COMP Cams Engine Valve Spring Check Spring

Why Valve Spring Checking Springs Are Essential for Any Engine Build

COMP Cams has long been recognized as the absolute leader in valve train technology, and that expertise extends beyond performance springs and camshafts — it reaches all the way into the precision measurement tools and setup components that every serious engine builder relies on. Among these, their Engine Valve Spring Check Springs are a must-have for anyone assembling or refreshing a performance valvetrain.

A check spring, sometimes called a checking spring or low-tension spring, is a lightweight coil spring designed to temporarily hold valves in place during engine assembly — without the full tension of a production valve spring. This allows builders to freely rotate the engine and take critical measurements without fear of the valves dropping or lifters compressing incorrectly.

What You Can Do With a COMP Cams Checking Spring

The COMP Cams Low Tension Checking Spring (part #4758-1) is purpose-built for the demanding needs of engine assembly and measurement tasks. Whether you're checking piston-to-valve clearance, rocker ratio, valve lift, degreeing a cam, or measuring for pushrod length, checking springs are a necessity. Because these springs exert minimal tension on the valve, you can rotate the engine through its full range of motion safely and accurately — making it far easier to gather precise data before committing to final assembly.

One reviewer noted the springs are "easy to install and just enough tension to hold the valves up and not compress the lifters," while another called them a "must have for checking valve clearance" that "makes the job so much easier." That kind of real-world feedback underscores how critical these small components are to a successful build.

Why Trust COMP Cams for Checking Springs?

Competition Cams, Inc. — often styled as COMP Cams — is a specialty performance automotive aftermarket parts manufacturer that began by selling valve train products back in 1976. Decades later, COMP Cams produces a wide variety of valve train components, with each part being the product of extensive engineering work, hours of R&D, and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.

That commitment to engineering rigor applies to every product in their catalog. Valve springs are one of the most critical and most overlooked components in any engine, and proper selection begins with identifying the application and selecting all of the valve train components to achieve the engine builder's goals — the spring must be matched with the entire valve train in order for the engine to reach its full potential. It stands to reason that COMP Cams — a brand with comprehensive valvetrain system knowledge — is uniquely positioned to engineer checking springs that integrate seamlessly into the measurement and setup process.

For the ultimate in race-winning reliability, COMP Cams' competition-grade components incorporate the same race-winning technology used in NASCAR and NHRA competition. Even a seemingly humble product like a checking spring reflects that same dedication to accuracy and consistency. The COMP Cams Low Tension Checking Springs carry a 1-year limited warranty , giving builders added confidence during the engine assembly process.

Whether you're building a weekend street machine or a dedicated race engine, having a proper checking spring in your toolkit ensures your measurements are accurate from the very start. Browse the full selection of Engine Valve Spring Check Springs or explore everything COMP Cams has to offer across their extensive valvetrain lineup.