Titanium Intake valves $$$$
 

So, reading through my paperwork on my motors they have titanium intake valves. Called the machine shop today and told them, then looked up the price! WTF? $165 each!

How much advantage over stainless is the titanium? Would I have to use different valve springs with stainless?

Seats probably. But I dunno. I do know Titanium valves is a whole 'nother world than 99%+ of us have been living in.

I have a titanium valve from a top fuel car, believe it's 2.44 inch, and a monster. I would think with the valve being lighter you wouldn't need as much spring pressure, but I have no specifics.

The more I look at these motors the more I think I got a good deal on the boat. They are high dollar.

I swapped my titanium intake valves out for a set of Manley stainless steel.

I was counseled that titanium is best used in class racing where money is no object and the valves get pulled as regular maintenance.

I sold the used Del West titanium valves on eBay for almost 200 bucks (for set of 8) and used the dough to buy the stainless.

I was at a head shop one time and the owner was showing me that the head on a Titanium valve can actually flex. He held the valve by the stem in his fist and with his thumb he could move the head slightly. Freaked me out!

I ran them in a 69 shelby mustang I HAD WITH A 351c IN it probably built up more than what was allowed in NASCAR. No issues they were around 75 each back then and was cranking over 10K to hit 200+ MPH. I wouldnt recommend them for anthing less than a real competitive class of racing were one might spend 5000.00 just to gain a couple HP. I do recomend Ferrea valves over most.

From my understanding, is titanium becomes an advantage, when lightweight and high RPM is the goal. The downside, is they aren't as durable long term, as a good stainless steel valve.

That is what I was told.

To the op, have you seen video of Bob Teague on the throttles? Spinning a BBC 7500 to 7800 RPM.

Also, if you've ordered much from Teague, you know he has plenty of money to change valves like we change underwear. Brittle, but light.

Titanium is a real advantage when you get into large 2.350+ and long valves with high rpm. If you plan on running them in a boat should be Crn coated and they will live a good life. Camshafts I originally had would tare the intake lobes up from the heavy valves. 2.4 intake. Large lifters and 55MM cam core would also help heavy valves.

Crn is used on the valve head to keep the valve face from wearing riding against the seat and you can use regular seats with out problems. They also get a molly coating on the valve stems for low friction.

My intake valves are 2.300". Also running a .903 solid roller lifter on a 55mm cam.

Grab a belt on a dry sump oil pump and squeeze it watch the crank bend over by the crank trigger
.

Everything is a spring!

They use titanium valves with light retainers and beehive springs in the higher rpm GM engines. Supposed to tolerate more rpms with softer progressive rate springs due to the lighter valve train.

Talked to the machine shop today, stainless intake valves $250 and heads done today, titanium $1100 and out at least 5 days until the valves arrive. Machinist said there is little to no advantage in running titanium given the springs it was running (and they will work with the stainless valves). So, stainless it is and it may be back together for the weekend.

Thanks for the input