Reinforced inlet valves SUPERTECH FORD Barra 4.0

FORD engines covered

Designed by Ford Australia, the Barra is a 4.0 litre inline six with 24 valves and twin overhead camshafts. From 2002 to 2016 it powers the Falcon BA, BF, FG and FG X, the Fairmont and Fairlane BA and BF and the Territory, naturally aspirated from 248 to 265 hp or turbocharged from 326 to 442 hp (XR6 Turbo, Sprint).

The block carries 12 inlet valves, two per cylinder. The turbo versions are among the favourite bases of tuners: raised boost, revs and lift put these valves under far more effort than the factory intended.

SUPERTECH reinforced inlet valves

On every cycle the inlet valve opens to let the air in, then comes back to strike its seat as the stem moves along the guide. Its working range lies between 400 and 550 °C. An ordinary chrome-silicon steel drops there from 500 MPa at 500 °C to 250 MPa at 600 °C, which means 50 % less strength.

SUPERTECH makes this model in EV8 stainless steel: it keeps 650 MPa at 500 °C, 30 % above chrome-silicon steel, and 550 MPa at 600 °C, 120 % above. Its black nitriding makes the surface harder and slows the wear of both the stem and the guide.

The FFIVN-1050S-12 stays at the original size: 35 mm head, 6 mm stem, 122.85 mm length and one groove. It replaces the Ford valve with no change to the seat diameter.

Inlet valve technical specification

FFIVN-1050S-12: set of 12 valves, to be fitted with KPR-6T-ST collets (1 groove).

Fitting details

The single groove KPR-6T-ST collets are the ones SUPERTECH specifies for this valve: they must match the stem profile exactly.

The head keeps its original diameter: a normal lapping or seat grind is enough when the cylinder head is rebuilt.

Technical guide

The brand offered

Based in California, SUPERTECH has supplied valvetrain parts for competition engines for more than thirty years. Each of its valves is engineered for a given engine, checked by laser, X-ray and ultrasound, before being proven on track by engine builders.

How to choose

One part number covers the Barra on this page: its size and finish show the head work to plan and the gain over the valve Ford fitted new.

When reinforced valves become necessary

• Higher boost on an XR6 Turbo, an FG Turbo or a Sprint
• Bigger turbo fitted or switch to ethanol
• Higher lift camshafts with stiffer springs
• Cylinder head rebuilt during a tuning project
• Original valves marked or worn seats

Compatible vehicles

OEM part number (inlet valve):

Don't forget the head gasket

A cylinder head removed to change the valves needs a new gasket on reassembly; on a boosted Barra, a reinforced gasket holds combustion pressure better: