The conventional five-stage forming processes of the valve-spring retainer are simulated using the rigid-plstiv finite element method. As a design criterion the improved process should satisfy the maximum forging load during processes within the loading limit of the available press and should not induce any geometrical defects. hollow bars are recommended as initial billets to skip the heading and piercing processes. Through various simulations it is found out that the one stage process results in less forging loads and better strain distributions.