LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

retainer/lock issues

Old Feb 8, 2007 | 01:07 PM
  #1  
Taubr Unit's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,155
Likes: 31
From: Chicago
Default retainer/lock issues

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.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 02:52 PM
  #2  
seawolf06's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

You'll have to find out if the Ti retainers are 7 or 10 degree retainers. If they're 10 degree, then the locks I sent you should work. If they're 7 degree, then you have to use the black locks, more than likely. If you do, make sure you check the install height of the springs to make sure you're not getting to coil bind. The locks I have for my Ti retainers are black as well and they're the 7 degree version.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 03:01 PM
  #3  
Taubr Unit's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,155
Likes: 31
From: Chicago
Default

hummmm, ok. I got a install height for the springs. How the hell am i gonna figure out the 3deg. differance? Theres no PNs on them. They look/feel the same in the ti retainers. But that 3 deg. could be so small that it looks the same to the human eye. Hummmm, just when you think you have everything figured out... here comes another varible.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 03:02 PM
  #4  
seawolf06's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

Ask whoever you bought them from.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 03:03 PM
  #5  
Taubr Unit's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,155
Likes: 31
From: Chicago
Default

i will. Good thing is i butt the 2 different ones toghter and they are identical. So im sure that the 3 deg. diff. would show there but ill still ask. Stupid cars!!
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 03:56 PM
  #6  
Ed Wright's Avatar
9-Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,397
Likes: 9
From: Tulsa, OK
Default

Originally Posted by Taubr Unit
How the hell am i gonna figure out the 3deg. differance? Theres no PNs on them. They look/feel the same in the ti retainers. But that 3 deg. could be so small that it looks the same to the human eye. .

It's real noticable. The 10 degree locks are mugh thicker at the top. Also a 10 degree retainer installed with 7 degree locks will probably pull through. The std & + .050" difference is easy to see also, the +.050" has the rib .050" higher, where as the std rib is about in the middle. You will have to put the retainer and locks on each valve (no spring), pull them all the way up and measure the distance frm the spring seat to the bottom of the retainer. Do all 16 valves, as there is a good chance of variation in that value. You will probably need an assortment of shims also.

Good luck, Ed
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 04:37 PM
  #7  
Taubr Unit's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,155
Likes: 31
From: Chicago
Default

Ok, thanks ed. There both 10 deg. locks. Now i know that for a fact that 1 is stock and 1 is + .050. What will determain what ones i use? Does that all depend on when i set up my install height?
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 04:41 PM
  #8  
Ed Wright's Avatar
9-Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,397
Likes: 9
From: Tulsa, OK
Default

Originally Posted by Taubr Unit
Ok, thanks ed. There both 10 deg. locks. Now i know that for a fact that 1 is stock and 1 is + .050. What will determain what ones i use? Does that all depend on when i set up my install height?

Correct. Use which ever it takes to get the assembled height the springs call for. At what height are your springs supposed to be set up?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-3

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-7

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

 Brett Foote
story-9

10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 04:47 PM
  #9  
Taubr Unit's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,155
Likes: 31
From: Chicago
Default

around 1.750-1.760. I was gonna have the machine shop next to me set them up and thats what they suggest. And what is the differance in color? The stockers are black and the .050 are goldish. Just a color for idenification? or actual meterial change? or just cause?
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 04:49 PM
  #10  
seawolf06's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

They will use whatever locks get them closer to the install height or below, then they can shim the rest. Good to know they'll both work with your Ti retainers.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 04:54 PM
  #11  
foggedz's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 555
Likes: 1
Default

If your are running the beehive spring, and the locator for the beehive at the bottom of the spring you will want to run the +.05 locks. You run these locks because the locator at the bottom of the spring is .05 thick. If you dont run the +.05 locks you lower the coil bind of the spring from ruffly .600 to .550.

When I checked the install height on my springs I ran a straight edge accross the tops of all the valves, and found 2-3 on each head to be slightly taller. On the valves that were taller I checked the install height and found them to be dead on with the correct installed height. The valves that were down slightly, had slightly less install hight. With the cam im planning to run I still will slide under the coil bind numbers, and the seat pressure should be no more than 2lb difference between springs. So, I went ahead and installed the springs with no shims. Not only did I not need them, but I actually needed the exact opposite being slightly more clearance. Go figure
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 04:59 PM
  #12  
Taubr Unit's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,155
Likes: 31
From: Chicago
Default

Ok, yea i got the comp locators too. And i see what you mean about them being think!! That totally makes sence too. Everything is getting sorted out now. Thanks a million guys. Keep the tips commin!
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 05:02 PM
  #13  
Ed Wright's Avatar
9-Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,397
Likes: 9
From: Tulsa, OK
Default

Originally Posted by Taubr Unit
around 1.750-1.760. I was gonna have the machine shop next to me set them up and thats what they suggest. And what is the differance in color? The stockers are black and the .050 are goldish. Just a color for idenification? or actual meterial change? or just cause?
That's pretty short, shouldn't need the +.050"s for that. Take them both, maybe the shop will buy the others.

Take care, Ed
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2007 | 05:14 PM
  #14  
seawolf06's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

Recommended install height for the 26918's are 1.800". You can go with a shorter install height for more pressure as long as you're leaving enough clearance from coil bind.
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:21 AM.

story-0
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-3
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-4
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-5
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

The world was a better place when it was still around.

By Brett Foote | 2026-01-23 09:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever

Slideshow: The 7.0-liter LS7 was designed for absolute cutting-edge performance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-07 18:36:00


VIEW MORE