Hey Guys,

Going to have the heads done on the Bird pretty soon (already pulled them) and was wondering what the real benefit of stainless steel versus standard replacements is?

The engine is in a '56 T-Bird:

312 c.i., "G" heads, Edelbrock 573/3-94's, Mild cam, Dual-point distributor, tube headers. Not a race car, just want a spirited, reliable driver...

Anyone care to share opinions/experience?

Todd in Central California...about half way between Fresno and Sacramento

1956 Thunderbird - 1960 F-100 - 1961 Starliner - 1961 Imperial

Todd, I prefer to use the stainless valves simply because they are higher quality and are made better. Most of the stock replacement stuff have soft stems and don't look like they will last a long time. Good SS valves have chrome plated stems and have a hardened tip fuzed to the tip.

There can be issues if stainless valves are used in iron guides. The abrasiveness of the iron can wearl the chrome away. I prefer bronze guideliners to cast iron guides. Some people give the liners a bad rap but if they are properly installed they are the best guide in my opinion. They will outlast an iron guide and are more dimensionally stable than a thick wall (.500" O.D.) bronze guide.

I recommend hard seats for the exhaust valves unless it is a race car running on leaded fuel.

That's my opinion and I'm stickin to it.

http://ford-y-block.com 

20 miles east of San Diego, 20 miles north of Mexico

Back when all the gas went to unleaded, bronze guides were a must on harleys, opps showing my age again.

 I'm on a Lowwwww Budget

Hello John!You mentioned GOOD  quality stainless steel valves.I don't think you will get GOOD quality stainless steel for $5.00/valve like the ones we are discussing on the other topic as sold on Ebay.What do you think?

  

I appreciate your reply John...

I am really leaning towards stainless valves, and have talked with Tim about it as I plan on having him take care of the heads for me. I agree that hard seats are a must...

Admittedly, cost is a factor but certainly balanced with longevity. This 'Bird will likely get around 2,500 miles a year for occasional pleasure and weekend driving, so I want to do this and not think twice about some aspect that I cut corners on simply to save a few bucks...because a few bucks=a fart in a whirlwind in the grand scheme of things...

While the Pakistani valves are really just a point of conversation, I would be curious to get your input on them if you've had any experience, 1st or 2nd hand...

Again, thanks for the input...

Todd in Central California...about half way between Fresno and Sacramento

1956 Thunderbird - 1960 F-100 - 1961 Starliner - 1961 Imperial