I had trouble finding any info on OEM AP1 and AP2 Valves and springs. I recently bent a valve in my ap1 motor, so I was looking to upgrade the valvetrain with aftermarket valves and springs since I needed head work on it anyways. After speaking to a friend, he strongly recommended me sticking to OEM. He did have some valid points like for instance, my motor being 14 years old and with 123k miles and barely bending a valve? OEM valves and springs are made from much better material than any aftermarket valve and spring. I know most of you have way more miles than me and are on stock internals still. He also recommended me using ap2 valves and springs since they're better and made out of better material(titanium). He's a very knowledge guy, so i trust that he knows his shit but any info/input would be greatly appreciated.

 

AP2 valves and springs are made from steel (although....I think the valves might be inconel). Not Ti. You can't get Ti to harden like steel. Thats why you don't typically see titanium knives or razors.

I don't believe the springs or valves are any different from AP1.

Use AP2 retainers and cotters. Those are the improved parts.

You needed a valve because of an over-rev or burn from overheating/over adjusting the valve lash, I'm assuming? The head should be checked for damage.

 

And yes...buy the stock valves. I think I read that they were sodium filled Inconel valves. If so...you're probably not going to find a more durable valve.

Ti valvetrain components don't last very long. They're used on race cars for short intervals, with big cams and/or high revs because of their lightness (low inertia).