Just in time for the 2013 PRI Show Supertech releases their lineup of super sodium Inconel valves for those looking for the ultimate in engine valves. Chrome coated Inconel alloy that is hollowed for weight and mass reduction, and filled with sodium to combat heat soak. Sound like exactly what you need?
Inconel is a lightweight alloy meant for high level performance in extreme conditions, and is oxidation and corrosion resistant. Part of the manufacturing process creates the passivating oxide layer that prevents the surface from deterioration while maintaining strength in the highest temperatures.
Supertech is billing these valves the “coolest” available is something of an understatement, as these new sodium filled units are 10% less mass than their conventional counterparts. The sodium filled stems help in the heat transfer away from the face of the valve and channels the heat down through the stem and into the guide.
“Inconel has never been done in a lightweight, high heat resistant valve,” said Supertech’s Martin Tagliavini. “A cooler valve improves the material strength and durability of the valve, which in turn, gives engine builders more flexibility and a wider range of timing options.”
Need help in selecting which type of Supertech valve to purchase? Simply give us a call and we’ll help you sort through the many options and get you into the right combination for your vehicle!
Supertech has guidelines for selecting the different types of valves, and for general purpose street cars and weekend track cars, the Supertech’s solid forged Stainless Steel valves are what you want. However when you start to approach some serious power, or the 120-180 hp per liter range, the Inconel valves are just what the doctor ordered.
“If you’re hitting 120-180 hp/liter, then a solid Inconel is a good match. If you’re above this number of 180hp/liter (1,000 hp), then sodium-filled Inconel is recommended,” Tagliavini said. “That is important because excessive heat causes warpage, which leads to improper seating, then more heat problems.”
Valve failure can be caused by a wide variety of problems or issues, mainly from temperature or pressure within the combustion chamber. Results of valve failure can lead to cracking of the valve, valve head breaks, scarring or deformation of under head radius or fractures of the valve radius.
These are all caused by excessive pressure and temperatures in the combustion chamber or the event of preignition. And while damage may occur to intake valves, these problems are mainly associated with the exhaust side of the equation.
Some factors that may lead to valve failure
- Engine Over-rev
- Inadequate valve spring strength
- Preignition
- Wrong grade or bad quality of fuel
Pitting or burnt valve faces can be caused by excessive heat in the head of the valve, or distortion of the guide or seat which will lead to poor valve seating and excessive blow-by.
Some factors that may lead to burnt valves
- Incorrect stem to guide clearance.
- Bad Valve guide or worn guide
- lean air mixture – preignition
- Engine Overheat
- Incorrect lash or hydraulic lifter error
Instead of taking the cheaper and less proven solution, step up your engine build to a set of Supertech Inconel valves that are available for many different applications, from the 2JZ, EJ20 / EJ25, 4G63 and much much more!
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