valve spring retainers
 

Hi all, Are the new stock retainers ok with higher rate valve springs? I don't want or need titanium retainers, is there an upgraded non-ti retainer available? is it also a good idea to replace the keepers?
thanks!

I wouldn't use the '78-on retainers with stiffer valve springs.

The 3.0 & later ones are sintered, not machined and that means they can fracture if you ever miss a shift. The 2.7 and earlier ones are machined steel and will not break.

If you are going to run the engine to 7K (or beyond), I'd be using Ti ones to raise the threshold of valve float. Its simply good insurance.

The keepers should be closely inspected, but they are very durable.

Keepers are fine but make sure that the step height from inner to outer spring is the same in your application if you are combining a bunch of parts this could be an issue.

regards

Is there a way to tell the sintered retainers from the forged ones visually?