Valve brands/materials and hand lapping?
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Teching In
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From: Houston, Texas / Maine
Valve brands/materials and hand lapping? Hi guys,
I need some opinions on a decent, budget valve in the 1.57/2.02 size. I managed to pick up a set of WCCH 317 heads for a great price, but they need new valves. The seals got beat up and did a number on the stems, so they will need replacement before being used.
What are a decent, budget option? This motor is getting a cam in the .635" lift range, procharger, and likely a max of 7000rpm rev limit.
Knowing that, what are your thoughts on the REV brand valves sold by Lingenfelter? I also came across a company called Scorpion that claims to use 23-8N stainless for the exhaust valves which is supposed to perform closer to that of inconel. Again, these are for 317 heads, so titanium and inconel are really out of the budget, seeing as the heads themselves will be beyond their limits before the valves will.
Hinson also sells Patriot Racing valves which claim to be 21-4N Stainless and at 11$/each seem like a steal, but I'm cautious of anything Patriot branded.
The Hinson Patriots are the cheapest at 176$ for a set of 16, followed by REV and Scorpion brands at ~240$, while Manley's are ~275$ and Ferrea 6000 Series valves are $300+. For what I am trying to accomplish, is there a clear benefit here to the more expensive brands?
Finally, are these able to be hand lapped? I've lapped numerous motorcycle heads, but never an LS (or any automotive head for that matter)
Much appreciated everyone!
-Chris
I need some opinions on a decent, budget valve in the 1.57/2.02 size. I managed to pick up a set of WCCH 317 heads for a great price, but they need new valves. The seals got beat up and did a number on the stems, so they will need replacement before being used.
What are a decent, budget option? This motor is getting a cam in the .635" lift range, procharger, and likely a max of 7000rpm rev limit.
Knowing that, what are your thoughts on the REV brand valves sold by Lingenfelter? I also came across a company called Scorpion that claims to use 23-8N stainless for the exhaust valves which is supposed to perform closer to that of inconel. Again, these are for 317 heads, so titanium and inconel are really out of the budget, seeing as the heads themselves will be beyond their limits before the valves will.
Hinson also sells Patriot Racing valves which claim to be 21-4N Stainless and at 11$/each seem like a steal, but I'm cautious of anything Patriot branded.
The Hinson Patriots are the cheapest at 176$ for a set of 16, followed by REV and Scorpion brands at ~240$, while Manley's are ~275$ and Ferrea 6000 Series valves are $300+. For what I am trying to accomplish, is there a clear benefit here to the more expensive brands?
Finally, are these able to be hand lapped? I've lapped numerous motorcycle heads, but never an LS (or any automotive head for that matter)
Much appreciated everyone!
-Chris
Last edited by Stuntheavy; Nov 13, 2014 at 08:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Houston, Texas / Maine
Almost 50% of the Rev brand valves are bad. Why? Was it a product failure?
I use Scorpion valves in my race car. They seem to hold up well. I tear the engine down every 2 years, and I continue to use the same valves.
I also hand lap every valve before installation. I don't know if it does any good or not, but it makes me happy. And, I think it's a good way to check for a bent valve. If you don't get a good pattern on the seat and valve, there's something wrong. Use the same compound and tools you would on a motorcycle head.
I use Scorpion valves in my race car. They seem to hold up well. I tear the engine down every 2 years, and I continue to use the same valves.
I also hand lap every valve before installation. I don't know if it does any good or not, but it makes me happy. And, I think it's a good way to check for a bent valve. If you don't get a good pattern on the seat and valve, there's something wrong. Use the same compound and tools you would on a motorcycle head.
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas / Maine
Almost 50% of the Rev brand valves are bad. Why? Was it a product failure?
I use Scorpion valves in my race car. They seem to hold up well. I tear the engine down every 2 years, and I continue to use the same valves.
I also hand lap every valve before installation. I don't know if it does any good or not, but it makes me happy. And, I think it's a good way to check for a bent valve. If you don't get a good pattern on the seat and valve, there's something wrong. Use the same compound and tools you would on a motorcycle head.
I use Scorpion valves in my race car. They seem to hold up well. I tear the engine down every 2 years, and I continue to use the same valves.
I also hand lap every valve before installation. I don't know if it does any good or not, but it makes me happy. And, I think it's a good way to check for a bent valve. If you don't get a good pattern on the seat and valve, there's something wrong. Use the same compound and tools you would on a motorcycle head.
I think I will go with the Scorpions. They sounded the most promising, and it's good to hear from someone with experience with them.
Titanium is out of my price range, and beyond the limits of the heads they are going in anyway. They are only WCCH cnc'd 317s.
