BBC valves

Question about BBC valves,I am going to switch from blower to twin turbo on my dragster. The question is there any advantage on running inconel exhaust valves as opposed to running stainless steel in my aluminum heads running methanol.thanks Dave

 

The answer is "it depends". Done proper, you will have a lot more pressure and heat trapped in the exhaust stream with the turbos. In theory, Inconel is more heat tolerant and is the way to go. If ordering new valves, Inconel would be the way to go. If you have current SS valves in good shape, or have a stash of spare SS valves, then I'd be tempted to run them and use them up. No two turbo deals are the same. It all comes down to your specific hardware, and your particular tune & anti-lag strategy. Sorry I can't be more specific. Maybe if you post details about your existing heads and valves, then others might have some more relevant experiences to share. The advantage of Inconel is thermal stability. Whether or not you need that comes down to your specific application. If it was me, I would go that route.

 

Thanks for your advice, I think we will use th SSvalves until we get a handle on this set up.Dave

 

Dave, there is a better material now being used over the inconel. Ferrea is making them. I think there just calling them "Super Alloy". I was running them in my blown gas deal, actually still am. They are a custom item.

Blessings............Ron

 

I have the Ferrea super alloy exhaust valves in my engine. They are about the same weight as a regular stainless valve so if you feel the heat resistance is what you need then they are good. If you are concerned about valve weight, these really won't help much.

Corey

 

Since changing to these can you run the engine leaner without warping the exhaust valves?

 

Yes they sure take the heat better. I have pulled regular stainless valves out and had the heads almost just fall off, these come out in nice shape.

Corey

 

Can you buy them for $35 a piece?

 

Any idea of the cost for the Ferrea valves?

 

I'm sure some can get them for less than others. I paid between $70 and $85 for mine and I'm on my second set. They do hold up to heat very well. When I was running blown gas at 40 psi without an intercooler I had to pull a bunch of timing which really heated them up. They always came out just like they went in.

Blessings........Ron Clevenger

 

When I got a fresh set of heads we decided to get them put in so I really don't know what the per valve cost was. Plus that was 3-4 yrs ago. I'll see what I can find.

Corey

 

Can you run the same seats as stainless,or do you have to change them as well?

 

Comparing to $100+ titanium valves, what would be better at handling the heat? Certainly the ti valves win the weight battle...

 

There in the area of $40-45 less than a titanium valve which I was running. I'm not a metallurgist but was told they handle the heat better than the Titanium or inconel material. I was getting concerned about the heat load the titanium exhaust valves were having to handle. After talking with someone I trust as knowledgable, I went with the Super Alloy and they've served me well.

They are a custom order item with Ferrea.

Blessings...........Ron C

 

Yes the super alloy is supposed to be better than even Inconel. Ti exhaust valves will not stand up to the heat with a turbo deal. Ferrea make excellent valves and if you want to dispel all concerns, then their super ally is the way to go for sure, but $$$.