Originally Posted by MTIRC6Z

Given that GM is STILL using the sodium filled exhaust valve not only in the LS7 of the Z28 but also in the whole line of C7 Vettes, Richard has missed his calling, he could make MILLIONS from GM if he'd only share his wisdom. Just think of the huge engineering department budgets that could be eliminated by hiring Richard

What I have a hard time understanding is, when someone makes huge profits from an issue like this, why any intelligent individual would simply take the word of that guy who's making all the money. At best it is just one man's opinion, at worst it is an opinion which is tainted to ensure his profits are maximized. The more you can undermine confidence in GM's engineering the more money you will make...heck you'll even get lemmings who will 'fix' their heads when they aren't even 'broken' in the first place, just have to convince everybody about how 'weak' them stock valves are

Cheers, Paul.

Originally Posted by zcarbon

Wow Shady Inc. and his GF are over here too!DH
Spring is in the air
Bromances

Originally Posted by MTIRC6Z

EXACTLY Oh yeah there's a few of those around here.

BUT you know what, IF I were making a really good living 'fixing' these heads but didn't actually know what was wrong in the first place and that I was basically just taking a shot in the dark that my work was going to last, I too might want to use a solid valve just in case my machine work didn't 'fix' the issue and the guides worn out again, you know kinda hedge my bets

Then of course all you'd need is a couple guys who aren't smart enough to recognise that the valve isn't actually the problem, get them to go on the internet a create all kinds of hype and hysteria about how flawed the stock valves are and the end result is an awesome business making lots of money. And you know if the couple guys you got to create the hysteria were really gullible you wouldn't even have to pay them because they'd think you all were friends

Cheers, Paul.

Originally Posted by propain

And how is the excessive heat wearing out the intake guides?

Why are there oem heads straight from the supplier with machine issues which will lead to premature guide wear?

Why are these valves dropping in some cars in a few thousand miles and others have clocked 100k plus?

Oops....


The above facts negate Richards letter. Hes a smart guy and is a good head shop but in this case he over thought the issue and missed the mark. It happens to the best of them. Even the most brilliant minds of our time have had their theories proven wrong in time.

Originally Posted by zcarbon

Originally Posted by Dirty Howie

Some would rather trust an honest man who puts his business on the line with what he recommends. Many would not trust GM as much. GM has a record of screwing us ZO6 owners not too mention past and recent debacles where their customers are killed. Richard on the other hand does not have any such horrible history.


DH

Originally Posted by Mark2009

It is interesting, but sadly it is wrong.

The whole concept of a sodium filled valve is to move heat further up the length of the stem, away from the head of the valve. The quote above has it exactly backwards... in fact, the solid stem valve will let heat concentrate near the head. I would be wary about taking valve selection advice from someone who got such a basic concept so completely wrong.

Following graphic from Manley, regarding heat distribution on a hollow sodium valve versus a solid titanium valve:

Originally Posted by Dirty Howie

But not GM and its engineers, right


DH

Originally Posted by propain

You have proof of an engineering problem? Im all ears.

How about you stick to the facts rather than sensationalism.

Originally Posted by Dirty Howie

Really??? Maybe you should go back and edit your post if you don't believe what you wrote:

"Even the most brilliant minds of our time have had their theories proven wrong in time."


DH

Originally Posted by propain

You have proof of an engineering problem? Im all ears.

How about you stick to the facts rather than sensationalism.

Originally Posted by ramairws6

As stated, intake valves have failed because of poor stem quality and or finish from the factory in turn wears the guide. Which again, is a issue right from the factory. Can we say pure quality control issues!? Even the almighty Katech changes these out in their build while Richard tumble polishes them.

Originally Posted by Dirty Howie

Glad to see that you acknowledge the SS valve is safer to use


DH

Originally Posted by JWingo

So in demonstration of your superior engineering, you pulled the windshield from your car towing it off the track!

Originally Posted by MTIRC6Z

I was being very generous, but I guess IF your guides are completely shot there's a slim possibility the SS valve might be safer assuming PTV contact or any of a number of other issues don't bite you in the a$$. That said, if a cylinder head expert NEEDS such a crutch why on earth would you let him work on your sh*t to begin with? He's basically putting a substandard part in your engine because he can't figure out what the source of the problem is...not exactly confidence inspiring to me, but if you're okay with it, good for you, I just happen to have a higher standard

Cheers, Paul.

Originally Posted by Rock36

Soooo anyway.... is American Heritage the only place to get the Ferrea hollow stemmers?

Originally Posted by '06 Quicksilver Z06

I have seen in here that both Carlos at Vette Air, and WCCH offer them if that's what the owner wants.

Originally Posted by zoomz

I replaced everything in my heads with ferrea parts .

Both valves , retainers , dual springs and guides with yella terra shaft mounted rockers .

I race the hell out of my car and shift at 7500 and have not had a problem with any of the Ferrea stuff .