SBC Springs, Retainers

[nicks67camaro]

I've got close to 8 years on my current solid roller 400CID SBC set up and just feel like i'm on borrowed time with the high spring pressures, time, and usage i have on this set up. I currently run the AFR 210 race ready head with comp cams solid roller. I think the minimum i need to do to freshen up the high risk parts are the springs and retainers. I have had zero valve train issues with this set up, which are what the heads shipped from AFR with. With hitting 6800RPM's what is the best replacements for these? What brands should i look at? Are titanium retainers something that will last on the street? I have a newer set of lifters (crower) and the rocker arms have no signs of play or wear. I have a supercharger waiting to go on so i think a couple hundred RPM cushion wouldn't be bad to have either.

Thanks Nick

[funcars]

There isn't enough info about your valvetrain to give you much input/guidance. A few basics: The cam profile will dictate much of the spring needs and you typically get guidance for spring specs from the cam manufacturer. A street roller can get by with a lot less than a true oval track or drag race roller profile. If you are only running 6800 rpm and use a street roller high quality lt weight steel retainers are probably fine and more durable/less expensive than good Ti retainers. Many racers will cycle out aluminum rocker arms because Aluminum has a finite fatigue limit. Depends on cycle numbers and stress levels (and what material rockers are made from). Everything lives longer if your geometry is perfect too.

[nicks67camaro]

here are a couple more things if it helps. I'm running comp stainless 1.5 rocker arms, comp stud girdle, this cam http://www.compcams.com/Cam_Specs/Ca...?csid=307&sb=2, comp cams high energy pushrods, comp cams guide plates. this combo was built by my friend and I purchased it from him a few years back.

[TheMeat]

If you want to upgrade your valve train, alot of guys swear by PAC (http://www.racingsprings.com/)

For pushrods, (http://www.mantonpushrods.com/Pushrod-Info.html)

and then stepping up to a shaft mounted rocker system from Jesel or T&D.

I run my AFR 195's with a HR cam and probably have close to 20K miles on the springs that came on the heads. I have replaced the rocker studs twice; Once with AFR supplied studs and the most recent with ARP ones. So far so giid but I am starting to feel lucky and on borrowed time too.

Proper geometry and installation goes a long way with the valvetrain regardless of $$ spent. I would give PAC a call and pick their brains with your questions and see what they recommend.