Del West Valve Train
Del West Valve Train: Aerospace Precision Meets Racing Performance
When it comes to valve train components for high-performance and racing engines, few names carry the weight of Del West. Founded in 1973 as an aerospace structural materials R&D laboratory, Del West leveraged its deep expertise in titanium and aluminum alloys to enter the motorsport world in 1978, producing its first line of lightweight valves for racing engines. That foundation in aerospace science is not just history — it is the engineering backbone behind every component Del West manufactures today.
The Titanium Advantage
At the heart of Del West's valve train lineup is a commitment to titanium that goes far beyond material choice. Titanium valves generally weigh approximately 40% less than comparable steel valves, a reduction that directly translates to reduced reciprocating mass, improved valve control at high RPM, and the ability to run more aggressive cam profiles. The lower mass of Del West titanium valves, combined with their matching keepers and spring retainers, allows for higher engine speeds without sacrificing valve control — a critical advantage in any racing application.
Del West offers both titanium intake and exhaust valves across a wide range of applications, including small block and big block Chevrolet engines, as well as fitments for popular Brodix and Dart cylinder heads. For non-standard applications, Del West's engineering staff works directly with customers to develop custom titanium valves and valve train solutions.
Super 7 Spring Retainers & LTW Series
Del West's Super 7 titanium spring retainers are among the most recognized components in professional racing. Available for dual-spring setups across multiple OD step configurations, these retainers are manufactured from aerospace-quality titanium and are 100% CNC machined for unparalleled tolerance control and surface finish. Precision ID bore control ensures correct valve stem-to-keeper contact, while close taper angle control maintains proper keeper-to-retainer interface — the result is an assembly with no relative motion between components, minimizing wear and extending service life.
The LTW (Lightweight) retainer series takes weight reduction even further: a compound radius is created by removing material from the inner body to minimize mass without compromising structural integrity — a hallmark of Del West's engineering philosophy.
Titanium Keepers (Locks): The World Standard
Del West titanium keepers — also called locks or cotters — are engineered to be mated specifically with Del West retainers for a precisely fitted assembly. Every keeper undergoes 100% quality control on all critical characteristics. The precision of this system is what eliminates relative motion throughout the valve stem-to-keeper-to-retainer assembly, reducing wear and delivering consistent, reliable performance lap after lap.
Championship-Proven Across Every Major Series
Del West valve train components have been associated with more championships than any other brand across every major professional racing series worldwide — including Formula 1, NASCAR, CART, IRL, WRC, Trans-Am, World Superbike, NHRA/IHRA, and offshore marine racing. This championship pedigree is not a marketing claim; it reflects decades of collaboration with the world's top engine builders and racing teams who depend on Del West components when championships are on the line.
Whether you are building a dedicated race engine or a high-performance street application, Del West's valve train components represent the benchmark for titanium precision. Explore the full Del West brand catalog to find the right valves, retainers, and keepers for your build.