stealth2748

I am sure this topic has been covered and I have done the search. I just want to clarify a couple of questions. The retainers are for the Comp 918 springs(26918). I want to use the 10 degree super locks with titanium retainers but when I did the search for the part number I came up with 794-16 for the titanium retainers. This retainer is stated to be used with a 26120 spring for big block Chevy on comp cams site. Is this retainer also used on the 26918 spring? If not which part number is for the retainer to be used with the 10 degree locks on 918 springs.

The set up I am trying to get together is listed below. Is this a correct matching?
-Redesigned 26918 springs with satin finish
-Titanium Retainers for Comp 918 Valve Springs(pn 794-16)
-locks 10 degree(pn 614-16)
-Seats(pn 4705-16)

truedualws6

The 794-16 is the correct Ti super-lock retainer for the 26918 springs.

stealth2748

Well thats what I needed to know, all I could find for titanium retainers is the part number 772-16, which were 7 degree. I'm not sure why the 10 degree are not listed. I was told the 794-16 retainers were the right ones but when I looked them up it gave me the Big Block Chevy crap. I guess I will see for myself soon enough.

96capricemgr

Don't waste your money on titanium for beehives. The retainers are already so small and light that you will spend a lot and make VERY little difference in valvetrain weight.

Stl94LT1

I agree with "96capricemgr". Also, the Ti's are not as durable as steel retainers for a street car.

stealth2748

We used to drag race and we always used titanium retainers on our springs. Granted they were double springs w/ a dampner. We have never had any problems with our valvetrain because of using the best parts. I would think even though its a small change, every little bit of weight reduction will make the valvetrain last longer with more reliability. These springs/retainers/locks are going to be used on a forged rotating assembly 383 stroker with a gm847 cam. Other valvetrain components will be "full roller" alluminum rocker arms, chrome moly push rods, and bigger SS valves.

stealth2748

so the consensus is "no" on retainers...

96capricemgr

People use much more aggressive lobes with 918s and steel retainers.

Honestly if the money is budgeted I would look at lighter valves or a better spring and stay steel on the retainers.

From memory I think the titanium retainers only save like 4 grams. Like I said this is specifically because with beehives the retainer is already so small and light. With a traditional double spring then they make a lot more sense because with the bigger retainer there is more weight savings to be had.

SS RRR

I too agree w/ 96capricemgr.
Wives tale. Ti retainers work just fine for a street car as long as the valvetrain is set up properly.

96capricemgr

CHEAP titanium with poor machining could have longevity issues on the street. My understanding is that titanium is very sensitive to scratches or the like becoming stress cracks. One of the b-body guys with a mild 304 cammed setup actually had a titanium retainer begin to crack, luckily he was a detail junky and had the valvecovers off for some reason, just happened to notice it when it was just a hairline crack.

1989TransAm

My understanding is that it is a no-no to use spring dampeners with titanium retainers. That has been the reason for most of the failures. Also it has been reported that titanium retainers will increase your rpm range around 200rpm. So whether or not you need them would be determined by how close your present valve train is to the edge of valve float.

stealth2748

Thanks for all of the input, and keep it coming if needed. My budget allows for the titanium retainers, even though they are 250.00 a set from comp. In my opinion I would rather have them to free up as much weight as possible. I will be using Manley 2.02/1.60 valves. My main question was if I had the right part number for the retainers. As stated earlier comp says the 794-16 retainers are to be used with different springs than the 918 springs.

96capricemgr

Take that extra budget and put it towards a better spring with steel retainers, you will be further ahead. Or maybe lighter valves, that could save you more weight depending on how heavy the current valves are.

You know you will need new seats for the 2.02s right? Most guys just go with 2.00 as they have taken at least one car with LT1 heads into the 9s NA and they fit the stock seat.

stealth2748

Oh ya, this is a complete build on everything new, even including all electronics. I was told the part numbers listed for each of the components match up well with the 918 springs (Titanium Retainers for Comp 918 Valve Springs(pn 794-16), locks 10 degree(pn 614-16), Seats(pn 4705-16)). I want to use the 10 degree set-up on locks and retainers. Is there an additional set-up for the steel for the 10 degree? If not is it absolutely positive that the 794-16 retainers work with the 918 springs. I may need to call comp tomorrow so I don't bother asking too many dumb questions. Maybe if their site was better managed these questions would be pointless to ask.

wrd1972

TI beehive retainers = 6 grams.
Steel beehive retainers = 11 grams.
NOT WORTH IT.