Valve Spring Retainers

What holds the valve spring in place when the camshaft opens the valve thousands of times a minute? The spring retainer does – together with the valve locks, it secures the spring on the valve stem. We stock retainers in steel and titanium – as single parts, sets and kits – for you who are upgrading your valvetrain.

What the spring retainer does in the valvetrain

The retainer sits on top of the valve spring and transfers the spring force to the valve via the valve locks. It moves with the valve on every opening, so its weight is part of the mass the spring has to control. Lower weight can therefore typically help the valve follow the cam profile at high rpm, especially if you fit a more aggressive camshaft. Choose the retainers together with the valve springs, as diameter and design must match that specific spring.

How to choose valve spring retainers

Material alone does not decide the choice. Look at several factors:

• Material: Titanium is lighter, while steel can be more resistant to wear. What suits you depends on the engine, rpm range and use. The category includes, for example, titanium retainers from Brian Crower for Subaru EJ205-WRX/EJ257-STi and steel retainers from COMP Cams for Ford 4.6L 4V.
• Spring type: Single, dual and beehive springs typically require different retainers. For example, there are single retainers from GSC Power Division for beehive springs in the Subaru EJ257.
• Valve locks and stem: The lock angle and the valve stem diameter must match the retainer. So check the data for both valves and locks.
• Installed height: The retainer affects the spring's installed height and thus the spring pressure. So measure it during installation.

A kit with springs and retainers makes it easier to get parts that are matched to each other. There are, for example, kits from GSC Power Division for Honda and Subaru and from Skunk2 for Honda/Acura. Ferrea and Supertech are also among the brands. You will find the other parts under camshafts and valvetrain.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to change spring retainers when I change valve springs?

Often yes, as the retainer must match the spring's diameter and type. Beehive and dual springs typically require different retainers than the stock springs. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for the specific spring set.

How do I check a used spring retainer?

Look for wear in the cone where the valve locks sit, and for cracks or marks from the spring. If you are unsure about condition or fit, you should replace the retainer together with the locks.

Can I use new retainers with my stock valve locks?

It depends on whether the lock angle and the valve stem diameter match the retainer. Some retainers require specific locks, so check the specifications for the specific part number before installation.