Reinforced inlet valves NISSAN SR20VE

NISSAN engines covered

The SR20VE is the sharpest version of Nissan's 2.0 litre SR20 four-cylinder: 16 valves, twin camshafts and NVCS variable valve timing with profile switching, for 190 to 204 hp. It powers the Primera P11 and P12, the Bluebird U14 and the Wingroad Y11, between 1996 and 2005.

Its head takes 8 inlet valves, two per cylinder, Nissan part number 13201-1N500, retained by 13210-D4200 collets and running in 13212-1N560 guides. Sized for a production engine that is already highly tuned, they suffer quickly from even higher revs, wilder camshafts, firmer springs or a turbo.

SUPERTECH reinforced inlet valves

On this engine that loves revs, each inlet valve alternates opening and closing without rest, takes an impact on its seat at every closure and has its stem rubbing in the guide. Exposed to 400 to 550 °C, it relies on a chrome-silicon steel that keeps only 250 MPa at 600 °C against 500 MPa at 500 °C, a 50 % fall. Any tuning pushes these stresses further still.

Here SUPERTECH uses a racing chrome-nickel stainless steel close to EV8 (21-4N): it holds 650 MPa at 500 °C and 550 MPa at 600 °C, that is 30 % then 120 % above the usual steel. Its black nitriding gives a hardened, slippery surface that protects the stem in the guide even at very high rpm.

The part comes in the maker's standard size, with a 34.15 mm head, a 5.96 mm stem and a 99.7 mm length. It replaces the original valve on seats that have not been enlarged.

Inlet valve technical specification

NIVN-1005-VE-8: set of 8 valves, 4.8 mm stem tip.

Fitting details

SUPERTECH pairs its KPR-6N-6-ST collets, for a 6 mm stem, with this engine.

In standard size the valve goes onto the existing inlet seats; lapping or a light recut is enough during the rebuild.

Technical guide

The brand offered

A Californian specialist in racing valvetrain, SUPERTECH has been working in San Jose for over thirty years. For each engine it designs a dedicated valve, checks it with ultrasonic testing, radiography and laser gauging, and then hands it to engine builders who compete.

How to choose

The SR20VE has a single part here: its head size and its finish show where it belongs and how it betters the Nissan part fitted at the factory.

When reinforced valves become necessary

• Sharper camshafts or harder springs
• Rev limiter pushed beyond standard
• Turbo or supercharger grafted onto the SR20
• Head prepared for track, drift or hill climbs
• Nissan valves damaged, tired or already lapped several times

Compatible vehicles

OEM part number (inlet valve): 13201-1N500

Don't forget the exhaust valves

With the SR20VE head off, it is best to renew the exhaust valves and stem seals as well. The reinforced version for this engine is available here: