Ok I have searched but most of the topics I find are on which to buy. My question is about the nessicity of having them. I plan on rebuilding my engine and since the head is off I think I might as well upgrade the valve train with possibly some Portflow inners. I don't plan on revving my C5 past 9,000rpms, but I figure it would be some nice insurance. I hear that ti retainers should be replaced at a regular milege interval (I belive every 10k or so). Is this because people with them are revving so high (past stock rev limiter), or do ti just not last as long. If I am keeping the stock redline would ti retainers be better than stock ITR retainers for insurance purposes (a bad mishift at redline for example). Any input would be appreciated.

 

The lightness of titanium retainers is better for high rpm operation. Less valvetrain weight + high rpm = good (less chance of valve float in the event of a mis-shift). There is some disagreement about the durability of titanium retainers. Some think that the reason that they fail is improper valvespring install height/ coil bind. Others believe that titanium galls when in contact with other metals, regardless of install height, and that they are a "wear" item, like brake pads and clutch discs. Your choice.

 

i think B19 explained it pretty well. im an amature builder and assembled my own motor. i have a tough time believing the install height has to be set exact. i have install my JUN springs in 2 different heads with no problems. i havent noticed any wear on my retainers. originally they were in my daily driver for about 10k mile (guess) and now are in my race car which only sees weekend duties at the track. still no problems so far. i rev it to 9200 every pass and soon the rev limiter is goin to 9600 so we will see what happens.

 

i was told that if you do plan on using them,you should make the surface of the springs that the retainer is gonna sit on as smooth as possible.I have noticed myself with my stock springs,they can gouge the retainers a little.

 

i thinkn it also has alot to do with the lift of the cams your running too...

there have been threads about people coating TI retainers to make them more resistant to wear