Exhaust valve upgrade.

[appletree]

As you may be aware the 318is has sodium filled exhaust valves, I have been told that the valve head can become detached from the valve stem (the stuff nightmares are made off) when exposed to the extra heat/stresses of forced induction. The question, can anyone recomend a supplier of top grade one piece valves and are there any other mods worth doing whilst changing the valves. cheers

[jpboost]

plenty of FI engines have sodium filled valves in them as std. being sodium filled keeps the valve weight down, and reduces stress on the valvetrain. I'd be very sure that they are not up to the job before changing them.

If you really decide to change valves, I'm pretty sure schrick will do some to fit the 'is. not cheap though, around £50 each IIRC. don't forget new retainers, springs etc to match.

[jaistanley]

Try an american forum such as E30 tech. The E30 M42 engine shares valves with the American S50 I beleive (and possibly therefore the M50??) but don't quote me, I'm trying to remember stuff from before I started my stupid engine conversion and that was AGES ago!.. Incedentally I think you can also use the solid lifters and shims from the same engine if you want to ditch the hydraulic ones (better at high rpm but more servicing)

As for more mods.. Triple cut valves and valve seats are a MUST for any engine when doing anything to a head. It'll yeild more power than basic port work and gets you a nice gas seal into the bargain. You could also remove any flashing/casting finish from the ports with a flap wheel and die grinder but don't go mad polishing them to a shine. Bmw castings are pretty good so this shouldn't take long.

Jai

[WillG]

could try PPF, I know they do valves for other BMW engines not sure how much for

[Ant]

M44 are not sodium filled, not 100% they'll fit though, heads are not interchangable

[Andy335Touring]

Try ringing Race Engine Components(Tel : 01902 373770) to see if they do the valves for the m42.

For my M30 it was about £210 delivered for a set of 12 which is good value for what you get i think.

[appletree]

will do cheers lads