I'm looking into a tune up and trying to decide if I want to do a few other mods that might be beneficial in the long run. I've read a lot of opinions on the weak points of the F20C but haven't really found anything definitive. After doing some reading in a few threads I'm debating the Brian Crower Stage 2 NA cams and a modded inline pro TCT but I keep getting mixed reviews on the valvetrain. Some people say the retainers are the weak link and some say the springs themselves. So does anyone know which it is? Is it the Retainers, or the springs themselves, or both and could I change to a set of OEM F22C retainers and be okay with those cams or would I need to do significantly more?

 

Retainers for sure were updated in the F22, they were beefed up to prevent cracks and retainers from walking up on a valve and eventually the valve just dropping. I remember reading Billman said either the exhaust or intake side only needed to be upgraded not both but I don't remember which. You can always replace both for piece of mind.

 

From what I've read, the AP1 titanium retainers like to crack. You can ether swap to AP2 retainers or aftermarket. Personally if I was doing aftermarket, I'd upgrade the springs with them.

 

The intake side should be changed, the exhaust should not, as the valves will contact the pistons before the retainers go.

 

So basically I want to know if changing to the AP2 equipment will make the F20C more reliable?

 

How much boost are you planning on running? F20'c can handle a lot of power still without touching it!

 

I can't boost it until the end of the year I'm just looking for reliability for now

 

Should be plenty reliable stock. it is reliable once boosted as well. Leave it alone imo.

 

I'm surprised no one has mentioned upgrading to the ap2 oil banjo bolts. If you want to upgrade to ap2 retainers and keepers I would go ahead and upgrade the oil banjos as well.

 

He might have them already depending which year AP1 he has. Mid way through the '02's got them I believe.
That is the only change I have done to my engine so far.