A valve spring rate is the amount of pressure needed to compress the valve spring. Valve springs are used in internal combustion engines and come in various load ratings. The load rating is how much pressure it takes to compress the spring by 1 inch. Most valve springs are rated at a maximum pressure and are measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).
The formula to calculate the valve spring rate (VSR) is:
\[ VSR = \frac{OP - SP}{L} \]
Where:
Let's say the open pressure (OP) is 300 lbs, the seat pressure (SP) is 100 lbs, and the lift (L) is 0.5 inches. Using the formula:
\[ VSR = \frac{300 - 100}{0.5} = 400 \text{ lbs/in} \]
So, the valve spring rate (VSR) is 400 lbs/in.
