I'm doing a full performance rebuild on a head, and had some questions I'm pretty sure I know the answer to, but are worth asking nonetheless.

I plan on replacing all of my valve locks. Is there any reason to pick the 30 dollar valve locks over the 8 dollar SBI locks from Parts Dinosaur? I'm really hoping I'm not missing something here.

I'm also replacing my guides, I believe. I see cast iron and brass, and don't know what the benefits of each are. Someone please fill me in?

My last question is on valve springs and retainers. I already know I'm going with titanium retainers, and uprated springs. Is a spring is a spring is a spring? I assume they probably have different rates. Someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Jake

P.S. Mikey, No thanks.

Valve Locks can be purchased from PartsDinosaur and they will work fine. They are not really a wearing part if you know what I mean.

Get some Crower springs.

For Valve guides I am running SI brand bronze valve guides. They work great.

Source on the guides?

Not sure, the machine shop ordered mine after I let them know what I wanted. The part number is VG 9038/00, as seen here:

http://www.sivalves.com/ocforeign_vguides_mits.html

I think you can order them right from SI. Otherwise call them up and find a distributor.

+1 on the machine shop.

Funny thing, I had a problem sourcing mine out also. I ended up having my machine shop order them for me.

Originally posted by bullettdsm
+1 on the machine shop. Funny thing, I had a problem sourcing mine out also. I ended up having my machine shop order them for me.

X3...I had trouble finding them as well so my machine ordered them I believe straight from the company.

Got a reply direct from the company. 4.95 per.

The valve springs are really important especially if you plan on going to high rpms or redline it alot daily driving like i do :). Get the stiffest springs you can find and have fun hitting 8000 rpms without problems. Also if you get performance camshafts look into rhoads lifters definately worth what youll pay for them helps out alot under the curve and wont effect the peak power.