Reinforced inlet valves SUPERTECH FORD 1.6 EcoBoost

FORD engines covered

The 1.6 litre EcoBoost is a 16-valve turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder from the Sigma family. Ford fitted it between 2010 and 2022 to the Focus III, C-MAX II and Grand C-MAX, Kuga II, Mondeo IV, S-MAX, Galaxy II, Tourneo Connect and Transit Connect, from 150 to 182 hp depending on version.

It has 8 inlet valves, two per cylinder. A remap, raised boost pressure or track use exposes them to more heat, harder impacts on the seat and more friction in the guide.

SUPERTECH reinforced inlet valves

The job of the inlet valve is to open the way for the air sent by the turbo, then close the chamber by dropping back onto its seat, while sliding in its guide. It runs between 400 and 550 °C, a range in which chrome-silicon steel loses a lot: 500 MPa at 500 °C, then 250 MPa at 600 °C, i.e. 50 % less strength.

The SUPERTECH valve offered is stainless steel with a black nitrided surface, harder and slicker, which limits wear on the stem and the guide. It keeps the standard size (30.1 mm head, 5 mm stem) and moves to a single groove, an arrangement intended for the most highly stressed engines.

Inlet valve technical specifications

FIVN-2401DS-8: 1-groove conversion, to be fitted with KPR-5.0-7S collets.

Valve fitting

The original collets do not fit: these valves are fitted only with the 1-groove KPR-5.0-7S collets.

Technical guide

The brand offered

SUPERTECH, based in San Jose, California, has been supplying valves, springs and pistons to competition engine builders for more than 30 years. Its valves are engineered engine by engine, checked by ultrasound, X-ray and laser, and proven in racing.

When reinforced valves become necessary

• Remap with raised boost pressure
• Bigger turbo or modified camshafts
• Raised maximum rpm
• Cylinder head rebuilt for circuit or rally use
• Original valves marked or worn

Vehicle compatibility

Related products

For a rebuilt 1.6 EcoBoost cylinder head, the reinforced exhaust valves are available here: