Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

I really dont see why anyone other than a hemi in SS would want to run them. You dont need a Ti valve to turn a typical SS engine past the point of their cyl. heads capabilities.
We have the stuff to make power @ 9500, Last time I built a 327, it peaked @ 7800. I dont really see what the big deal is, you dont have to use them if you dont want to.
I got an email from NHRA tech a while back asking me how much I spent on cranks, cause they were wondering if they should turn loose billets. I asked about that last year also, because I wanted to make some changes to the cranks that the current forgings wouldnt handle. I figured out how to work with what I had, and didnt persue it anymore. The facts are a billet crank is only a couple hundred more than a comparable forging, like the valve deal. I dont hear anyone crying about the billets, maybe thats a benefit to the ones that are starting a letter writing campaign against the valves. Like I said I dont care either way, just tell me what the rules are so I can plan my next move.

Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

NO!!!!!!!!!!!
Stock Eliminator, Super Stock Eliminator,Modified and Competition Eliminator,Alcohol Funny Car and Alcohol Dragster were the Sportsman Classesbefore the addition of the Super classes.You start in the class that fits you and your bank account.You try to do the best you can with help from your friends to run under the index of the class you fit into.
Stock and Super Stock limit you to what can be done to the car and all its parts."That keeps the cost down so you can keep racing."If they keep allowing more expensive changes in heads,intake manifolds,etc.it is going to limit participation and eventually eliminate the or a class.
I do not know what the answer is but we need to stick together to prevent loss of sportsman racing and keep it somewhat affordable.
Sinecerely,
Ronnie Brigham
B/S 1171

Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

So let me get this straight. Ti valves are not legal for Stock replacements?:D I was talking with a stock eliminator racer the week before Indy about some thinks on his car. A few other guys walked up and started talking with him and they were asking what all you are allowed to do to your engine in stock. You will never guess what came out of his mouth. He said that he was allowed to use Ti valves. I quickly said "Do What?" and he's like yeah you are allowed any aftermarket valve. I was like really? Saweeet! I'll get right on that.:rolleyes:

Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

Even though I would be against Ti valves, one thing to consider is the cost of custom valves. I can buy SS valves off the shelf for my 390 AMC and they are competitively priced against all the other makes. But my engine builder takes valves for other makes and then does a lot of work to them on the back side. Flow improvements are significant. So I can't imagine my guy is the only one doing this. I would guess there are some big name builders and probably more of those "best kept secret" builders who do the same. I don't know what the final cost is (I just know how much the big ticket is :eek: :eek: ) but I'm sure they're not cheap.
Of course if they were Ti, the modifications may be just as high, if not higher due to the extra machining process.

On billet cranks...my guess is they will allow them. Why do I say this? Because I just spent stupid money on my factory forged unit. And every time I do this, a new rule comes out that would have been cheaper and easier! :(

Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

If we keep going like this why don't we just say run whatever you want and NHRA can just check cubic inches. I'll say it again Comp here we come. I predict after this gets thru aluminum heads are next.

Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

The argument will be..."since we have to change all the seats to match these valves and these heads are so old...blah, blah, blah"

Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

If I were to build say a BBC, I would call Comp Cams. I believe they would tell me I need a 55mm camshaft in this engine because it would flex less than the standard camshaft because of the spring pressure I will be using. Then I would send the block to a machine shop to have the lifter bores machined to accept a Chrysler lifter because the std GM diameter lifters don't seem to have the life of the larger bores. A set of .165 pushrods are recommended for strength also. I would call T&D or Jesel for a rockershaft system because the old Crane rockers and a stud girdle just won't last. . Now I have all these special parts and machine work to prevent flex in my valvetrain but am not allow to use a slightly lighter valve of the same dimensions in those highly modified heads. That makes sense.

I have a friend who runs a 69 Chevelle with a 500ci motor and a stick. 3300lbs. He has run a Jerico transmission, and for many years run a paddle clutch with 2500lb pp. He has never broke a transmission in almost 15 years. How? He replaces the transmission EVERY year.
If Barton never broke a valve it may be because he replaces them at every rebuild-which is what 25 runs in those cars?

I'm the guy who refuses to put a clutchless transmission in his car because I feel it's takes away from what a SS car should be. But I'll put titanium valves in my engine in a heartbeat. Any guys that feel different, put a 8000 chip in your 2-step and push the gas petal to the floor and hold it there. Thats what a stick car does on the starting line.

I vote YES.
________________________________

Andy Stone 1102 A/S 1112 SS/C

Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

alum heads are legal for some combo's.

Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

8000 rpm????????

Re: Titanium Valves Allowed in S/S?
 

Since BBC are not my realm, I consulted with somebody that really knows these things. Regarding a Super Stock BBC, he told me the aluminum BBC heads (401?) could outflow the capabilities of the 2.19 valves; i.e., the valve is the restriction, not the ports. So adding a Ti valve, while not being larger, would certainly add 500 or so RPM. And that is where the benefit is. The "cork" can now cycle many more times down the track. He thought the 396/375 would really like this option.
We also discussed my 2.02" intake 390. His opinion was the valve was probably light enough and the heads don't flow enough; in other words the flow numbers of the head are more closely correlated than in comparison to the BBC.
So that gives some insight as to who or what can benefit the most from such a change