​​The LS has been a robust engine since it was introduced in the C5 Corvette back in 1997. We’ve all heard stories and seen these powerplants ingest massive amounts of nitrous, boost, and spend way too much time on the rev limiter. However, if you push them long enough, like any engine, sooner or later, you’re going to find a weak link.

These are some good looking LS valve covers.

Crower is no stranger to the LS or pushing its limits in order to figure out a way to build better, more robust parts. The company offers just about every component for the LS, including cams, cranks, rods, rocker arms, and more. 

Recently, Crower noticed a problem with one of its projects while participating in demanding events like Drag Week. Due to a massive solid roller camshaft, they had issues breaking valve springs. We talked to Louis Floquet, who does sales, tech, and marketing for Crower, about this problem and the unique solution. Floquet said, “With a big solid-lift cam, the valve springs move around a lot. So they will spin one way, then another. It’s really crazy. The problem is, this movement will generate a lot of heat, and since the LS springs are such a small diameter, they will eventually break.” 

The valve covers are not ready yet. However, testing will begin soon.

To fix this problem, the team at Crower took a different approach. Instead of trying to recreate the LS valve springs, they decided to reduce the spring’s temperature with new LS valve covers. This billet valve cover has passages machined through them that allow oil to enter the back of covers via a -3 AN line and spray oil directly at the springs, reducing the heat. Floquet told us that the covers we saw at the show are prototype units, and testing would begin upon return from PRI. 

We will keep you posted on Crower’s findings with this ingenious design.