Are upgraded valve locks and retainers worth the money?
 

With all the talk about 4k gov springs and upgraded valve springs I thought I would post up some pics of my valve locks and retainers. They are made by HD Cams and weigh 32 grams less than the stock set up most of us run.

I was very suprised to see the huge difference between the stockers and the upgraded ones. For everyone that plans on turning arround 4000 or above I would strongly suggest looking in to a set of these.

HD's set on the right and the stockers on the left.
Attachment 48078
Attachment 48079

Weight definitely effects valve train efficiency, but I'm not sure if 4000 rpm and under is cause for alarm. Most gas engines are just getting warmed up at 4K, and swapping out parts for high rpm work is normal. On the diesel I'm not sure how high you are going to rev it. It needs a harmonic balancer after 4000 and without serious head work and a new cam, probably doesn't make big power after 3200 or so.

What do those high end valve keepers run compared to stockers? Just curious. I'm also presuming that they are made of some decent steel compared to just hefty parts designed to low rev for 500K miles.

I ment 4000 and above is where I wouldent wanna run without these.

That bold statement is exactly why I posted this, everyone always talks about just upgradeing the valve springs but dont reall talk about reuseing the old locks and retainers. I understand that these are not for everyone on here, but a lot of pulling and drag racing questions get asked and these are never mentioned.

As for price, I bought these with my new set of valve springs. For 12 175lbs springs the locks and retainers was $550 shipped

thats not bad at all imo. u would probably need to get push rods with the 175lb springs wouldnt ya?

Honestly I do not know if you have to. I upgraded them while I was in there for cheep insurence

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Here is a pic of them

Attachment 48065

Thanks for this. I was wondering if you would put this up on here.

:tu:

thanks, I thought it was worth it.

When pulled the stock valve springs, retainers, and locks off my stock head ( 180,000 miles). I found that I was very close to loosing a lock. I was almost wore all the way through the retainer:scare2:. So I made my mind up to post this thread.