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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Valve Springs and retainers

Posted by: pat4 May 10 2004, 03:11 AM

Hi all,

My 2.0 engine rebuild is pretty finished. We choose Webcam #86a camshaft (valve lift .435 & 290° duration), Webcam 00-263 new lifters, chromoly new pusrods, Webcam VS-P00 new HD springs and shims. Webcam said "stock retainers OK" but my mechanic found that stock retainers did not fit correctely.

So, he took alumium retainers and put them as you can see below.

IPB Image

But when I show the picture to some friends, they told me that alumium retainers could break.

The problem is that the engine is in the car now and if I decide to change them, we need to remove heads.

I would like to have any advice about the real risk with these retainers.

Posted by: Mark Henry May 10 2004, 07:14 AM

Are those HD single springs? then the Al retainers "may" work ok but I don't like them, they wear faster and in extreme cases the keepers will pull right through the retainers, (breaking the retainer). I'll never use them myself.

Cr-mo are the type that I use. But I also use heavier springs on hipo engines.

Are you using stock or SS valves? If using SS valves you must use lash caps with that set-up.
I notice that you are NOT using hydro spacers, P-swivel foot adjusters, 8mm rocker bolts, etc. It would be a good idea to upgrade your valve train.

Posted by: pat4 May 10 2004, 07:22 AM

The prings are single HD Webcam. Webcam says "Performance Valve Springs - Single valve spring will handle up to .485 valve lift. Kit includes .030 (VSI-102) shims. Stock retainers OK."
The valves are the stock ones.

You say exactely the same that other personns. "The may work, but I won't use them"

Posted by: Jake Raby May 10 2004, 08:18 AM

I replied on the STF....

Great springs but crappy retainers. Most of the time the spring walks in the retainer, or the keepers rip through.