Hey guys,
I am about to install some s2 mivec cams on my evo iX, and was wondering if the titanium retainers are really needed? Anybody running these cams without the upgraded retainers? I have gotten mixed info from a couple vendors.....MAP said all is needed is the upgraded beehive springs, oem retainers are fine, but GSC stated that the oem ones can crack and recommended the titanium retainers in addition to the beehives.

For info,the car will be DD and running some HPDE events, on stock turbo now, nothing more than maybe a FP green or EF2.5 in the future.

Thanks

 

I run S2s on my IX with GSC beehive springs using stock seats/retainers. Setup has been running for ~1yr. I did just upgrade to the Ti retainers because I purchased R2 cams.

 

get the retainers too, better to play it safe than to blow a motor or head just to save a few bucks.

 

You can run stock springs/retainers as long as you keep the rev limit around 7500rpm

 

That's really a good general question, what is the limit of the stock retainer?
I'm interested because I once had a severe case of phantom knock caused by installing BC retainers, & I never had such issue by installing aftermarket springs with stock retainers.

 

We have only ever had 2 stock retainers and aftermarket springs break. It was determined it was the retainer as the cause. One broke at 1500rpm idling out of a drive way, the other broke at 8000 rpm and was catastrophic.

Can you do it, yes.

Is it worth another $170 if you planning on revving over 8k, yes.

2 out of several hundred is pretty good odds and with the retainer costing $20ish from Mitsu there is no reason to buy new stock retainers if you can simply go to the Ti.

 

It's recommended that you upgrade them, but hey if you can't afford it right away I'm sure you'll be fine as long as your not beating on it too hard. Just like the saying goes build it, race it, break it, repeat lol.

 

Thanks for all the input guys. Not gonna cheap out on this car, juyst wanted to make sure they were necessary and not just "nice to do while you're in there." Looks like I will have some titanium retainers on the way soon!

 

Be good to get some head studs while your at it. Pretty inexpensive and gives you a little peace of mind. I wouldn't say its needed but just a suggestion.