Hello All,
I am sure this topic has been covered many times, but I have not found an adequate answer; What are the advantages of stainless steel valves over normal steel valves? I have talked to a few people and it seems like everyone has different "opinions". What are the facts?

I am also going to be rebuilding a set of "081" casting 305 heads (home ported, etc) for a 350 build, so hence the above question(s). I did not plan on re-using the exhaust valve rotators during the rebuild. I have read to discard them and not think about them anymore. Will aftermarket valves be prone to "burning" if the rotators are not used? I have also read to discard the oil shields, is this the norm?

CG

 

i dont recommend using 305 heads on a 350. they just dont have enough flow. stainless steel is used because of its corrosion resistance and higher melting point. very helpful for exhaust valves

 

Stainless valves, as stated above.

If you're going to ditch the factory rotator/retainers you're also going to need to put a .060" shim in each of the exhaust valve spring pockets to get spring installed height back down to stock spec. Rotator retainers are thicker than standard ones and the factory compensated for this by sinking the exhaust spring pockets about 1/16" deeper than the intakes.

 

It has been well documented that porting certain 305 heads will yield high flow. I've got nothing but time, so spending sometime on the heads is not an issue for me. I'll also be porting the plenum and intake base. Not much you can do with the runners, so I'll be getting a larger set of those.

CG

 

What do steel valves have over stainless steel valves?

 

This is why I have posed the question... Depending on who you talk to, some people prefer regular steel valves over stainless valves.

I was hoping for someone to chime in who has actually used both and share their experience(s). The cost difference between the two valve types is only a few dollars per valve (if that), so that is not really an issue for me.

I am only doing a moderate street build, but want it to last a long time without issues.

CG

 

If you are looking for it to run for a long time with out issues I would go with SS valves for sure.
All the auto makers use SS valves as far as I can tell so that has to tell you something.