nitrated valves

Ok, I'm about to start building my head. I have a choice between stock valves, nitrated valves, and stainless-steel valves.

As far as I know, stainless-steel valves are just like polished, smoother valves without the thicker area where the stem and valve meet, resulting in better airflow.

nitrated valves means they are treated with sodium-nitrate correct? I thought all valves,even stock, were sodium-nitrate filled anyways, especially on turbo applications, to prevent the valve from warping. My question is, what exactly is a "Nitrated valve" and is it any better than a stock 4g63 valve?

Also, the nitrated valve is treated to withstand high heat temps, would I need 16 new valves, or would the intake valves not need to be nitrated, because they bring in cool air, as opposed to 1500+/- degree exhaust flames?

Please help!

Just get SS's for what you need them for, no need to spend the extra $$ on nitrided valves when you don't need them.

well the ss valves are more expensive than the nitrated. i just want something strong enough to hold up to some abuse, and maybe pull around 350-450 hp. But I'm not building a super motor or anything that would require ss valves. basically what lead me to this question was that I want to know what nitrated valves are, how they are made, and what they are used for.

It's a phase in the production of the valves, they cook them with nitride basically. It makes them harder and less breakable when impacted with something such as a piston. The nitride also won't flake off like some other coatings, and the friction surfaces are smoother than regulars, creating less friction. You can use them in anything really, but unless you really need them, don't spend the extra money. What is the price difference between the three?

All of my valves are nitrided. If I remember right when I got them off of SBR.com they didn't cost much if any more than non-nitrided valves.

*edit* link http://www.slowboyracing.com/estore/product.php?productid=1129&cat=2406&page=1

Alright I'm going to be honest. I've already bought 16 nitrated valves. I was talking to my friend's dad about the build I have planned. He said "well why would you need 16 nitrated valves, the only side that gets really hot is the exhaust side, you should only need 8. I don't think they even make intake valves that are nitrated. Also, nitrated shouldnt be anything special because ALL valves are sodium-nitrate filled anyways." Basically, he thinks I might be getting ripped off.

So I called a company today, automotive engineering. its a company comparable to ramchargers or another serious performance parts shop. they said that yes, all 16 valves should: 1.) be the same material 2.) be nitrated, because even though the intake valves don't experience 1500 degree flames, they are still subjected to high temps that could potentially damage the valve.

He also said Nitrated valves run about $13-$15 a valve, thats about $200-$240 for 16 nitrated valves. Does that sound right? The guy I bought the valves from sold them to me for $200 even.


Thank you guys for your help, I'm just trying to gain a little wisdom here so I don't end up getting ripped.

Sounds like you didn't get ripped too bad. And the intake valves get just as hot as the exhaust valves do, they're both exposed to the combustion chamber, so if you're doing one side, definitely do the other.

Be weary though cuz sodium nitride coated valves are not the same thing as sodium filled valves. The filled ones actually have a little space hollowed out in the stem and are filled with sodium something that weighs virtually nothing so therefore your valves are even lighter IIRC (somebody correct if im wrong). And those are wicked expensive.