Titanium retainer weight

[DefEddie]

Anybody got a titanium retainer they can weigh for me?
Iron or aluminum head,doesn't matter.
Thanks!

[DefEddie]

JIC anyone else is curious,titanium LS1 retainer is 9.5g.
comp cams iron head retainer 30g
Lightweight 350 racing retainer(not titanium) 15.1g
Vortec retainer 15.3g

[SappySE107]

5.5 grams for a manley LS1 titanium retainer.

[DefEddie]

Really?
Much bigger difference..
9.5g was from an SLP retainer I believe,which is a different style spring maybe?
I'm gonna chuck one of the vortecs in my lathe and see how much I can take off it without ruining it.
If I can get it down to 10-11g it would be pretty cool to be within 5-8g of a $200+ set of retainers with some that are generally trashed.

[SappySE107]

Same stock springs, just a different design on top, which is flush to the keepers rather than above.

[NateD4]

Which engine are these going in?

A quick way to estimate Ti weight retainers is to multiply by the density ratio (density of Ti divided by Steel density).

This will get you a quick ball park.

As an FYI for street use I'd recommend a super light steel retainer over TI. Cheaper, lighter and last longer.

For racing... Ti is the way to go but plan on replacing them more frequently.

[DefEddie]

The vortecs come above the valve also,so I know I can cut that back.
My buddy turned me on to the vortecs,he works at a machine shop that builds NHRA stuff.
They use either vortecs or lightweight steel.

I've been building a TGP motor,finally getting around to wrapping up the longblock.
I'm gathering info mainly for another build that we're about to do.
We try to play with stockish parts swapping around to make power.
Between us we've got most factory parts to play with.
Just a lot of measuring,looking up specs and machining.

Sometimes we screw stuff up,sometimes we don't-but we always have a hell of a time

[Driver_10]

Titanium gets work hardened and brittle over time. Best to stick with steel for longevity.

[pocket-rocket]

Titanium gets work hardened and brittle over time. Best to stick with steel for longevity.

I was curious but not enough to ask, lol. Now I know, thanks

[NateD4]

A number of companies now offer extremely light weight tool steel retainers that are within a few grams weight of Titanium retainers. I'll be ordering some soon....

[SappySE107]

I will be offering them on wot-tech soon as well. Ferrea is right down the road, so this is a good opportunity to check them out.

[NateD4]

Good to know. Ferrea just got my valve samples Monday.

They just got a quote to me. I'm awaiting a quote on rockers.

I wonder if anyone else needs valves for LZ heads. Might be worth a try.

I'm still undecided on rockers. Comp has nice ones but are LS rockers dimensionally compatible with the LZ rockers??


The goal is 8500 RPM while keeping VVT and DOD.

Ferrea might have some ultra light retainers and keepers.

Any idea what valve springs are available.

[NateD4]

If you do order them it may well be worth ordering enough for custom retainers. Ferrea only has catalog parts for retainers unless you order @150 or more then they can machine to suite.

I'd recommend a 300M alloy or similar.

[SappySE107]

LS rockers are not the same unfortunately. LS springs all fit the 3900 so those are your easiest options. I use PAC 1518 springs for the high RPM hydraulic roller cams. I wouldn't trust such a setup for 8500 RPM though.