So I have checked just about every cam website, in hope that I could get some guidelines as to what is "too lose" and what is "to tight" for the valve springs fiting into the retainers, but I am unable to find a number. The only thing I found multiple time was "too tight and it might damage the spring, too lose and the spring will dance".

So if anyone of you know, I would greatly appriciate it.

Retainer to spring clearances ?
Well ,as the retainer is in direct contact with the spring ,I'll say 0 clearance.
Are you asking for retainer to valve guide clearance ?

Guess I should add:
Generally I use .060.

I see where I have not explained it correctly. Lets try it again :), my bad.

Retainer step diameter vs spring ID.
assuming dual springs, the retainer will have 2 steps (one for the ID of the outside spring and the other for the ID of the inner spring). What is the rule for clearances between that step and the ID of the spring?

So lets say the ID of the outer spring is 1.18 and the step of the retainer is 1.165 (making up numbers), you'd have 0.015 difference between the two (same pinciple for the inner spring ID and retainer step), which makes it 0.0075" clearance on each side (0.015/2)
I'm looking for what is the recommended clearance for that, as opposed to "too tight and it'll damage the spring, but too lose and the spring will dance". I cannot find a number, just words, and that leaves a little bit to much of an opinion on the table (what I concider to tight might be just right to some...)

OK, but not to sure there's a spec on that.
Usually the mfg's retainers are set up to fit their springs.
I've heard that .005/.010 is appropriate but can't verify that .
Are you using a spring that has no recommended retainer or ???

well, trying to figure out if I can re-use what I have, and trying to cross ref to another brand, as the lunati retainers for my lunati springs are on back order until jan 4th...it seems titanium is becoming a "rare" metal lol

the LUN retainers are 1.168 first step, then 0.760 second step. The spring measure 1.18 and 0.764
So basically, looks like they allow 0.012 and 0.004 difference, but, really wondering if there's a +and- tolerance on that (kinda like main bearing clearance where you have an acceptable range so to speak)

With that clearance your really only dealing with the top end of the spring and not the seat end.
Unless your making/buying a stepped spring cup ,what the top does has little to do with the motion/clearance of the bottom which kinda negates the need for a specific #.
Here's some springs in motion for your viewing -(note ,large files)
(Beehive (http://www.racingsprings.com/movies/PRI%20Web%201.wmv)) / (Dual Spring (http://www.racingsprings.com/movies/PRI%20Web%202.wmv)) / (Triple Spring (http://www.racingsprings.com/movies/PRI%20Web%203.wmv))

ok so if I understand you correctly, I can use something a tiny bit off from what the Lunati retainer is calling out and it would be ok? (loading the videos as we speak)

Not sure what your calling "a tiny bit off" but there's usually a retainer for a given valve spring.
Most spring makers use available dimensions for their springs so they fit.
Have you compared the springs your using to the recommended retainers ?
The retainer dimm's are usually on the makers site.

Well, they only give me the ID of the inner spring and the OD of the outer spring, but not the ID of the outer spring...so I checked it with my Vernier caliper and 1.168 is the exact fit of the ID of the outer spring, 1.18 won't pass (so I made a mistake). The inner spring ID is the only one with "clearance", as it's .765 on the spring and .760 on the retainer...so looks like I have to cross refference those dimentions...

JB,
You do not want the retainers to be tight in the top of the spring. Ideally, they should just barely drop in. In the real world, it never seems to work out right, even when you have the same manufacturer's spring and retainer. I spent about an hour this afternoon chamfering a set of springs so the retainers would sit in them properly and sit flat on the top of the spring :( The other thing you have to watch is that different manufacturer's retainers will have different step hgts, affecting spring pressures. Every thing needs to work together.

^ that's prety much my worry...I'm this // close to just buy K-motion springs and retainers (Summit has them in stock ready to ship) and not deal with the oh so for ever back ordered Lunati retainers, and just selling my brand new Lunati springs...

Sounds like a plan to me:thumbsup:

^ haha...who wants new springs? give ya guys a good deal :)