2.3L ('83-'97) 2.3L valve springs

[Otto57]

Currently rebuilding an early 2.3L and I'm upgrading to a roller camshaft. I wanted to replace the valve springs but can't seem to find anyone that has new original style. Anyone have any sources or leads to where I might find them? Thanks in advance

 

[Dirtman]

I have no useful info lol but I didn't even know there was a roller cam option for the Lima. Got any other info?

 

[Otto57]

The 89 - 94 2.3L had a roller camshaft. Earlier 2.3 had a non roller cam with slider type rockers that just ride along the cam and the wear from the friction of the sliders is bad. The roller type cams last forever.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I had a hard time a few years ago finding valve springs when I rebuilt mine. I think I gave up and just reused the original springs These things aren't really known for valve float anyway if using a stock cam.

The Lima's were roller cam through the end of the 2.5L too, they just used smaller valve stems in the newer years, I'm running a Ranger roller cam in my turbo 2.3L since the profile is apparently close to the turbo cam and you get to upgrade to roller...

 

[scotts90ranger]

Wait, Dirtman, you had the head off a 2.5L not too long ago and you didn't notice the rollers? Or did you not get that deep in there?

 

[Dirtman]

Wait, Dirtman, you had the head off a 2.5L not too long ago and you didn't notice the rollers? Or did you not get that deep in there?

Nope, did not notice.

I honestly thought everything on the head was identical all the way back to 1974 except for the dual plugs.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The exhaust side has been the same since then, but there's been like 5 intake manifold patterns, like said above went roller cam in '88 or '89 then smaller valve stems in '95 or '96 which held until mid '01 when the 2.5L stopped.

They look very similar other than the big roller in the middle of the follower which makes the follower wider so the old tool doesn't fit over them...

 

[Otto57]

Ok guys, I'm not having any luck. Guess I'm going to the junkyard. Thanks anyway

 

[tomw]

If you can find them, you can check the spec for spring pressure at a given height. If your springs are lower, you may be able to use shims(washer like) at the valve spring base on the head. You would add shims to get the pressure to the specification at the specified height. A spring tester uses a pressure gauge and a lever to compress the spring. It will push back with so much force when squished to the height stated. The shim is use by many builders with good success. If you are looking for performance parts, Racer Walsh and Esslinger were two names that come to mind, along with the cam manufacturers. You can read about alternative cams on this site and multiple others.
tom

 

[Otto57]

Ok thanks, I'm going to try the junkyard and measure the springs and see how it goes. Thanks for the info