Ls9 Titanium valves in an LS3/L92
Ls9 Titanium valves in an LS3/L92 I was under the impression that the LS3 and LS9 heads were machined the same, so i ordered a set of the 09' ZR1 LS9 titanium intake valves. When the valves arrived i noticed the LS9 valves were not as tall as my current l92 stainless valves and that the grove the locks sit in was lower than the l92's. with my current retainers installed the uncut valves set in at 1.72" intstalled height. After digging up some more information i found that the LS9 valves are a 2.19" valve versus 2.16 l92 valves and the LS9 uses LS7 retainers to maintain 1.8" installed height.
I think if I cut the proper angle into the valves and use custom titanium retainers for my current springs I will be right at 1.8"
some info on the valves as read from the face:
pn. 12605524-AA
DelWest
13269-008
HC-2391
These valves weighed .7kg on my scales (not too accurate)
2.19" wide, lock grove is approx. 2 or 3mm lower than stock valves
valves overall height measured off a flat surface the ti's are 2mm shorter than the l92's.
soo much for a quick swap
I think if I cut the proper angle into the valves and use custom titanium retainers for my current springs I will be right at 1.8"
some info on the valves as read from the face:
pn. 12605524-AA
DelWest
13269-008
HC-2391
These valves weighed .7kg on my scales (not too accurate)
2.19" wide, lock grove is approx. 2 or 3mm lower than stock valves
valves overall height measured off a flat surface the ti's are 2mm shorter than the l92's.
soo much for a quick swap
Not personally, but i've read that they range anywhere from 110-90 per valve, I got the LS9's for 82each after tax. I just want to eliminate this valve float issue ive been held down with. and a have a valve that can hold up to some spray.
You might want to check and see if those ti-valves need lash caps like the LS7 valves require. Maybe a reason why they're shorter than the stock valves you're trying to replace.
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Should have bought some used ones on ebay, had them reconditioned, turned down, shortened, and have the guides bushed or replaced. It would have cost you about $400 and you'd have a smaller stem diameter valve. I have a really nice set of 7mm Manley ti valves I'm doing this with for my formula. Good luck with what ever you decide to do.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 355
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From: Earth
I presume that the stems are the same diameter?
^ It would make up the height, but the problem is the lock groove is lower.
What you could do is have the spring pockets turned down the difference. If you say that the valves are 2mm shorter have the spring pockets deepend by that 2mm. You could also at that point have them cut for larger diameter springs. You could then run better springs and that should 100% take care of your valve float issue.
If they can't cut them only 2mm just have them cut the a certain distance and buy a set of valve spring shims.
What you could do is have the spring pockets turned down the difference. If you say that the valves are 2mm shorter have the spring pockets deepend by that 2mm. You could also at that point have them cut for larger diameter springs. You could then run better springs and that should 100% take care of your valve float issue.
If they can't cut them only 2mm just have them cut the a certain distance and buy a set of valve spring shims.
Im gonna just reshim my stainless valves
EDIT, bought a set of hollow stem valves, amd the same springs. and a new cam roughly a 240/248 .625" .615 111lsa cam
EDIT, bought a set of hollow stem valves, amd the same springs. and a new cam roughly a 240/248 .625" .615 111lsa cam
Last edited by CamaroRick; Nov 20, 2009 at 01:53 PM.
TECH Regular
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Texas
You could have used a +.050 lock and different retainer and should put you somewhat close to what you need. Cutting the spring pockets down isnt always the best idea as you could come pretty close to breaking through the port.
Theres no problem grinding titanium valves btw...as long as your using the right stone and a decent valve grinder that leaves .0003-.0004 runout on the valve. Be wise to recheck your guide clearance to with the new valve but your using your other valves...
Theres no problem grinding titanium valves btw...as long as your using the right stone and a decent valve grinder that leaves .0003-.0004 runout on the valve. Be wise to recheck your guide clearance to with the new valve but your using your other valves...
As long as you measure and use a hardened spring seat cutting the spring pockets isn't a big deal. I have a set that are cut for 1.550 diameter springs and they are fine. I haven't installed springs or set up the geometry yet.
What are you going to do with the valves? You just spent $650 on them. Can you take them back or are you stuck with them? If you are stuck with them I'd do what I can to make them work.
What are you going to do with the valves? You just spent $650 on them. Can you take them back or are you stuck with them? If you are stuck with them I'd do what I can to make them work.
TECH Regular
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Texas
If you know how to get around it its nto a big deal..just use a .060 shim in the spring pocket and cut for a bigger spring so you dont have to sink it...but you'll have to accomadate with longer valve if neccessary for the needed I.H.
