I have a 1999 vortec L31 350 motor and I want to install a mild cam in it. I don't want to remove the heads or machine if possible. Does anyone have a better valve spring that will fit into this head? Again, I would like a stock diameter spring. I was told it needed to be a single spring and I can't use a flat wire damper inside the spring because of the large spring boss on the Vortec heads. He said the damper will hit the top of the guide boss and break off. Single spring only. Can someone give me a GM part # or a aftermarket spring #? Thanks!  

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If you want to avoid machining the spring pockets and valve guides the in thing are Beehive springs.

They're fine for a mildly hopped up street engine. But being a single spring if you break one it'll let the valve drop into the cylinder, so if you're going racing, I couldn't recommend them.

Just GOOGLE "Beehive Spring" and all sorts of URLs will pop up.

Bogie  

Thanks for your help, but I was hoping I didn't have to buy new retainers also for the smaller top the behive springs have. Keep it coming guys! Good job so far.  

The Beehive springs will require a new retainer. The beehive is a smaller diameter at the top than stock springs and tese require a unique retainer, but this retainer also buys the Vortec more space between the bottom of the retainer and the top of the valve guide, eliminating the need to relieve the guide for cam lifts above .47 inch, for a while at least. These reteiners are also lighter which takes some wear and tear off the springs especially at higher revs.

Bogie