[lengel]

This may be a stupid question, but in there any way to put valve retainers in with out pulling the head.

 

[xtrempickup]

yes, you have to pump the head full of air so you dont drop the valves or some ppl do it with string some how

 

[rx2mazda]

You need a special valve spring compressor tool to allow you to compress the valves with-out taking the head off. you also need to pressurize the cylinder while you do this. IMHO, this would be a PITA, especially if it's your first attempt at something like this. If a valve does fall down, guess what? Just pull the head, put on a new cometic and new lifters.

 

[rc91 Spirit R/T]

I've done it with compressed air, but you can also fill the cylinder with rope through the spark plug hole if your nervous about the valve dropping with compressed air.

You just need a good valve spring compressor, most of them do not work on the T-III head because the valve spring recesses into the head. Here's two links about possible valve spring tools.

K-D #2400 or K-D #3087 Valve Spring Compressor Photo Gallery by Ralph Scott at pbase.com

TIII Lotus head valve spring compressor tool