These "Ovate wire" "Beehive" valve springs are designed around the specific performance needs of the Duramax engine and are made exclusively for SoCal Diesel.
OEM springs are rated at 75lbs of seat pressure. We very rarely find a used set at much more than 65lbs.
SoCal Diesel Beehive springs have 125lbs of seat pressure.
Using high quality wire allows SoCal Diesel to get the spring pressure needed for increased rpm and boost pressure without increasing the weight of the spring.
Factory springs weigh 53.0 grams. SoCal Diesel Beehive springs weigh 49.0 grams.
Beehive means the top of the spring is much smaller in O.D. than the base. This allows for a smaller O.D. retainer, resulting in a significant weight savings. Weight is an important factor in the valve train. Lot's of people make the mistake of going to a double spring to increase pressure, without considering the fact that they just doubled the weight of the spring assembly. The extra pressure is negated due to the overall weight of the spring package.
Steel retainers, designed for our Beehive spring packages weigh 10.4 grams. Factory LLY-LBZ-LMM-LML retainers weigh 21.1 grams and the LB7 retainers are even heavier!
For additional weight savings, SoCal Diesel has an optional Titanium retainer that weighs 5.7 grams.
Hardened O.D. spring cups keep the spring centered in the spring pocket and protect the aluminum cylinder head from wear.