I have about 3000 miles (and a year) on my ARE stage 2 heads cam setup (226 226 .554 .554 114 cam with CC 941 springs).

1. Is it worth about $400 to replace the 941s with 918s.

2. Has anyone had any failures with the 918s?

3. How long should the 918s last (miles) between failures (I don't push my car too hard)?

 

I've heard iffy things about both, both have broken in the past, but those were the set of bad batches I believe, I broke a 941 pretty good...I was the first from speed inc. to do that...then an array of occurances came along where people were busting them, I still got the 41's in and they are doing fine, I think they handle up to .600 lift as do the 918's...I'm not too sure though, I say stick with the 941's and use the 400 for something else...

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

 

if im not mistaken the 918's are suppose to be a ton better then the 941's and i havent heard of any 918 breakage yet?? anybody have a 918 break yet???

 

BIGBOS, what happened when you broke the 941? Engine damage?

 

I have NEVER seen anyone confirm a 918 breakage. There was a post on here claiming they broke a 918 but they later found out that the installer had put in 941's instead of 918's. From what I have read the 918's are the BEST so far for cams upto .600" lift. IMO, get them. They're $159.95 from ThunderRacing.

 

ttt

 

the 918 is a better spring.
its pacaloy where the 941 is not.
the spring is ovate wire where the 941 is not.
the spring is of the beehive designe where the 941 isnt.

whats this tell you?

the harmonic vibrations are differant in the 918.

the retainers are lighter since you run the stock diameter stuff too...thats an added plus.

get the 918

steve frank

 

I fried all the plugs, didn't slap the valve against the piston though, I also mixed all the oil and the fuel together, it wasn't pretty but its still all good... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

 

Bos man how you been Just wondering you you got your check yet? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

 

Swap to the CC918's as soon as you can.
Match the retainers to your valvestems. I'd ask ARE which retainers to use.

 

ttt

 

So, if I switch from the 941s to the 918s will I need need retainers? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by FAST99Z:
<strong>So, if I switch from the 941s to the 918s will I need need retainers? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You will not be able to use your 941 retainers. If you have your stock retainers, those will work great. If you wish to use Ti. retainers, purchase the Comp 772s.

 

What is the usual price on a set of 918s with the Comp 772 Ti retainers for parts only, and for the total installed?

 

Stock retainers with stock valves is ok, but depends what kind of valves were used in your S2 heads. I ran into that once..

Ask ARE what valves and retainers to use for CC918's and their heads.

 

I had a nasty 941 collapse (yes, the spring collapsed) on #1 exhaust last week. The head is STILL in the machine shop awaiting a replacement valve. Like you, I have ARE heads with Agostino-installed Comp 941 valvesprings and titanium retainers. I'm using an LS1 HOT cam right now, and the valve broke at about 1500RPM.

I checked out the spring last week; it was broken in three different places along the coil. The valve was so badly bent, I could only rotate the stem 1/4 of a turn before it stuck in the guide. The machine shop has ordered a replacement valve and claims there's no damage; I certainly hope it didn't crack the seat. The piston has a small chip on it which will be filed down; most likely nothing to worry about.

The valves that ARE uses are made by Rev. I have their direct number if you need to order some replacements. The part number for the valve should be stamped on the stem. I've had enough of the 941s; the seat pressure is slightly lighter than the 918, but the spring rate is much stiffer than the 918. The 941 is made with H-11 tool steel; an old material that has been in use for a long time. Comp tells me the 941 is good for up to .560" of lift. The 918 is supposedly good for .600" of lift, yet has a lighter spring rate than the 941.

One point that I considered lies in the fact that my ARE heads are milled .030 and I'm using a stock-length pushrod. The HOT cam retains the same base circle and has a lot of exhaust duration. I'm wondering if I had too much preload on those springs. I have since replaced the 941s with 918s, stock retainers (supposed to fit a little tighter than the titanium ones), and a Thunder 224 cam. I should be getting it back on Tuesday, so my fingers are crossed that everything goes well.

 

Broke a 941 as well last november and I wasnt even beating on the car. It was at IDLE!!! No engine damage....

 

ttt

 

ttt

 

Just get em' for peace of mind bro <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> .