I recently purchased a 2000 AP1 with 122K on the odometer.

After extensive research I am wanting to do some basic maintenance stuff to insure a longer life of the engine, I came across the valve retainer issue from the AP1 models and went ahead and ordered 8 new AP2 retainers and 16 keepers.

I need to find a trusty, local shop that wont charge me an arm and a leg to do the replacement. I usually do most work on my vehicles myself, but being so new to the platform I really don't want to screw it up. Suggestions to a shop or a well known person with a great reputation would be appreciated.

Also, feel free to tell me the shops to avoid at all costs... Last thing I need is a non trustworthy mechanic screwing my car up and/or overcharging me.

Also I still cant receive or send PM's on here so my email is 357MAGNOLE@gmail.com if you dont want to air out stuff here.

Thanks

-Chris

 

I recommend Ben Shaffer at Daisy Import, he did my retainers back in 2005. I have known Ben 25 years, the man knows Honda's.

http://www.daisyimportauto.com/

 

Pulled the valve cover today to check it out, nothing overly concerning that I see. Some of the retainers look a little flatter in the photos but I think it was due to the camera (Iphone) and lighting and angles. I did not see anything concerning, all retainers looked the same, no cracks, no excessive wear. It would be great to find someone local that has done this a few times and wants to help a guy out, I would compensate for your time. I dont mind paying to have it done, but learning to do it myself is what I prefer.

 

He did mine long ago as well.

IIRC the cracks usually start underneath so they are very hard to see unless you know what you are looking for.

 

I don't know many people that have done that work themselves, Ben said it was a PITA and I believe him.

I did change the valve springs on a Z06 vette a few years back, that was not so bad.

 

You won't see the problem without tearing it down first.

OP, I replaced a broken valve spring on my wife's Cooper S a few years ago (without pulling the head.) It was not something I would do again if I could avoid it. If you have the means, take it to a pro. I have never used Daisy's but I will vouch for anyone that gfacter vouches for.

 

I appreciate the input so far, from another thread I started asking for opinions I am beginning to think I did not over rev the motor as much as I originally thought.

I was cruising down the road with my kid, I went into 3rd before entering a corner and I came out of the corner and went to shift to 4th, that is when I ended up in second. I was going between 50-55 when it happened, no faster as I don't break the speed limit on that road (dangerous road with curves but fun to cruise) So according to another thread based off the gearing ratios, as long as I wasn't over 65 MPH I should be good.

I am hoping at least, I will check out the recommendation on that shop, probably going to do it any way but after Christmas.

AP1 at 8900 rpm:

1st gear: 42.8 mph
2nd gear: 65.6 mph
3rd gear: 90.6 mph
4th gear: 115.5 mph
5th gear: 138.1 mph
6th gear: 165.4 mph <-- theoretical. Limited by aerodynamics without a few hundred extra horsepower.

 

I was going from 5th to 6th at VIR at the little bend at the flag stand and went to 4th at 128MPH. I think I was about 100 RPM away from doom. The retainers were not cracked

 

Damn, was that on AP1 retainers or upgraded?