Titanium Valves

How many passes are you guys running before you put new ones in? I'm looking at a set of used solid BBC heads with Manley titanium intake and stainless exhaust valves with 40-50 passes on them. If there is no excess play in the keeper grooves and the margin looks good what else should a guy look for? I wanted to replace the stainless exhaust with titanium so it might be better to replace both? What brands do you recommend?

540 BBC,1800-2000hp,35psi boost,8500rpm max

 

If you're replacing exhaust, I'd replace intakes as well. In my opinion Manley isn't even in the game with titanium valves. I'd recommend Victory and Victory alone, best stuff out there bar-none.

Brandon Booher
NHRA TAD #34

 

Brandon, when do you decide to replace your Victory valves ??? What signs do you look for ?

 

After each weekend I pull them out and check them on a concentricty gauge. As long as they check out ok I then look at the tips and keeper groove with a magnifying glass. I'd say 60 runs or so on valves for us. As long as your maintenance program is solid and tuneup as well they can likely go even longer. That being said we've never dropped a valve so it works for us pretty well.

Brandon Booher
NHRA TAD #34

 

Keeper groove is important. Look at where the head attaches to the stem to make sure there is no pitting or anything there. Check and make sure the coating on the stem is in good condition.

 

For those that run valves that are not titanium, do you check them this same way and this often?

I check the lash every run and if the lash changes too much I yank the head off.

 

I would yes, same principles apply. One thing I have found to help extend the life of ti valves is using a ti lock. The advantage of ti is strength and weight, moving that mass is harder on the components of the valvetrain. That being said, a steel lock on a steel valve (which I'm sure is what you have - lock wise) is good. If you have a bunch of lash all of a sudden then yes pull the head. If the adjuster hasn't moved, it's quite possible the seat is bad, valve is tuliped, or a bad lifter. Morel makes a very nice lifter as does Jesel. I haven't seen Noel Manton post on here in a while, but he's an expert regarding valvetrain and could be very helpful if you're having a recurring issue.

Brandon Booher
NHRA TAD #34