Performance Racing Valve Spring Kits

What's Included in a Valve Spring Kit?

A valve spring kit includes the springs plus the hardware that secures them to each valve. You install a matched set instead of sourcing parts one at a time. Most kits are built around a target spring pressure and installed height, then paired with the correct retainers and locks for your valve stem diameter. Here's what you'll typically find in a complete kit:

• Performance valve springs matched to a target pressure and lift
• Retainers that set installed height and hold the spring in place
• Valve locks (keepers) that lock the retainer to the valve stem
• Spring seats or locators that position the spring on the cylinder head
• Valve stem seals that control oil at the valve guide
• Spring shims used to fine-tune installed height and pressure

Check that each component matches your cylinder head and valve stem size before you order, since these kits are one piece of your camshafts and valvetrain build. Confirming fitment up front saves a return and keeps your assembly on schedule.

What Types of Valve Springs Are Available?

Valve springs come in four main designs, and the right one depends on your cam's lift and how high you plan to spin the engine. Single (standard) springs use one coil and work well for stock or mild builds with lower lift. Dual valve springs add an inner spring and often a damper, which raises pressure and controls harmonics for higher-lift and race applications. Beehive valve springs taper toward the top, so they use a lighter retainer and reduce reciprocating mass, a good fit for street and moderate-lift setups. Conical and triple springs push pressure and RPM capability even further for aggressive race cams. If you already know your target pressure and just need coils, you can order standalone valve springs on their own. For a deeper look at matching springs to a cam profile, our cams and valvetrain tech articles walk through the tradeoffs.

How Do You Choose the Right Valve Spring Kit for Your Camshaft?

Start by matching spring pressure and installed height to your camshaft's lift and profile. The cam card usually lists the seat and open pressures the springs need to hit. A spring that's too light lets the valve float at high RPM, while one that's too stiff adds wear and can overload the valvetrain. Check the spring's outside diameter against your cylinder head's spring pockets. Common sizes run from about 1.250" to 1.645" and the head has to accept them. Confirm the retainer and lock angle match your valve stems, typically a 7- or 10-degree lock, so the parts seat correctly. If you're still selecting a bumpstick, our how to choose a camshaft guide covers lift, duration, and lobe separation. You can also browse the full range of performance camshafts to pair with your springs.

Do Performance Valve Springs Add Horsepower?

Performance valve springs don't add horsepower alone, but they let you safely run a bigger cam and higher RPM where power is made. Power comes from airflow, and a more aggressive camshaft opens the valves farther and faster. The springs' job is to keep the lifter following the cam lobe at those speeds. When spring pressure is correct for the cam, the valvetrain stays in control and the engine revs to its intended limit without valve float. When pressure is too low, the valves lose contact with the lobe, power falls off, and you risk contact between the valves and pistons. Fresh springs with the right pressure also matter alongside other valvetrain upgrades like lifters, which take the same abuse at high RPM. Think of the springs as the parts that protect the power your cam and heads make possible.

Which Valve Spring Kit Brands Does JEGS Carry?

JEGS carries valve spring kits from the major valvetrain manufacturers, so you can match a set to your budget and application. COMP Cams offers springs engineered to pair with its own cam profiles across street and race builds. PAC Racing Springs supplies the coils used in many OE and high-end performance programs, including LS and LT applications. Howards Cams builds springs for hydraulic and solid roller setups, and Manley is a common choice for high-lift race combinations. Beyond complete kits, you can source individual valve spring components like retainers, locks, and seals to refresh an existing setup. If you're upgrading the top end, it's also worth looking at matching rocker arms so the whole valvetrain works together. Pick the brand and design that fit your cam, then add the kit to your cart.