Zetec SVT parts needed

[Kitcat]

Due to low pressure in one cylinder, I am having a valve job done on my Caterham's SVT Zetec engine. I am thinking about upgrading the valve springs as well as the valve spring retainers. Is that worthwhile and if so, who are the suppliers? Or, is just replacing these items with stock Ford SVT springs etc., ok? RPM's will be limited to 7K, trying to stay stock and reliable, not looking to gain power.

[James A]

Although I don't know if these fit the SVT head we do use them in the standard head on the race car and have had no failures:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cro-84169

[slomove]

Having just lost an engine due to a fatigued valve spring retainer I would be cautious about aftermarket "performance" stuff. My retainers were aluminum and lasted only about 40-50 k miles. The maker (Kent Cams) did not mention that they are intended for short term race use. If you get titanium retainers these are (AFAIK) not as bad as aluminum but I read they are still not as durable as steel ones. For that matter you can get lightened steel retainers for some engines.

 

That said, the SVT is supposed to be the performance model of the ZX3 series and given normal durability requirements of such a car I would hope that the stock parts are sufficient for a stock power engine.

 

If anybody, these guys will probably know: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/svt-performance-2002-2004/