I bought 2 sets of retainers/locks (long story). One set was titainum with black locks. The other set was steel retainers with gold color 10-degree + .050" locks. So im assuming the black ones are "stock type" locks and the other ones raise the valve .050? Am i on the right track here? Now im taking both sets and making one kickass set. Obisely ill run the ti retainers but what locks should i use? Its a stock lt1. Cam later on this fall but for now im upgrading the valvetrain and milling the heads .030. Whats the actual diffferance between the 2 for future knowing.

 

The different height locks are used to change spring installed height - you need to measure this to set the correct seat and open pressure with the springs. Look at the paperwork with your cam and springs to determine the pressure they ask for(125-140# seat, 300-330# open) and the installed height that is specified for those springs at that pressure will determine what combination of retainers, locks and shims you use.

Stock LT1 as I just saw - so you should put together the combination that will get 1.780" spring installed...what springs?

 

they are beehive springs

 

I think you will use the standard locks with those - but you have to measure and see.

Don't mill the heads that much, it's just going to give you headaches later.