Valve train question

[One8Si]

I'm using skunk2 pro series stage 1 cams. Is there a better valve spring/retainer combo that will work with these cams and give me longevity as well? I don't want to have to replace the skunk2 components every 35k miles. I was thinking maybe a ITR valve train. Or would steel retainers be better for longevity?

[Bacon]

Why not just go with Skunk2 spring/retainer kit or Brian Crower?

[One8Si]

Bacon, that's what I'm using now, Skunk2 springs/retainers. I'm asking if there is a alternative that would be strong enough and provide better longevity so I don't have to keep buying the skunk2 every 35k miles.

[civicturbo10]

why do you have to replace the skunk 2 hardware so often. That doesn't make sense....elaborate.

[One8Si]

Well that's what the techies at Skunk2 told me I have to do.... I dropped a valve on my first engine because of a broken Skunk2 retainer and they say it's because I didn't change them out at the proper mileage.

[One8Si]

maybe they would be fine as long as I keep the valves adjusted properly. Seems like a way for Skunk to make more money

[civicturbo10]

Wow i need to research that. I'm calling them tomorrow and get the low down, lol. As far as OE parts, i can test to their longevity. B18C1 with 290K on it. I am in the middle of pulling it as soon as spare motor is ready to drop in. Road race, hwy runs, red light runs all of the above lol. It's very worn now and smokes on high end but it has been very reliable. Almost afraid to see what the guts look like.....

[Bacon]

It's stupid to change all that so often.

[civicturbo10]

http://www.ht-archive.com/showthread.php?t=796124

http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=378196

http://www.team-integra.net/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=10&TopicID=24062&PageMsg=Viewing+Common+Topic

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/68313-titanium-retainers-vs-stock.html

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/partdetails/GSC_Motorsports/Engine/Valve_Springs_and_Retainers//13935

http://www.ek9.org/forum/engine/10104-aftermarket-springs-oem-retainers.html

http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=1785066




Start reading.... looks they are prone to frequent inspections. Longevity unknown. Prob Safe to say prob not good enough for 100k miles or longer.

Look at what Skunk2 says

http://www.skunk2.com/cgi-bin/kb.cgi?do=read&id=160&lang=en

[One8Si]

Hey thanks a lot for all those links! I think it would be safe to go with a ITR valve train since it's better for daily driving and probably provides better longevity. I could debate the pros/cons of Titanium VS. steel for eternity like many other debates but what it boils down to is companies want our money, so they don't manufacture their products to last long.
Thanks again for the insight!

[civicturbo10]

Research is your best friend when doing your build...lol. My motor lasting 290K is a testament to Honda ingenuity and reliability. There newer stuff is questionable although i sort of understand why they took that route. I.E. ask honda / acura techs why door lock actuator go out frequently (short life) on new model Honda / Acuras. For one the part cost ~ $20 whereas on my EG converted pwr converted doors cost over $100 for the door lock actuator. Something to think about.....

[EmminoDaGreat]

Thats what happens when you do a big cam, and a dual springs, they wear out. especially aluminum retainers. You should be ok with titanium retainers though..

[xero_xero]

you could verrry well have gone with a 34/29 valve setup and a mild cam and received the same performance. it has a longer life span and is capable of running with the stock valve train (minus the valves).

[One8Si]

Well I've been researching and it seems most of what I find is opinionated. I'm considering a Crower or maybe Portflow vavlvetrain setup now but I still don't know if I need Titanium, Aluminum or something else. I'm ready to switch to CTR Cams/valvetrain and forget Skunk2.

[One8Si]

Hey what's the difference between Yellow and Blue oem ITR valve springs?? They have different part numbers as well.

[xero_xero]

its opinionated because there are verry few who play with this.

titanium retainers are extremely strong. so would be a good choice for a high revving engine (just because the valve springs are so strong and apply so much force).

as far as valves go, my opinion was for bigger valves instead of a higher lift and stronger springs. you can keep your stock spring setup and have bigger valves. it is a it more for machining, but in the endit will last longer.

as far as a CTR/ITR setup on the top end, it will work wonders and you can find a good many out there. the cams and valvetrain being oem will mean availability from dealerships if needed.

good luck.

[civicturbo10]

let me look in the parts catalog and see if there is different part numbers for ITR USDM springs.