Originally Posted by rskrause

I wonder if they are any good at that price? Ti retainers are great, at least they were when a set was in the $100-120 range. They take weight off the top of the valve stack. Even though it's only a few grams, this can often allow an extra couple hundred rpm before valve float. In general, taking weight off the lifter side is unimportant, but taking weight off the valve side offers a lot of benefit.

Obviously, many setups do not need them. It's hard to offer any hard and fast rule, but if you need top notch springs, it is only logical to consider Ti retainers. Light valves can be quite expensive (hollow stem or Ti). Light springs are great - a spring also has to control its' own mass. Using stiffer springs has a self defeating element because they are usually heavier. This is one of the primary advantages of the bee-hive design. note that they are installed with the small diameter at the top, where the most motion is. Also, the small diameter only needs a small retainer. Ti springs (used on the LS7) are another option, but VERY costly.

Rich