Since a user here boned me on the sale of a set of sodium LS6 valves, I'm now scrambling to get a set to build this motor. I have located exhaust valves. Before I buy them, is there any reason why I can't run those with a set of Ferrea stainless valves on the intake side? I just want to cover my bases in the event that I can't locate Sodium intake valves in time.

Thanks!

 

That sounds backwards...I thought some like to run a Hollow stem intake valve for the light weight and a stainless exhaust valve because it handles heat better.

 

The whole point of the sodium valves was to lighten the valve while still handling the same amount of heat. Unfortunately, I'm now in a time crunch, and thinking I had secured a set of sodium valves I went and bought a set of bare heads. I have a line on sodium exhausts, but no intake.

 

Yeah it shouldn't hurt anything to run a solid intake valve. Just make adjustments to the rest of the valvetrain as necessary.

 

The intake is the heavier harder to control valve, if you can't get that hollow why bother with the sodium filled exhaust?

How about stock exhaust and put the savings toward aftermarket hollow intake?

 

OP, correct me if I'm wrong. Are you thinking the LS6 intake valves are suppose to be sodium filled valves?

Only the LS6 exhaust valves are sodium filled. The LS6 intake valves are hollow stem valves, NOT sodium filled. Are you certain you got "boned"?

 

I understand what the point of hollow stem/ sodium filled valves are for, I just purchased a set of TEA 243 heads with those valves.

If you do not have the hollow stem intake, I do not see the point of running a sodium exhaust. As Caprice said the Intake valve is always the hardest to control.

GL

 

Got it, thanks guys that's the kind of advice I was looking for. When you guys say stock valves, what's stock? It looks like Chevy is no longer producing oem ls6 valves?

 

Yes you are correct, you can no longer buy the LS6 valves. they are getting pretty rare. However you might be able to get a set of LS3 valves turned down. I read they are pretty light.

 

Katech still sells a hollow 2.10" intake valve (in stock) for IIRC $35 bucks...also would need to be turned down but gives you the option to take the factory intake seats to 2.02 or 2.04...whatever max is I'm not sure....

 

When I said stock I meant stock for all the other cathedral heads, just a standard valves which I bet are stainless. At least on my LT1 the exhaust valves were non-magnetic.

 

i personally dont see much of an issue. Just keep in mind that the ls6 valves are .025 longer than an ls1 valve so you will have different valve heights it can most likely be absorbed in lifter preload but just something to think about

 

Ok so what would you guys recommend for aftermarket valves? The application is road racing, extended periods at high RPMs. 6800 rev limit. LS6 heads/manifold, 75mm Throttle Body with ASA cam.

Manley Race series? I'm open to any suggestions. This is my first time building a motor with anything but OEM GM Valves.