Someone explain SS valves to me.

[L2RTSiAWD]

I'm getting the head re-done and I was wondering about SS valves.

Are they worth it?
What's there benefit?
What's the difference between stock and 1mm oversized?

Thanks,
John

 

[Black95GSX]

Umm... John... what happened.

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

Nothing dude.

I decided to pull the head off here so I can take it to the machine shop and get it cleaned, New style lifters,Titanium valvesprings/retainers and a valve job.

 

[DrZiplok]

The stock valves are stainless already. As long as they're still in spec after lapping, you should just keep them, unless you want to go oversize.

Speaking of valve oddities though, a friend just had some headwork done on an E30 BMW head (baby six motor), and the head shop ground concentric rings into the faces of his valves and cut these deep scores into the combustion chamber face.

What's up with that? They claim it "improves airflow", but I'd be really worried about the grooves filling up with crap and impeding combusion...

 

[98TsiAWD]

I believe SS valves are just stock oem style.

 

[Kaane]

Some aftermarket SS valves are swirl polished, they have better flow on the back of them. Normal valves are SS from the get go, so unless your putting swirl polished ones, or oversize ones, there is not much difference. Only thing I can think of is aftermarket might be a tad stronger.

 

[DSMu4ia]

Don't buy just any SS valves.

Stock valves are fine, and a few 10-second cars are running them.

Cheap SS valves aren't as hard as say Ferrea's, causing them to wear out in as little as 5,000 miles.

Only problem is, Ferrea's will cost ya a nice chunk of change.

All for a VERY minimal HP gain.

 

[deth2u]

I heard something about problems with the stem seals with 1mm oversized valves

can't remember where though