Hello, engines are out of the boat again and stripped down. One for new crank bearings, the other just for the fun of it as it looks fine.

I am upgrading to the XM-270-HR cam, 1.5 Roller rockers and a new spring/retainer kit to allow the higher lift on the vortec heads. Now my question relates to valves.

These are vortec heads off of L31 truck motors. Last winter we stripped them, cleaned them up and lapped the valves. The exhaust valves had about 100k truck miles on them and the seats were pitted. But we lapped them until the made contact and sealed. With them back apart for new valve train upgrades, I am wondering about replacing all 16 valves or at least the exhaust ones on both motors.

Anyone have any suggestions on what valves to buy? These motors should be pretty reasonable so not looking to spend big money on race stuff for a boat that will spend it's life pulling tubers and such. But I know there is decent stuff out there for a reasonable cost. Scoggin dicky seems to sell good stuff and they have Manley Exhaust valves for $6-$7 each. I think they are the right ones. That seems like a good deal on a name brand product.

Any recommendations? Summit and Jegs do not even sell reasonable 1.500 exhaust valves for the vortec from what I can find.

thanks,

Brian

I used Ferrea stainless intake and their inconel exhaust. Maybe not the cheapest but I still pull tubes and ski behind it anyhow.

I just junked a set of Vortec Heads because of seat issues and cracking. These heads are notorious for cracking near the middle head bolt, leaking water to the combustion chamber and possibly past the head of the head bolt. In my experience the water probably damaged the seat. It had a small chunk out and cracking from heat. Have your heads magnafluxed!

As for valves, if the stock valves are fine (no visible wear) in a stock application should be fine. The steel valves for Vortecs were actually made pretty well. Especially for 350HP or less. I had purchased Manley race duty valves for these heads as an upgrade.

I have been porting heads and building engines for years. The Ferrea valves improve air flow over others I have used so I go with them unless the customer supplies something else.