I don't know if any of you really paid much attention to this, but I did. On the Howell Top End Performance package, you only get Crane valve springs. No Titanium retainers. The response I got from there was that the retainers have a different locking mechanism on the Neon's than on the Eclipse/Talon.

So if any of you are going to be ordering this setup in the near future, be aware of this.

Also, any custom ground cams are going to be $200 extra. Even though that's not listed anywhere on the site.

Sam Crawford
97 Eclipse GS
NW.DSM.ORG
15.734@86.91MPH

Hey what kind of cam setup did you get from Howell. I am considering the 12.5 compression with the drag cams. I am just not sure how this setup will perform. any ideas?

hmm, should I be worried now Sam about my 1/4 mile times??? heh heh heh

good luck with your build-up

The increase of $200 was added by Crane, not by Howell. They just haven't updated thier pricing listed on the site yet. They are activly seeking to have the spontainious $200 increase reduced or removed.

Gary and Dink had a post going on this a while back. if you search for it in the Perfomance section, you make be able to find it.

They HAVE fixed the standard cams pricing on the site but have no pricing for the custom grinds listed.


________________________________________________________________________________________
current status - No 3rd Gear synchro


http://hometown.aol.com/ohshootuhh/
www.Fast420A.com

Are titanium retainers needed for high rpms?

http://www.2gnt.com/dcforum/DCForumID13/4221.html

Check this post to see what Gary had to say about the retainers.

________________________________________________________________________________________
current status - No 3rd Gear synchro


http://hometown.aol.com/ohshootuhh/
www.Fast420A.com

All of the information that I have found says that you do not need Ti retainers for any of the big cams. Would they help? Of course. Less mass is always better. The springs are plenty enough for any streetable setup.

12.5:1 compression and drag cams was going to be the setup I was going to go with. The only issue with it that has me worried is the detonation factor. I don't care what kind of pump gas you get, 91-94 octane, on the street isn't going to stop detonation without having the timing backed off a great deal. An ignition controller with timing retard is basically required.

And Todd....you better be worried!!! :) I'm going to try to make it to the dyno with my car the way it's setup now, and then again after the cylinder head is completed. Then we'll finally have the answer to "How much power will I get with....." I'm tired of that question.

12.5:1 is being run by Neon guys on stock ECU without any timing retard. The AFX ECU has a higher timing advance and therefore timing retard is needed. BUt on stock ECU we should be fine sincec we don't seem to advance as far as the Neon ECU anyway. I don't see a problem with 12.5:1 street set up.

Una salus victus.
It's not about being invincible, it's about being ready; for anything.



Michael J. Kulaga
e-mail: Michael_97RS@2gntDSM.zzn.com aol IM: MJKulga
http://highlander.dsmpower.com/

Injen CAI, 55mm TB, Hooker 4-1 Stepped Header, GS-T Muffler, AFX UDP, S-AFC, 8.5mm Magnecor Wires, Crane Fireball HI-6DI2, SS Clutch Line, NRG Susp. Motor Mount Ins., FU/RU/RL STBs, TSW Blade 17x7.5, Bridgestone Potenza RE730 215/45ZR-17. Front KVR Cross-Drilled Rotors & Carbon Fiber Pads

To Be Installed: P&P Intake Manifold 1/2, P&P Milled Head, Rear Disc Brakes, Rear KVR Cross Drilled Rotors & Carbon Fiber Kevlar Pads, SS Brake Lines

That's kinda odd, seeing as I have been running the crane valve springs WITH the titanium retainers in my car for a few months now. the locks fit just fine on my setup (i know, I put them in). I even bought the valve springs and retainers from howell.

A.D.P.
"...If you do too much, people become dependant. If you do to little, people loose hope. If you do it right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all."
bring it on............