Valve spring retainers
05-10-2018 | 02:37 PM
#1
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From: SF Bay Area
Valve spring retainers
I spoke with Comp cams for the hardware set up on my 525EFI cam and they recommend the 953 springs but say the stock GM 1.5 retainers are too small for the 1.537 dia springs. They recommend the tool steel retainers at $170. Is tool steel a good value on a motor that may see 5400 tops? About a 12grams saving.
05-10-2018 | 06:47 PM
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From: Waldorf, Md
Roost,
I can think of at least 10 engines or sets of heads I have done using those springs and I have always used the 741 steel retainers. If you want to spend the money on the tool steel ones I guess that is your choice but personally I don't think it is necessary. To be honest with you I have been in the automotive machine shop business for 30 years and have never seen a broken retainer. I am not saying that it doesn't happen on some very high output extreme engines but it just is not seen on a regular basis. I don't know if the tool steel retainers are any lighter than the "normal" steel ones but at the rpm level you are planning it is a non issue in my opinion.
I can think of at least 10 engines or sets of heads I have done using those springs and I have always used the 741 steel retainers. If you want to spend the money on the tool steel ones I guess that is your choice but personally I don't think it is necessary. To be honest with you I have been in the automotive machine shop business for 30 years and have never seen a broken retainer. I am not saying that it doesn't happen on some very high output extreme engines but it just is not seen on a regular basis. I don't know if the tool steel retainers are any lighter than the "normal" steel ones but at the rpm level you are planning it is a non issue in my opinion.
05-10-2018 | 08:26 PM
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From: Long Island, NY
Is this a stock 525EFI? Also, what installed height are you planning? Stock Merc 525 springs are typically installed at 1.810. This installed height is too low for most other springs. You will need 10-degree retainers and locks to get more installed height. Ideally, the new springs should go in between 1.870 and 1.880. If you really want a Comp Cams spring, the 929 is a better fit for stock 525 for the spring pockets in the heads and the cups.
I'd recommend Isky 8005A springs with Comp Cams #748 retainers and Comp Cams 612 Valve locks. I've been running this setup on my 525's for several years.
I'd recommend Isky 8005A springs with Comp Cams #748 retainers and Comp Cams 612 Valve locks. I've been running this setup on my 525's for several years.
05-10-2018 | 10:09 PM
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It’s not a 525EFI, just the cam with Edelbrock heads and spring installed heights are 1.94.
I’ve heard of broken springs and valves but never a busted retainer so my guess is the 741 units are plenty strong. I was curious if the 12grams in weight savings was worthy on an engine that rarely sees north of 5k. I’m guessing that 12 grams at high rpm could add up to a lot less stress on the valves and lifters. I’ll be close to $5k into this little f**kup so cheaping out on another $120 is ridiculous. Many years ago I happened upon a guy that was super proud of putting Ti retainers on his Honda Civic with his buddies. I felt like that was the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. But if it helps preserve an already delicate valve train it seems like money well spent.
John, thanks for mentioning the retainers as he did not bring that up and something I overlooked.
I’ve heard of broken springs and valves but never a busted retainer so my guess is the 741 units are plenty strong. I was curious if the 12grams in weight savings was worthy on an engine that rarely sees north of 5k. I’m guessing that 12 grams at high rpm could add up to a lot less stress on the valves and lifters. I’ll be close to $5k into this little f**kup so cheaping out on another $120 is ridiculous. Many years ago I happened upon a guy that was super proud of putting Ti retainers on his Honda Civic with his buddies. I felt like that was the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. But if it helps preserve an already delicate valve train it seems like money well spent.
John, thanks for mentioning the retainers as he did not bring that up and something I overlooked.
05-10-2018 | 11:42 PM
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From: yorkville,il
It’s not a 525EFI, just the cam with Edelbrock heads and spring installed heights are 1.94.
I’ve heard of broken springs and valves but never a busted retainer so my guess is the 741 units are plenty strong. I was curious if the 12grams in weight savings was worthy on an engine that rarely sees north of 5k. I’m guessing that 12 grams at high rpm could add up to a lot less stress on the valves and lifters. I’ll be close to $5k into this little f**kup so cheaping out on another $120 is ridiculous. Many years ago I happened upon a guy that was super proud of putting Ti retainers on his Honda Civic with his buddies. I felt like that was the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. But if it helps preserve an already delicate valve train it seems like money well spent.
John, thanks for mentioning the retainers as he did not bring that up and something I overlooked.
I’ve heard of broken springs and valves but never a busted retainer so my guess is the 741 units are plenty strong. I was curious if the 12grams in weight savings was worthy on an engine that rarely sees north of 5k. I’m guessing that 12 grams at high rpm could add up to a lot less stress on the valves and lifters. I’ll be close to $5k into this little f**kup so cheaping out on another $120 is ridiculous. Many years ago I happened upon a guy that was super proud of putting Ti retainers on his Honda Civic with his buddies. I felt like that was the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. But if it helps preserve an already delicate valve train it seems like money well spent.
John, thanks for mentioning the retainers as he did not bring that up and something I overlooked.
05-11-2018 | 01:00 AM
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