Hi guys, I have a question that maybe some guys with experience can weigh in on. Not looking for "I think" answers but for "I know from experience" type answers.

I just picked up a stock bore b16a3 with Darton mids, CP 9:1 pistons, and Eagle rods. It's stock bore for reasons unknown. Head has been reworked and rebuilt with brand new OEM parts and GSR cams. This was also done for reasons unknown when it would have cost the same or less to build with aftermarket. Still, that's the way it is and I got it for an INSANE price so I'm not going to bitch too much. I'll be dropping this motor into my Integra and shooting for 350-450 whp with what I'm currently thinking will be a SC61 W/ .63 AR. My question is this:

At what point do I need to seriously consider upgrading to an Inconel, stainless, or a generally stronger valve?

I figure that eventually I'll upgrade to a bigger cam and stiffer valvetrain but that's something that I'm not planning on doing for this season. The car will be a weekend-only street car with monthly visits to the track for a few passes. My machine shop has been trying to convince me to drop a FORTUNE on valves but I have friends who are doing 600 whp on stock valves for a couple years with no issues.

Thanks fellas,

Sam

 

There was a big thread on this last week...stock valves for stock sizing, stockers will flow better than anything aftermarket, the only reason to go aftermarket is for oversize or lightening up the valvetrain for high revs...per what I read.

 

Happen to know the thread title or have a link to that thread? I wasn't really considering flow as much as how they hold up against the thermal differences between a naturally aspirated motor and a forced induction motor. Regardless, thanks.

 

Well I know from experience that I have run my 100% stock GS-R valvetrain turbocharged since the first DRAG3 kits came out in 1999. Have run 15psi on 93 octane since 2003. And have run 25+psi on E85 since 2006. Over 90K miles and trouble free. I trust the stock stuff lol.

 

what sort of power were/are you putting down?

 

bump for a little more input

 

I know someone that has been running OEM valves for the last three years. The car make 850 WHP. OEM valves work and alot of people run OEM valves. Maybe some of the high HP turbo car owners can chime in.

 

When is it time to upgrade valves? When you want more compression or want a better flow in the head people get after market valves, or when you need or want to go oversized on the valves for a ported race head application for higher hp then you will need to go with aftermarket valves. some people like ITR valves cause there a bit more lighter and some companys like alantiz and jg swirl polish the valve stems for better air flow istead of opting for aftermarket valves.

 

Well that's pretty much all I needed to hear. I think I'll be able to get my goals with stock valves. Cool, thanks everyone who chimed in.