When it comes to high-performance engines, every component matters. One small part that plays a major role in engine performance and reliability is the valve spring. Among the many types of valve springs available, ovate wire valve springs have become increasingly popular in racing and performance applications. In this topic, we’ll explore what ovate wire valve springs are, how they work, their advantages, and why they might be the right choice for your engine build.
What Are Ovate Wire Valve Springs?
Ovate wire valve springs are valve springs made from wire with an oval or egg-shaped cross-section rather than the standard round wire. This unique design provides better stress distribution and allows for more efficient use of material, resulting in a stronger and lighter spring.
The shape of the wire helps these springs handle higher loads and greater valve lift without increasing coil bind issues or adding unnecessary weight. This makes them ideal for high-performance engines that operate at high RPM.
How Valve Springs Work
Valve springs are a key part of the engine’s valvetrain system. Their job is simple but crucial: they keep the valves closed when they need to be closed and allow them to open and close at the correct times.
When the camshaft pushes on the lifter and rocker arm, the valve opens, compressing the valve spring. As the cam lobe rotates, the spring force returns the valve to its closed position. Strong and reliable valve springs ensure that the valves open and close precisely, maintaining good engine performance and avoiding valve float.
Advantages of Ovate Wire Valve Springs
1. Increased Strength
The oval shape of the wire allows for a larger cross-sectional area where stress is highest. This increases the strength of the spring without making it larger or heavier.
2. Improved Stress Distribution
Traditional round wire springs can have stress points that lead to fatigue and failure. Ovate wire valve springs spread that stress out more evenly, making them more durable under extreme conditions.
3. Higher RPM Capability
Engines that rev to higher RPMs need springs that can keep up. Ovate wire valve springs resist valve float and can handle aggressive camshaft profiles, making them perfect for race cars and performance builds.
4. Reduced Weight
Ovate wire valve springs often weigh less than comparable round wire springs. Reducing weight in the valvetrain helps improve throttle response and reduces wear on other components.
5. Increased Valve Lift Potential
Because of their design, these springs can compress further without coil bind. This allows for more aggressive camshaft profiles and higher valve lift, improving engine airflow and horsepower.
Applications of Ovate Wire Valve Springs
Ovate wire valve springs are most commonly used in:
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Racing engines
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High-performance street engines
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Drag racing setups
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Road racing and endurance engines
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Turbocharged and supercharged engines
Any engine that demands high RPM, increased horsepower, and aggressive cam profiles can benefit from using ovate wire valve springs.
Choosing the Right Ovate Wire Valve Springs
1. Know Your Engine Specs
Before selecting valve springs, know your camshaft specifications, including valve lift, duration, and RPM range. Ovate wire valve springs are designed for higher loads and more aggressive profiles, but they need to match your engine setup.
2. Spring Rate
The spring rate is the amount of force the spring exerts per inch of compression. Higher spring rates are needed for aggressive cam profiles but must be balanced to avoid excessive wear on lifters and cam lobes.
3. Coil Bind Height
Ensure that the spring can fully compress without reaching coil bind at maximum valve lift. Ovate wire valve springs typically allow for more compression than round wire types, giving you more room for performance tuning.
4. Retainer Compatibility
Check that your chosen springs are compatible with your retainers and locks. Titanium retainers are often used in high-performance applications for weight reduction.
Maintenance and Inspection
Even the best valve springs wear out over time, especially under extreme conditions. Periodic inspection is critical:
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Check installed height and spring pressure regularly to ensure performance remains optimal.
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Look for signs of wear, cracks, or damage.
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Replace springs if you notice a drop in spring pressure or any signs of fatigue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Camshaft Recommendations
Always use valve springs that meet the camshaft manufacturer’s specifications. Using the wrong springs can result in valve float, engine damage, or reduced performance.
2. Over-Springing the Engine
Too much spring pressure puts unnecessary strain on the camshaft, lifters, and rockers, leading to premature wear and possible failure.
3. Forgetting to Check for Coil Bind
Failure to check coil bind clearance can cause catastrophic valvetrain failure. Always verify coil bind height with your specific engine setup.
Cost of Ovate Wire Valve Springs
The price of ovate wire valve springs can vary based on brand, material, and intended use. On average, a quality set of ovate wire valve springs ranges from $150 to $400, depending on the application.
While they may cost more than standard valve springs, the added strength, durability, and performance gains make them a smart investment for serious engine builds.
Brands That Manufacture Ovate Wire Valve Springs
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COMP Cams
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PAC Racing Springs
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Manley Performance
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Crower
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Ferrea
These manufacturers are trusted in the racing and performance community for their high-quality products.
Are Ovate Wire Valve Springs Worth It?
If you’re building an engine that will be pushed to high RPMs, handle aggressive camshaft profiles, or run forced induction, ovate wire valve springs are an excellent upgrade. Their strength, ability to handle higher valve lift, reduced weight, and improved stress distribution make them an essential component in modern performance builds.
Whether you’re a weekend racer or building a street performance machine, investing in ovate wire valve springs can help protect your engine, improve horsepower, and ensure reliable performance. Take the time to choose the right springs for your setup, install them correctly, and maintain them for long-lasting results.