oakfloor

Anyone have them installed, and how long will they last? is there a new honda retainer out yet? thanks.

Slows2k

Are they lighter, yes.

Are they more $$$, yes.

Do they wear faster, yes.

Expect to inspect them every 10K miles, usually replace every 30K.

S2Fire

I wonder why titanium material wear faster ? Wouldn't Titanium be stronger than steel ? I understand they are brittle and shouldn't they break before they wear ?

Slows2k

The issue is galling on the bottom of the retainer from the steel spring rubbing against the retainer all the time.

oakfloor

Thanks for the reply, has this been your experience? or is there a member here, or a post I can look at?

Slows2k

Most of the engines from S2ki members that use Ti retainers don't have lots of miles on them, or have a thread documenting inspection.

My experience with Ti retainers is from a TAFC funny car. (500+ cubic inch SC'd hemi, 3000hp or so) We would replace them every season or as soon a a piece of flying pushrod, or broken valvespring destroyed them. The retainers would have galling at the bottom, where the spring rests.

This is a pretty extreme engine combo, but its not a engine that has to last for 100K+ and never come apart.

If you are willing to tear the engine down to check for wear they offer a great weight savings in a key location.

BTW,
I just bought some REV retainers for $145

WarrenW

So how often should we inspect and/or change our stock valve retainers?

Warren

Slows2k

Stock retainers only have issues with cracking if the engine has been mechanically over reved. Otherwise, they last the life of the engine.

oakfloor

REV retainers? tell us more

Slows2k

http://www.revvalves.com/

I'm rebuilding a head built by AEBS with all REV components.