May 4, 2022
Valves may seem like a simple component, but they have to withstand high performance and temperatures in a performance engine block. Ferrea Racing Components has been a well-known brand since 1970 and is the expert in producing valves with a focus on the racing world.
When it comes to the best quality valves, Ferrea is often the popular choice. Craftsmanship and decades of experience result in valves that can be deemed true masterpieces. In addition to these parts, the brand also produces valve springs, seals, cotters and guides.
Their custom-made service offers various options. Ferrea's professionalism and know-how can be found in every part of the process. This blog discusses the different options in material and details. Finally, we look at how this custom-made process works.
The extreme temperature change around combustion in the engine can cause thermal fatigue in the valves. We are talking of temperatures in the intake manifold to over 870 degrees Celsius in the combustion chamber. The components are therefore subjected to high thermal loads, which must be dissipated via the valve stem and disc. The ability of the materials to withstand these considerable thermal variations is crucial to the service life of the valves. The inlet valves do not become as hot as the outlet valves and are therefore usually made of a different material.
Stainless steel or titanium?
For the custom-made option, there is a choice of two materials: stainless steel or titanium. Choosing the right material obviously depends on the application and situations in which the valves are to be used.
The titanium valves are certainly the state-of-the-art of the industry. Over the past decade, this programme has been expanding continuously and today the company uses automated CNC machines to produce custom-made valves with an eye for detail. This means that these parts can be ordered by item and at competitive prices.
The titanium valves are equipped with a high-temperature alloy, which, unlike many other brands, is considered a standard option by Ferrea. In addition, these valves receive an additional heat treatment and a stress relieving treatment that ensures a longer service life and molecular integrity. Producing a valve means that its structure changes at a molecular level. The stress-relieving treatment means that the structure is reinstated and the tension is removed from the material and therefore the probability of the valve fracturing will be reduced.
In addition to the base material, various coatings are available to, for example, increase this resistance. This includes a Chrome Nitride (CrN) coating that provides protection against extreme temperatures, a reduced friction, wear protection and hardness.
When custom-making valves, almost all specifications can be adjusted to the customer's requirements. The disc diameter, thickness and length of the stem, the number of grooves, etc. Besides creating the perfect performance valve, it is of course also possible to copy existing versions. This may be the perfect solution when the part is no longer available.
Hollow valve stem
Weight plays an important role when we want to increase the number of revolutions of the engine. Ferrea also has 'Hollow Stem Valves' to take great advantage of this. The valve stem is hollowed out with a drill and then polished after which the weight is reduced by no less than 20%!
Made for performance
Ferrea also offers the 'Competition Plus Valve' series and the characteristics of these valves can also be used in relation to the custom-made programme. These valves are aimed at the performance market with a focus on high revs and more horsepower, making these parts ideal for applications such as drag racing and road racing. These valves are made of stainless steel and offer, for example, benefits such as: greater tensile strength, more resistance to failure and longer valve seat life.
But how can this dream valve be realised? We start, of course, with our specialist. The people at Wilmink ensure that all your requirements, technical specifications and accessories are delivered as you expect. For this, our specialist only needs a few details from you:
In addition, you can always pass on your requirements regarding your valve that needs to be custom made to our specialists. You can also send us the original valve or valves should you want them to be reproduced so that the specifications can be further checked by our specialists and the Ferrea specialists.
Once the application is with the company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA), the data and any example will be used to produce the custom-made valve. This is improved using Ferrea's own design options and produced to achieve the final required result. Currently, this production process takes about 5 to 7 weeks.
Are you interested in the custom-made service from Ferrea Racing Components? Contact our performance specialists for more information and the options for your application!
Contact our product specialists; they will be happy to work with you to find a solution!
+31 (0)50 549 52 30
performance@wilminkgroup.com
Or order via our webshop.