Reinforced inlet valves AUDI A3 TT 3.2 VR6 24V

AUDI engines covered

Audi fits the Volkswagen group's 3.2 litre 24 valve VR6, six cylinders in a very narrow V under a single cylinder head, to its 250 hp quattro versions: TT 8N coupé and roadster from 2003 to 2006 (BHE, BPF), A3 8P and A3 Sportback from 2003 to 2009 (BUB), then TT 8J coupé and roadster from 2006 to 2010 (BUB, CBRA).

The cylinder head of these engines carries 12 inlet valves in two lengths: 6 long 022 109 601 H and 6 short 022 109 601 G, all with a 33.2 mm head and a 6 mm stem. The sets on this page therefore hold 6 valves of each length. A sharper camshaft, higher revs or a turbo put loads on them that standard use never does.

SUPERTECH and FERREA reinforced inlet valves

Opened at every cycle to let fresh air through, the inlet valve then drops back onto its seat and slides in its guide, dozens of times per second at high rpm. It works between 400 and 550 °C, a range where standard chrome-silicon steel loses 50 % of its strength: 500 MPa at 500 °C, then 250 MPa at 600 °C.

SUPERTECH valves are cut from a racing stainless steel close to EV8: 650 MPa at 500 °C and 550 MPa at 600 °C, 30 % and then 120 % more than standard steel. Their black nitriding hardens the stem and reduces friction in the guide. At FERREA, the maker quotes the Competition Plus series as 20 % stronger when hot and under fatigue, with a seat that lasts 25 % longer.

FERREA also offers a +1 mm size: the head grows to 34.2 mm, while stem and length stay at standard size. This wider opening at the seat fills the cylinders better and frees up power, provided the inlet seats are cut to the new size.

Inlet valve technical specification

Sets of 6 long and 6 short valves: VWIVN-1044SL6+SS6 (170229), F2292P*6+F2293P*6 (170229), F2294P*6+F2295P*6 (170229).
VWIVN-1044SL and VWIVN-1044SS: undercut stem under the head, according to SUPERTECH.
FERREA: part numbers listed by the maker for the Audi TT VR6 3.2 DOHC 24 valve, BHE and CBRA engines.

Fitting details

For the +1 mm size, the inlet seats must be cut to 34.2 mm; plan this workshop job with the cylinder head rebuild.

On these engines, valve clearance is taken up by hydraulic tappets: nothing to adjust once the valves are replaced.

Technical guide

Our brands

	SUPERTECH, a Californian maker based in San Jose, has designed valves, springs, retainers and guides for racing for more than thirty years. Each part is drawn for its cylinder head, checked by ultrasound, X-ray and laser, then proven by engine builders on track and on the drag strip.
	FERREA Racing Components was founded in 1978 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by two engine builders from Argentina. Its valves are forged in one piece from steel bar, then machined from end to end on CNC; they are found in NASCAR and dragster engines.

How to choose

Choosing the size depends on the condition of the cylinder head's inlet seats.

When reinforced valves become necessary

• Higher-lift camshafts or stiffer springs
• Raised rev limit
• Turbo or supercharger fitted
• Cylinder head rebuilt for circuit, hill climb or rally
• Original valves marked, worn or already reground

Compatible vehicles

OEM part number (inlet valve): 022 109 601 H (long), 022 109 601 G (short)