There's probably some folks in this group who are running Ti valve spring retainers. The known failure mode for the OEMs is that the underside of the retainer cracks and the valve drops down into the cylinder. But so far as i have heard it seems that the lifespan is infinite unless the engine is overreved.

What is the failure mode for Ti retainers? What should be looked for when they are inspected? What is the expected life for them (assuming a 9K redline)?

Any manufacturers that should be avoided or looked for in particular?

I won't be using these in a forced injection situation but I will be using them on the track with lots of sustained high RPMs and (potentially) the chance of an occasional misshift or two.

 

titanium retainers have a service life of 10k-15k miles. You will need to check for deformation of the retainers. They will start to sink down.

Best brand of retainers out there for the S2000 are the supertech's

 

So quite a bit less than the OEMs?

 

Yes, but they are also lighter and for those with dual spring setups, it's the only option. If you have supertech dual springs and need replacements, I've got a couple sets left in stock.

http://automotivespeed.com/product_i...roducts_id=204

 

Also with the dual valve springs and retainers, users can actually reach 10,000rpm (though the factory cams will not make power up there on a N/A car) and not have to worry.

 

I don't have dual springs. What's the advantage of them, higher speeds before overrev valve float?

[OK, I see you just answered that question. Thanks.]

 

Also, milage varies on driving habits. I recommend checking them every now and then.

 

Yeah, this would be an unboosted, stock engine car that is used entirely for the track and driving to/from the track. So lots of WOT near the redline, as well as some highway cruise control miles.

I guess right now I'm leaning towards replacing with more OEM parts. I don't need the higher limits as long as I don't screw up any shifts, and the original set has survived 60K miles and five years including over 45 track days.

I'm not sure Ti would be an upgrade in my situation.

Thanks for the info!

 

I would also wait for other users of Ti retainers to chime in with how long they have had theirs installed for. I don't know if anyone has gone over the 20k mile mark with their stuff but there may be a few.

 

Maybe I'll just wait and see if krazik's set holds up.