Why use sodium or solid exhaust valves?
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 73
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From: Woodlawn VA
Why use sodium or solid exhaust valves?
Why can't I use hollow stems from ferrea for both intake and exhaust valves in my new bare L92 castings? Im shooting for 500rwhp, so with the forum research ive done i thought l92heads/cam/bolt-ons would get my ls2 there, and im starting with the heads. Any advice on valves appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,326
Likes: 5
From: louisville "derby city" kentucky
use the sodium filled for exhaust. they will transfer heat better and live longer. don't need them for intake. the incoming a/f mix cools them. the only time the exhaust valves transfer heat is when they touch the seat. the sodium filled stems transfer heat constantly to the guide and the head. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
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From: Middle of No where AK
I personally recommend the hardened valves. With hollow stems and high hp applications you risk breaking one when youre running high rpm's. But like said above the sodium filled stems for the exhaust work well too.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 73
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From: Woodlawn VA
would spending the money for hollow stems and sodium filled even net me that much higher a rpm and hp? or Im i just picking apples to high on the tree for a 500whp daily driver? Would the solid manley valves be just fine?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
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From: Middle of No where AK
I dont think your going to net any extra power from a hollow stem valve. I personally like the solid ones because Ive heard of the hollow ones break on occasion under high stress. I would rather have a little extra heat in the valve than have a broken one when I choose to let the RPM run high.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
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From: Middle of No where AK
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 42
From: California
I would recommend solid valves on both sides from a good manufacturer, don't go cheep on valves or springs. Potentially the most fragile and important parts of the engine to be extremely high quality for a high hp daily driver.
Check with a few tuners though, that you have herd good things about
Check with a few tuners though, that you have herd good things about
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