SUPERTECH bronze inlet valve guides Honda NSX C30A C32B

Honda engines concerned

The guides in this kit fit the inlet side of the cylinder heads of the V6 in the first-generation Honda NSX: the 3.0 litre C30A (C30A3 and C30A4) and the 3.2 litre C32B (C32B1 and C32B2), Honda and Acura alike.

The engine has 12 inlet valves, each sliding in a guide pressed into the cylinder head; this kit supplies those 12 guides.

SUPERTECH manganese bronze inlet valve guides

Pressed into the cylinder head, the guide points the inlet valve straight at its seat, passes to the head a portion of the heat absorbed by the stem and holds the seal in place. Wear gives it play: the valve wobbles, its sealing deteriorates and oil sneaks down the stem, causing blue smoke and dropping compression.

SUPERTECH guides are machined from manganese bronze; according to the manufacturer, this copper alloy transfers heat much better than original sintered guides. They readily go with reinforced valves. Each kit contains the 12 inlet guides of the V6, the exhaust ones being offered on a separate page.

Valve guide technical specifications

Valve guide installation

Technical guide

Our brand

Working from San Jose, California, SUPERTECH has developed racing guides, valves, springs and titanium retainers for three decades, sized by numerical calculation, then inspected by ultrasound, X-ray and laser.

Manganese bronze

Manganese bronze combines copper and zinc with small additions of manganese, aluminium and iron; mechanically strong, it resists friction and corrosion well, which makes it a common material for bushes and guiding parts under heavy duty.

When valve guides must be replaced

• Oil passing down the inlet stems
• Reinforced valves fitted to an ageing cylinder head
• Cylinder head rebuild for track or rally
• Thorough overhaul of the whole valvetrain

Vehicle compatibility

Remember the exhaust guides and the valve stem seals

Fit fresh valve stem seals along with the guides. The NSX exhaust guides are listed here: