[Simsy]

Hey I was noticing its most peoples belief that the high spring rate on these heads is what causes our timing belt failures usually. So other than the titanium retainers has anyone ever made a lighter valve spring or is that even an option? It would just seem that the stock cams in these cars aren't that radical as to require such a heavy spring. Whats everyones opinion on that?

 

[The Dude]

In a forced induction application you also have to consider the force of the compressed air in the intake port pushing the valve open. So, you generally need more spring pressure than you would in an N/A application based upon cam profiles.

 

[Guest]

The high spring pressure is not the only cause of the timing belts to fail. Belt tension is a huge factor in timing belt life in these cars. High spring pressure is also bad on all parts of the valvetrain on these. The Ti retainers are an excellent fix to the high spring rate problem. there are other way of taking off the pressure like cutting off soem of the spring or cutting the spring pockets deeper but the Ti retainers seem to work very well and are the easiest way to fix the problem. If you go with a set you will be amazed in the difference with just them for a modification. The engone revs so much more free and the car actually even starts easier. timing belt life will increase quite a bit as well as valvetrain life. I would suggest these to every TIII owner that has the head off and has the money to spend on them.