Just an update from the other day,when my new engine developed an unhealthy sound from under the cam cover.
Phoned Gerald Dale motorsports today and he said it was O.K for me to investigate.So I have removed the head.Luckily no damage to Pistons or bores.Closer inspection of the head resulted in 3 broken lifters and 2 broken valve springs,no bent valves fortunately.I have not got a clue what has happened,Gerald is miffed also.I spoke to a techie at Kent cams who supplied the cam kit,they reckon the only way they can see the springs braking would be due to them coil binding which would mean they were not seated properly.Gerald reckons the guy from Gainspeed who done the head is a top geezer and has done loads of heads for him before without any probs.Anyway the upshot is I have sent the head for him to look at and assess .
Has anyone else ever had a valve spring brake?or a hydraulic lifter for that matter,just seems really strange.These were all new parts.

Nothing is certain with engine builds and even the best builders have these problems.
The good news is that you can get it fixed relatively easily.
Good luck with the rebuild!

springs break yes, lifters no

Pumped up lifters due to excessive oil pressure?? Sticking relief valve?

I,ve never heard of broken valve springs on a new build, if it was the springs binding you were lucky not to ruin the head and snap the cams. I would have a good look at the cam follower holes to make sure nothing is split. Thats a lot of force that must go smewhere.

Also why would a lifter let go if it was a spring binding, conversely why would a spring let go if a vlave hit the head causing the lifter to snap.

All sound very suspicious, I would be inclined to send the whole lot back.

I have NEVER had a top end failure on an XE.

I know there are more experienced people around but I have run a good number of these engines and never seen that ever before.

neither have I seen it on countless other (a good 150 to 200 cars) autograss racing cars at the big meetings over 6 years racing....................................

investigate carefully!!!