kfede1

I was talking to a head builder and had asked about these valves while I was getting LS3 heads CNC ported. He told me they are not Inconel. I found several links that say they are. The builder is a reputable shop, but I seem to see conflicting information on these valves and even the weight of the valves. Some have said they are heavier and some say lighter than the standard LS3 exhaust valves. I would love it of some of the knowledgeable folks here have any guidance. I have read that the stock exhaust valves for an LS3 are stainless? Lingenfelter's CSR said that is what they use in their CNC Iconel upgrade.

http://www.summitracing.co/parts/nal-12612427

http://paceperformance.com/i-8146347...ust-valve.html

http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...w=&range_high=

irok

Inconel is a stainless alloy

Chris Scott

I've never heard of Inconel referred to as a 'stainless' alloy. That term is used to reference steel alloys. Inconel is Nickel-based. However they do exhibit great corrosion resistance because of the chromium content, so in that sense it does have the 'stainless-like' characteristic of SS.

Weight comparison could yield confusing results, because some valves are hollow and some are solid.

The LS3/L92 casting heads are the same, but the valvetrain differs I believe. What did you supply him with?

kfede1

Thanks Chris, I am on a holding pattern on the project until I understand. The head builder, Texas Speed has killer pricing for CNC porting. I really don't care so much about making another 25 or 50 horsepower, but as long as I am switching to more durable valve for a blower set up, I might as well have them ported. My whole goal was to make the heads more bullet proof. The inconel valves where supposed to do that, but now I am uncertain that is what I would be getting. The CSR at Texas Speed also states that Inconel valves require beryllium seats, which chevy does not put on the heads these valves normally go in. I don't want to do that. Lingenfelter's CSR says that beryllium is for titanium valves. They offer these valves in an upgrade to their CNC porting to inconel valves without those seats. Lingenfelter is a name I tend to trust, but they want over 50% more for the same work.
My final thought is that one of these CSRs is wrong, but I will not do this work and spend this money unless I get a stronger valve train.

kfede1

bump