144 Intake Valves and hardened seats questions

[Econoline]

Hey guys. What is the general consensus on using 144 intakes as exhaust valves?

I read of people doing it, but Im a little concerned about the metal composition and them holding up in exhaust duty. I have a set of NOS valves, but they aren't Ford, they're Elgin valves.

Also, are hardened seats really necessary? My machinist told me with ford heads it's not as big of an issue b/c of nickle content in the iron or something.

I'm getting ready to have the valve job done on my C9 head and would like to use larger valves for the exhaust and 1.75" for the intakes but since Classic Inlines is currently defunked I can't get the SS ones. I've considered contacting SI directly.

 

[bmbm40]

That is what I plan to use. Do you have a copy of the Ford Falcon Performance Manual? It gives the details and feedback from users of the 144 intakes for exhaust valves.

 

[rbohm]

hardened valves seats are not necessary these days. the gasoline makers are putting a lubricant in the fuel these days to replace lead.

 

[Econoline]

I do have the handbook. Who's already running these valves?

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy:

I'm guessing that you mean other than us. They are still going strong in my brothers 200 in his Ranchero. I sold my Ranchero with a 250. The valves were sealing good at the point of sale. Up to a certain point, ie more money, the 144 intake valves work fine in the exhaust, however they're getting harder to find than 1.5" SSI valves.

Let us know what you decide.

Adios, David

 

[Econoline]

I'm glad you chimed in David. And thanks for your replies guys, I don't mean to be rude. One of my big concerns is that these valves are Elgin and not Ford valves. Do you think it matters? I'm all about saving money and using these and a set of used 1.75 valves I already have. If they will hold up.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Back Econoline:

I don't know the source for the Elgin valves, but, in general, Elgin keeps their products pretty high in quality.

A bit of "The rest of the story", when we searched out using the 144 intakes as exhaust valves there was no known reasonable option for bigger valves. Then SSI became an option. When I build my next head, I'll surely be looking for SSI valves. I'm guessing that 1.5" SSI valves are not alot more money than the 144 valves. You might try to contact SSI directly for another source.

I would not hesitate to reuse 1.75" OEM intake valves so long as they are in good shape.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Adios, David

 

[CZLN6]

I'm Back:

Does anybody have a source for SSI, aka Stainless Steel Industries? I've misplaced my contact info. Thanks

Adios, David

 

[cr_bobcat]

David,

This is what I found the other day when I was digging around. It's "SI" and not "SSI". Not sure if it's the same folks or not, but here's the link to their portflow valves, which are available in oversize with stock geometry (stem, length)

http://www.sivalves.com/ocdomestic_valvesps_ford.html

 

[Econoline]

One other thing I've wondered about is whether there is any detrimental effects from running stainless valves in a head without inserts or hardened seats? Anyone have any thoughts on that?

 

[rbohm]

One other thing I've wondered about is whether there is any detrimental effects from running stainless valves in a head without inserts or hardened seats? Anyone have any thoughts on that?

no problems there, in fact stainless steel does not stick to the valve seats like regular steel valves did.