Reinforced exhaust valves Ford Galaxy 2.8 VR6

Ford engines covered

The first generation Ford Galaxy (WGR) gets, in 2.8 form, the 12-valve VR6, a narrow angle six-cylinder shared with the VW group models.

This engine has 6 exhaust valves, one per cylinder. The reinforced valves have a 6.95 mm stem and a 106.95 mm length, with a 34.2 mm head at standard size or 36 mm at +1.8 mm.

SUPERTECH reinforced exhaust valves

Naturally aspirated, the head of an exhaust valve rises to 760 to 870 °C, and more than 1,000 °C on a forced induction engine. The seat removes about 75 % of that heat, the guide about 20 %. EV8 family steel, used as the reference for the original, falls from 550 MPa at 600 °C to 300 MPa at 800 °C: overheated head, fatigue, distortion and loss of sealing.

The VWEVN-1007-6 and VWEVN-1010-6 are black nitrided stainless steel, a layer that hardens the surface and limits stem wear. The VWEVI-1010-6 is Inconel, a nickel-based superalloy that keeps 860 MPa at 732 °C and 554 MPa at 816 °C, about 85 % more than EV8 steel around 800 °C, with three grooves.

At +1.8 mm, the 36 mm head lets burnt gases out faster and empties the cylinder better, provided the 6 seats are machined to that diameter.

Exhaust valve technical specifications

The VWEVN-1007-6 is in standard size; the VWEVN-1010-6 and VWEVI-1010-6 have a head enlarged by 1.8 mm, the VWEVI-1010-6 in Inconel.

Valve fitting

Before reassembly, check that the collets suit the groove of the SUPERTECH valves; all three part numbers are fitted with three-groove collets.

The VWEVN-1007-6 fits seats reground at standard size; the VWEVN-1010-6 and VWEVI-1010-6 need seats machined to 36 mm.

The three sets share the same 6.95 mm stem and the same 106.95 mm length.

Technical guide

Our brand

SUPERTECH Performance, a Californian maker of competition valves for more than thirty years, offers the 2.8 12v VR6 two black nitrided stainless steel exhaust valves, at standard size and at +1.8 mm, and an Inconel version at +1.8 mm.

How to choose

Size and material combine on these three part numbers:

When reinforced valves become necessary

• Supercharger or turbo conversion (Inconel version recommended)
• More aggressive camshafts
• Heavy towing and loaded use
• Cylinder head rebuild with worn exhaust valves

Vehicle compatibility

OEM part number (exhaust valve):

Don't forget the inlet valves

An open VR6 cylinder head is also the time to replace the inlet valves and the valve stem seals.