Any Downside to Titanium Retainers? They don't seem to be too popular with boaters. At appx. $100 per set, price doesnt seem prohibative. Couldn't you set your springs up for slightly less pressure for added valvetrain life/reliability? Where am I wrong or is it just xtra money for nothing? Thanks!

It may have to do with the fact that most boats don't turn 7000 - 8000 rpm. At lower rpm you don't need as light of a valve train/ heavy springs.

I have ran Titanium Retainers and keepers for years on my small blocks !On my big block that I am Building i opted for titanium retainers, but used steel keepers (valve locks) The retainers are about $75.00 not that much more than steel.
I wonder what some of the other guys are using?

Rob

I've always used titanium. No problems.

Although not neeeded at the relatively low r.p.m. in most marine applications, there is no down side to titanium retainers.

I've ran them for the past few seasons with no problems. Anytime you can save a little weight in the valvetrain can't hurt.

I did the same as rws....Titanium retainers with steel keepers. I don't know of any downside. The positive side is to lighten the valve train,especially with roller set ups

If you put enough hours on them in the 6000 RPM range the dampeners and sometimes the inner springs will wear into them. We take the springs apart and debur/radius the edges of the springs and dampeners.