Cylinder Head Assembly

[chrisd87]

Can anyone tell me if I can re-use the valve springs, retainers, etc from a standard Minor head for assembling a 12G295, or do I have to get special ones? I have all the 12G295 valves.
I've never had a bare head before, so can anyone tell me a list of the things I'll need to assemble it - here is a pic of what I currently have:


Thanks.

[rayofleamington]

there area number of different collet designs so you'll need the ones that match your valves (the little wedge shaped pieces that fit the valve itself). As for the other bits - I guess it depends if these valves are longer or shorter than your other ones. As it's a small block head, you stnd a chance but it won't hurt to measure how long the spring is when assembled - if it's pretty much the same on the new head then that question is answered.
Old valve springs won't be as good as new ones, but c'est la vie ;-)

[bmcecosse]

Provided the old valves look the same as the new ones - ie long collet groove - then yes, BUT the 295 would have had double valve springs with little retainers for the lower end of the inner springs and slightly different top caps to hold the inners. provided you are not bothered about going beyond 6000 rpm - your single springs will be fine ! Doubles only waste power and cause extra wear on the valve train - unless you are intending to REV it, better with singles.

[chrisd87]

I haven't had the valves out of the old head yet (it's still on the car), so does anyone know what size standard ones are? Single springs will do fine because I don't intend to rev it beyond 6000rpm.

[bmcecosse]

If it's a head off a Minor engine it will be fine. The problem would only occur if you were using a later Mini head as the source for the caps/collets.