Returning by popular demand are the titanium valve spring retainers.
These are 40% lighter than standard valve spring retainers.
The weight lost is significant because this is weight lost off the valve-train which results in less inertia and resulting reduction of 'throw' of the valve and less likelihood of the valves and piston having an intimate relationship.
Useful in a racing application where engine rpm is going to be high all the time and piston-valve clearance is reduced to an absolute minimum.
Valve spring preload is also increased by 0.7mm
When fitting these valve spring retainers it is essential that the sharp edge is taken off the top of the spring or the valve spring will eat into the retainer at an unacceptable rate.
Wear on the retainers should be measured at least once per season with 1.2mm being the minimum flange thickness.