Spring retainers recommendations please!

[jspaeth]

I am starting to think about the components I want to use when I build my head, probably in the next few months.

Currently have stock SR20 with GT2871R 0.64 A/R, big Greddy FMIC, D-jetro PFC, AVC-R, etc, etc.


I am leaning towards the following:

HKS Valve Springs
HKS Step 2 Cams (264?/11.0 lift?)
ARP studs
HKS RAS
Apex'i HG (recommendations on thickness appreciated)
OEM valve seals
Retainers (recommendations in general, please).
OEM valve cover gasket (I am assuming I need a new one...?)

My current output looks like this:





I'd like to see the torque come in a little earlier, and obviously would like to be able to hold torque much higher in the RPM range....looking to make 350 tq or so and hold from 4K to as high as possible

Future plans include a Greddy Intake Mani.



1)Please help me on HG thickness and recommend some retainers.....I;d like to go with HKS retainers as well, but cannot seem to find a way to purchase them by themselves (only as a part of an entire head upgrade kit)

2) Those cams good for my goals?

3) HG thickness?

4) Also, I assume that stock hydraulic lifters are just fine with those cams.


thanks

[garagelu]

Im actually in about the same boat as you. My previous setup was stock block, 2871r .64, stock intake manifold, tubular exhaust manifold, stock head except for BC springs and retainers. Tuned with Power FC at 17-18 psi and made 323 hp.

Just last week I installed Brian Crower 264 cams and made 380 hp at 18 psi. No other modifications other than cams. So a 57 hp increase just from cams is pretty impressive to me.

BTW this was at the same dyno, same location, and similar weather conditions.

[Kouki]

I'm running Brian Crower TI retainers, good price, good stuff

[jspaeth]

Originally Posted by garagelu

Im actually in about the same boat as you. My previous setup was stock block, 2871r .64, stock intake manifold, tubular exhaust manifold, stock head except for BC springs and retainers. Tuned with Power FC at 17-18 psi and made 323 hp.

Just last week I installed Brian Crower 264 cams and made 380 hp at 18 psi. No other modifications other than cams. So a 57 hp increase just from cams is pretty impressive to me.

BTW this was at the same dyno, same location, and similar weather conditions.

Dear god this is good news

[garagelu]

But do keep in mind that the BC stage 2 and the HKS step 2 are different specs. The HKS are 11.5 mm lift and the BC are 12 mm lift. I seriously doubt that .5 mm difference is going to make a huge difference but just something to think about. The only reason I got the BC cams is because I got a deal from a friend that I couldn't pass up.

I would like to buy higher end cams but being a college student doesn't help. Brian Crower stuff is good quality though. I used their springs and retainers for about 6-7 months so far with not one problem. And their cams seem to do the job.

Also make sure you have decent sized injectors. I was fine with 550cc before cams. After cams I am ok but I maxed them out. If I wanted to make any more power, I would have to upgrade.

[jspaeth]

Oh yeah forgot to mention that, I am fine on injectors, Tomei 740ccs....

Isn't 12.0mm lift getting close to the limit where you need to go to solid lifters?....I'm not 100% on that though.

How did your powerband change after the cams??? (not just peak hp number)

If you could post before/after dyno graphs, that would be awesome man.

[jspaeth]

Bump....anyone have any info on buying HKS retainers alone, without having to purchase their entire head kit?

[mangoes]

as far as headgasket goes, a 1.2mm should suffice. but i dont know, hopefully someone with better knowledge than me can chime in =D.

for RAS, just get circuit sport ones from phase2. they are cheaper, better quality, and do the same job.

http://phase2motorsports.stores.yaho...stroarmst.html

[jspaeth]

Anyone know how the Crower retainers fit/behave with HKS springs?

I'd prefer to use HKS spring with HKS cams, and also would be prefer HKS retainers, but can't find them....