Getting the best ferrea valves for your application is a key component of the overall success of your engine. This is especially true in applications that call for highly corrosive chemicals. Fortunately, today’s manufacturers have a variety of options to choose from to ensure that the valves you use are safe and durable. Ferrea Valves
Stem sizes are becoming smaller – Ferrea Valves
One of the most important factors influencing engine performance is the weight of the valves. Lighter valves reduce stress on the engine components and allow for greater engine revolutions. They also increase the volumetric efficiency of the engine. However, it can be expensive to switch to a lighter valve.
Valve manufacturers are increasingly offering a variety of options for reducing the weight of their valves. These include hollow stems, stainless steel, and titanium valves. All of these valves are designed to reduce the stress and wear of the valve train. Ferrea Valves
Hollow stem valves are typically 20% lighter than their solid counterparts. They can be gun-drilled and micro-polished. This allows for a larger heat sink and reduces spring pressure. Ferrea Valves
The Competition Plus Valve series is ideal for road racing, drag racing, and high-revving engines. Its stainless steel construction gives it greater tensile strength and resistance to failure. In addition, the chromium nitride coating provides a hard surface that protects against high temperatures. Ferrea Valves
Super-alloy valves are designed to operate in a temperature range of 2000 to 2400 degrees. Ferrea super-alloy valves can be used in a wide range of hostile environments. Ferrea Valves
Valve makers can customize valve specifications to meet the unique needs of your vehicle. Some suppliers can turn a custom order within a week. Others may take a month or more. But the choice is ultimately up to you. Ferrea Valves
Smaller diameter valves are a good choice for street performance engines. Having a smaller diameter valve can help make the rims of your tires fit. Using a Presta valve will also save you a few pounds. Ferrea Valves
If your engine requires a longer valve, the company can also make a special length for you. They can copy an existing valve or make a custom valve to your exact specifications. Ferrea Valves
Flow window created by the open valve at maximum valve lift
Flow window is defined as the area around the valve head and camshaft, and is not necessarily the same as the cross-sectional area of the valve. The area is estimated by multiplying the valve diameter by 0.98. This does not take into account the flow rate. Ferrea Valves
Flow area is usually measured in terms of throat area, a measure which may be inaccurate. A more rounded estimate would be the volume of the air that reaches the valve seat. As the number of vortices increases, so does the amount of backflow. Hence, a higher lift valve will alow less turbulence. Moreover, a larger flow area will equate to a lower lift force, and a lower lift force will equate to less energy wasted.
Valve and plug shapes have a big impact on the overall airflow efficiency of a given system. For example, the lift to diameter ratio of a flat face valve will be much higher than that of a concave plug. In fact, the lift to diameter ratio of a non-metallic plug will be substantially lower than that of a metallic counterpart. Nevertheless, a higher lift is not as durable as a lower lift. Ferrea Valves
However, the actual flow window and its associated effects can be quantified and understood, if not measured. To do so, researchers opted for a more scientific approach. They applied computational fluid dynamic analysis to the problem. While the results are still being analyzed, the researchers have determined that a number of significant properties are worth noting. First, they investigated the fluid-structure interaction and its effects. Secondly, they investigated the lift and the best way to produce it. Finally, they tested a wide range of valves to find which valves can actually produce a high lift.
Flow path achieved with micro polished, 11/32″ diameter stems
A great flow path is the key to good engine performance. For example, a properly sized valve and an airflow path that allows the cylinder to fill at its peak are two essential factors. But there are other factors affecting performance. The valve has to function well at all speeds, and it needs to offer a proper seal.
While there are several different ways to accomplish this, one that’s easy to do and relatively cheap to implement is micro polishing. This process improves the surface finish of a valve and provides a higher-quality seal. Ferrea Valves
It also reduces valve spring pressure, which is a plus in high-stress applications. Another trick is radial grooves on the stem. These provide a smoother transition from the valve to the seat. Ferrea Valves
One of the perks of these designs is that they can be manufactured with a unique manufacturing process, which produces a 20% lighter valve. And since the valves are heat treated, the result is a more durable structure.
