In the world of big domestic ohv v8s, there have been alot of inroads made with so called "beehive" springs and retainers--how come I have never seen any beehive applications made for Hondas? It makes alot of sense and I really don't see any drawbacks except expense. For those who don't know a beehive spring and retainer combo is one where the spring is of normal width at the seat area--towards the top of the spring the OD gets smaller permitting the use of a retainer with a much smaller OD--thus saving a good amount of weight on both the spring and retainer. This would allow a more durable steel retainer to be as light or lighter than a traditional titanium retainer. Seems like a great idea to me.

 

Concept is a great idea. Even less valvetrain weight. It would also be beneficial to reduce the retainer size to prevent cracking due to less surface area. The downfalls may be costs and longevity. Don't know how long this concept has been around. In the import market I've never seen this. Theres a reason. Old timers spread your knowledge.

 

The only reason I that it isn't around--is because no one has tooled up for it yet. I know Comp cams introduced there beehive springs/retainers not too long ago. Maybe they think there is no real need for it yet? Or if they introduced it now, there other spring/retainer combos wouldn't sell anymore?

 

comp makes them for V8s. your best bet would probably be to get ahold of matt (ZEX Man) and see if they would/could make some for you.

niner555@hotmail.com is his email.

 

OMG, the next H-T bandwagon. Everyone get your wallets out

 

My guess is that beehive springs are not used for a couple of reasons. First, there is not the same kind of pressing need that there is with pushrod V8s. The valvetrains in these motors have ALOT going against them. First of all, when you only use a single intake or exhaust have, the valve has to be HUGE! Especially if that valve must serve a cylinder that is about twice as big in displacement as an average Honda cylinder. Secondly, the pushrod and lifter add ALOT of reciprocating mass to the valvetrain. If is for this reason that (1) every step necessary must be taken to reduce valvetrain mass, and (2) a VERY stiff spring is needed. Beehive springs, of course, reduce mass by using a smaller retainer AND by reducing the amount of material used to make the spring. That smaller retainer can also be made from steel, which stands up better to REALLY stiff springs. Furthermore, the beehive design allows for larger diameter wire, since for a given wire diameter, a beehive spring can take more lift before binding (the wires are not stacked one on top of another). So since a Honda motor uses multiple small, lightweight valves and, of course, no pushrods, a smaller, lighter spring can be used. Therefore, the need to reduce valvetrain reciprocating mass is not nearly so pressing.

Another possible issue is retainer size. Honda valvesprings are already small in diameter. It may not be feasible to make a retainer for beehive springs since they may be so small that there is no room for keepers.