I have a new rhs head with supertech flat bottom oem sized valves skunk2 tuner dual valve during set and skunk2 titanium retainers machine shop says oem keepers/valve locks sit too low on retainers and they r scared it will drop a valve what keepers/valve locks do I need

 

What is the actual degree of the lock you used?

 

oem used ones that came off my old gs-r head

 

Then they would likely be 7 degrees. Does Skunk2 have a specific size to use? I do not use there brand but I have run into companies in the past that use 10 degree locks instead. Best bet is to give them a call or check there web site for info.

 

I called and emailed them they said there products are made to use oem keepers

 

Use the ferrea keeopers they come coated with a sticky substrance that helps keep them from coming loose.I used oem locks on mine with a full supertech valvetrain.I asked a few of the bigger head porting companies and they all said oem or supertech would be fine.

 

Ferrea, supertech and manley are companies I have used in the past. It's a good inexpensive replacement while you have it apart, no way of knowing how much wear or life the original keepers have left.

Last time I bought a set of Manley keepers they were 80 for 2 packages 16 in each pack and you will need 32

 

^oem keepers come in at about half that right?

 

Maybe you should check?

 

Well I spoke with my friend at Suja 1 Motoring in Illinois. He said to have the shop check the height of the supertech valves vs the oem valves he also said to call supertech and ask them if they recommend different keepers for there valves.
Jason also told me that for my setup he would recommend using oem retainers for a street car

I called supertech and they were very very helpful! I as told that there products are made to the exact basic dimensions of oem valves same height and diameter. Told me to check the install height of the skunk2 retainer vs oem retainer. was told that it should be no more the .003 if its more than it could contact the rockers of the head.

I am sending the oem valves and retainers to the machine shop tomorrow to have them check it out.

 

Awesome, let us know what they find.

 

Well I got the head back from the machine shop and the stock retainers are in. It seems the skunk2 retainers are shorter in size than the stock retainers and they must be a different degree than the stock ones and that is why the factory keepers were sitting to low in the retainers. I was told by a friend that owns Suja1 Motoring that on a street car he recommend to use the oem retainers as there are no added benefits from the aftermarket retainers. So I have the oem ones in the head and everything is at the proper specs.

 

hmm