chance to test them or know their smanufacturing ource so interested in any data you have.

cheers
Rohan

Hi Rohan.

I'll see if I can get some measurements on them later this week - any info you would like to see?

The 100 lbs at 1.15 inch and 215 lbs at 0.730 inch are both too high for a road engine and high even for a race engine. They really need a longer install height as typical in competition engines with longer valve stems to bring the loads down to around 60 to 70 lbs installed and under 200lbs at full lift

These are certainly not a direct replacement for the Q55 spring
.

cheers
Rohan

[jono]

..just came across this thread by chance.

this is all a bit concerning as I had my head overhauled recently and supplied all of the parts to the machinist which I bought from QED - 'blue printed' springs, bronze guide, seats and valves.

I've noticed my springs have this yellow paint on them.

So are these unsuitable for my std road engine?

If so would I be best just refitting the original springs?

Cheers, Jon

[rgh0]

They are not a drop in spring with a standard head and QED 420 cam like the original Q55 springs were. They can be made to work but more extensive (and expensive) modifications will probably be required. A more detailed analysis of this spring versus any indiviual head and cam is really required to see whats best. Ideally QED would answer these questions but unfortunately they are only really a reseller these days and know little about the details of the products they sell.

cheers
Rohan

[2cams70]

Before jumping to conclusions has anyone explained the situation to QED in order to give them a chance to respond?

[MACCA.GLM]

Don't understand why they QED would change something that works.I was in the market for a 420 lift cam and q55 spring set up but will have second thoughts now and keep the engine standard sprint
Regards
G