HP-GURU

Was wondering the importance of a titanium retainer.

I know the reason is to reduce reciprocating masses in the valve train.

However I question the role the retainer has in valve float. Titanium retainers do sound "sexy", but I doubt a whole lot of RPM is gained.

I'd expect you to find more with titanium valves, and titanium pushrod or lifter (if there was such a beast).

On the budjet conscious, only go with titanium intake valve, as it is much heavier than the exhaust.

Just some thoughts.

HP-GURU

ttt

Skelton

The titanium retainer helps with rpm capability by removing valvetrain mass. At high rpms, the spring can do its job much more effectively with the less weight on it and the less weight the valvetrain has, the quicker the engine can rpm. The less weight also means less frictional loss but don't forget the strenth factor also. It helps with valvefloat due to less weight on the spring which can help it seat better at high rpm and extra weight at rpm can make the spring less effective and cause a bounce effect which leads to float and a poor seating valve. Remember how many times the valve is slamming open and shut at high rpms.It helps the spring do its job. Titanium valves definately help much more since they remove alot of weight compared to a retainer. Again the spring has a much easier job with the decrease in weight which means alot at high rpms. Titanium retainers wont see alot of benefit on street motors but a race motor can benefit highly from decreased valvetrain weight.Titanium valves offer alot more. I've heard of 15-20 hp gains with titanium valves over stainless on 700 hp motors and more with higher hp. Are they needed below 6500 rpms, not really but they cant hurt.

Crazyquik

Ti retainers probably help extend spring life as well. Lightweight lifters and pushrods dont seem to help that much compared to lightweight valves and retainers. I've seen some retainers in race engines that had holes drilled all the way around them. I think these were steel retainers though, titanium wasn't allowed.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Ok, so I’m going to be using a B1 cam (221/221//.558/.558//114), and I’ve got Comp 26918 springs for it. Now, I was told the stock retainers will work just fine with these 918s and that I could use them without impacting spring life (MTI told me this when I bought them). Should I go ahead and get the Ti retainers anyway? I’ll be spinning the motor to no higher than 6400 max, and probably more like 62/6300. What do you guys think?

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Anyone else have anything else to add to this?

HP-GURU

I just don't understand how the TI lifter/Pushrod/Valve have less impact than TI retainer.

The retainer weight while directly over the spring is small in comparison.

While the valve train is in motion, all of the momentum from the rocker, pushrod, lifter, retainer will be absorbed by the valve spring.

Lighter, Valve, Pushrod, Lifter should allow either run lower spring pressures, or get more RPM.

Dennis

JimmyKash

titantium retainers really aren't needed unless you're running over 7000rpm and a solid roller where spring pressures are insane <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

Skelton

Its not a neccessity that you use them but they cant hurt. It could be money used toward another mod. Above 6500 rpm use I would definately recommend them and yes they do increase the life of the springs but at your cam specs, that shouldn't be too much of a concern.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

[quote]Originally posted by Y2K Blackbird:
<strong>Its not a neccessity that you use them but they cant hurt. It could be money used toward another mod. Above 6500 rpm use I would definately recommend them and yes they do increase the life of the springs but at your cam specs, that shouldn't be too much of a concern.</strong><hr></blockquote>

This is what I was thinking too. But, I wouldn’t mind spending the money if it significantly impacted the life of the springs as I don’t want to be replacing valve springs often. I’ve still got some time to decide though before the cam goes in...