There’s no need to settle for the standard valves when you can choose from an assortment of lightweight, gun drilled and hollow stem models. Many of these are designed to handle high-rpm applications. They have features such as avionics chrome plated stems, hardened tips, and other features that enhance airflow. Ferrea Valves
Another cool thing about Ferrea’s line of super-alloy valves is that they can operate in a wide range of temperature conditions. They are able to withstand temperatures up to 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s a big deal, especially if you’re relying on them for the high-horsepower performance you’ll be after in the racing world. Ferrea Valves
A properly sized, matched, and shaped valve is a key to good engine performance. When you’re looking to boost horsepower and torque, a solid choice is a hollow-stem valve. Ferrea Valves
Nitriding increases the hardness of the valve
Nitriding is a diffusion-related surface treatment. It improves hardness and wear resistance, and lowers the coefficient of friction. The process has been used for over a century.
Nitriding is done by depositing nitrogen into the surface of a metal or alloy. Nitrogen diffuses into the surface of the material, forming a hard, smooth layer.
The process of nitriding can be done by plasma nitriding or salt bath nitriding. In both processes, high voltage is passed through a low-pressure gas. This generates a plasma that diffuses nitrogen into the valve surface.
Plasma nitriding is typically carried out at temperatures of 540 to 580degC. During the process, the nitrogen combines with the stainless steel.
Salt bath nitriding is not as powerful as plasma nitriding. However, it is still used for long parts.
The typical sequence of manufacturing in a gas nitriding process involves pre-treatments, stress relief, and machining steps. The minimum tempering temperature is usually 50degF higher than the nitriding temperature.
While the nitriding process is not new to the automotive performance world, it is experiencing a resurgence. There are many positive attributes to the process, including less distortion and more endurance for circle track teams.
However, it is important to note that the final product may not be as hard as martensitic steel. This is because the microstructure of the steel is different. A ferritic crystal structure is preferred.
Some valves are coated with Stellite seats. These do not provide as much hardness as a standard application, but they improve wear and lubrication.
Gas nitriding, on the other hand, can produce a hard, case-hardened surface without the need for quenching. However, the case produced is more brittle than carburizing.
Durability
Ferrea produces quality valves for a variety of applications. They include the popular LS1 Small Block Chevrolet valve, as well as a range of hollow stem valves.
These are designed to maximize airflow and improve power. The valves are available in different sizes, so builders can order them to fit their cylinder head. There is a chart on the Ferrea website that shows typical stock valve lengths for popular domestic performance engines.
For drag racing applications, valves are swapped out every three to five races. This prevents valve damage. The NHRA Pro Stock teams usually replace their valves every other race.
Ferrea’s Super Alloy is a heat-resistant alloy that has been developed to withstand temperatures as high as 1,800 degrees. It is also reverse forged for added strength and durability.
Ferrea valve springs are manufactured using dual spring technology to minimize load loss for today’s aggressive valvetrain combinations. In addition, Ferrea has engineered the valve lock to provide superior fit and retention. These valve locks are made from 4140 chromoly bar stock and finished with a black oxide finish.
Intake and exhaust applications feature Ferrea valve seals, which are specially manufactured hi-temp compounds. The valve locks are machined to exact tolerances.
Valve springs are also heat-treated for optimum performance. Valve lock tips are hardened to prevent damage. Ferrea valves undergo an extensive heat-treatment process to ensure molecular integrity and maximum performance.
Ferrea offers the most advanced valves in the industry. Their Super Alloy, hollow stem, stainless steel, and sodium-filled valves are all crafted with cutting-edge technology. Typical clearances are 0.0007 to 0.0009-inch.
Ferrea 5000 series valves are high-quality valves that are suited for street, mildly modified drag racing, and motorcycle/ATV applications. They feature a special heat treatment and hard chromed for extreme hardness.
