Thread: Which Locks and Retainers

Okay, you sound pretty certain about that, any particular reason? Or is that experience?

The standard LS1 type retainers for those springs is fine. I didn't think most people replaced the locks.iirc there was problems with aftermarket locks, but it has been at least a year ago when I read about the issues.

Hopefully someone else will give you better info.

from ZZP

Changing the 3800 valve springs to LS1 style spings requires LS1 style retainers to ensure proper spring install height.

CompCams 7˚ steel retainers are precision machined from 4140 chromemoly and finished in black oxide. Comp steel retainers weigh 12.8 grams each.

CompCams 7˚ titanium retainers are American made from 6AL4V alloy and then heat treated. For performance without compromise these retainers deliver! Titanium retainers weigh 7.5 grams.

Modified Valve Spring Retainers have been modified to give an extra .030 clearance to the valve seal. They are required when using the XP cam on stock heads. They are steel and weigh in at 10.8 grams.

From Intense

These Manley Performance retainers are machined to INTENSE's exacting specifications to ensure proper fit and guide clearance. The steel retainers are 22% lighter than Comp Cam Steel retainers weighing only 9.6 grams each. They are made from "Thru-Hardened" 4140 chrome moly material and then given a black oxide finish. The titanium versions are 18% lighter than Comp Cams titanium retainers and 42% lighter than their Manley steel counterparts weighing only 5.6 grams each. The lighter the valvetrain components, the quicker the engine will rev. And shaving a few grams off the end of the valve is enough to add a few hundred RPM before the engine reaches valve float.

Both the Steel and Titanium versions of these Manley retainers offer more clearance than stock and .045" more than a Comp Cams retainer. They are not milled down but rather produced that way to eliminate any fluctuation in production and to ensure a perfect clearance every time.

Engineered to work with stock or other compatible beehive valvesprings with no machining, these retainers are also compatible with factory valvestems and valve locks.