I'm planning to upgrade to 1.7 RR. Would titanium retainers offer any benifit to me, other than peace of mind, like higher rev's, quicker revving, etc? Also, if I do go for titanium retainers, what else would I need other than new valve locks? Since I plan on installing the rockers while I install headers, would it be easier to use the air hold to keep the valves from falling? I'll probably be doing this later in the winter (late Nov-Dec), but just want to get things straightened out before hand?
Also, to anyone with titanium retainers, was it worth it?

 

I bought some titanium retainers to go with my Crane dual springs, but have yet to install them. Titanium retainers should be good for another 200 rpms, but I am just guessing.

I would recommend that you remic the spring height when you set them up. You may need to add some shims to reach correct installed height, since the titanium retainers may be thinner than the steel ones. Thosee puppies are definitely lighter than the heavy steel ones than came with my Crane spring set.

 

I've seen several sets of retainers that offer additional installed height. Would it be easier to go this route, or use shims? Also, how would I go about making sure the spring height was correct? I'm new to valvetrain issues, so I've just been looking at the options I have, and trying to piece components together. I assume I would need new valve locks to use the titanium retainers since they are 10* correct?

 

No one else has an opinion on titanium retainers?

 

In general, anything that lightens the valve train is good. But deciding if a particular setup will benefit is a little bit more difficult. A lighter valve train will potentially allow higher revs with a given spring. But with a given cam, if your setup is not currently floating the valves and you are already able to rev past the cams power peak, there will be no advatage to using titanium retainers. If you post more about your setup (what springs, what cam, how high you want to rev it, etc.), it would be easier to make at least an educated guess.

If your springs are already marginal and you switch to a 1.7:1 rocker, you will need new springs before worrying about retainers. Also, you may need new (shorter) pushrods with a 1.7 rocker. Why are you switching to 1.7's? Are you sure this will accomplish anything?

Rich Krause

 

I completely agree with RKause's comments above. I'd suggest you forgo the 1.7s for something more practical like 1.6 full rollers. What do you think you will accomplish with 1.7s that you can't do with 1.6s?

 

I'd stay away from stuff like 1.7's & run more lobe lift & less ratio - better dynamics. Also, spend the $ on an appropriate spring, b/c if you break one you may trash the whole thing - no band-aids. Regarding Ti specifically, I try not to run it on the street, because the retainers get eaten up over time.

 

Whoa, a reputable local engine made the same warning to me about using Ti on the street. He mentioned something about them thinning out over time and splitting. Maybe we should heed this advice.

 

Well the cheap Ti stuff you guys are likely to use will last awhile as it's thick. The ultra-light swiss cheesed race stuff gets torn up in short order though. Hell, guys with more $ than they know what to do with in R&D are working on advancing steel retainer tech as opposed to Ti stuff nowadays.

They're fine, I'd just keep an eye on them is all. Most guys dont want to be told they should watch something, or will have to replace them, so I just avoid any potential hassle when it comes to giving customers stuff .

LOL, I do have a set of 730 Ti retainers for 987/985 springs though if anyone wants them.

 

FWIW: I use the Comp Ti retainers. The last set looked fine after 12,000 miles. I did replace with a new ser when I upgraded my springs to the #977, but I saw no abnormal wear at all.

Rich Krause

 

I really didnt need them on my setup but i used them. Tons lighter than the steel ones, and i have always heard less valvetrain mass is worth its weight in gold.

This is the first i have heard about abnormal wear. ~7-8k on mine last time i saw them, and they looked brand new still.

 

Well methinks the wear depends on alot of other things as well obviously. That and comp's heavier Ti retainers are pretty thick. Still... most people seem to want to run them b/c they're Titanium more than because they need them or not. IMO, if you don't need it, save your $ & run a cheaper, tougher, steel retainer.

As always though, YMMV .

 

I'll be the first to admit that I bought Ti retainers because of the bling factor. They were only ~50 (200% more ) bucks more and I figured "what the heck."

They are HUGE though (using a 977 spring).
Ryan

 

I agree with your thoughts, but most of us on this board aren't necessarily the most thrifty and practically minded. If it sounds hi-tech or is performanced oriented, we jump for it. Titanium anything seems to qualify.

 

Damn i need to start making Platinum Retainers