Are you upgrading your Peterbilt 839 diesel engine and need your cylinder head to be able to handle the increased horsepower?
A standard cylinder head often won’t stand up to the increased performance of boosted or supercharged applications.
So, what should you do?
That’s where we come in. We offer a line of performance cylinder heads to help your performance engine operate like you want it to.
In this article, we’re going through our top-of-the-line, Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head and why this might be the right choice for your engine.

So, do you really need a Performance Cylinder Head? Is it really going to make a difference overall?
About the Stage 4 Cylinder Head
In short, in an upgraded, high-horsepower diesel engine, yes. Our Stage 4 Cylinder Head can help prevent some of the common issues you’ll run into with a boosted engine.
And, this is the holy grail of cylinder heads. It comes with all the upgrades you’ll want to withstand the increased performance.
It has all the valves upgraded throughout, meaning you’ll have inconel intake and inconel exhaust valves.
Inconel valves can handle the higher pressure and temperature you’ll see in racing, turbocharger, supercharged and boosted applications.
Fire Rings
This cylinder head also has a deck which has been machined for fire rings.
This means a groove has been cut around each cylinder with a stainless steel ring inserted. This helps prevent a head gasket blowout.
When you’re running under extreme cylinder pressure with big horsepower, you want a head that is going to keep your engine together. This is the head to get the job done.
Why Upgrade the Valves?
If you push a standard valve past its intended capabilities in regard to both temperature and pressure, you’ll get what’s called a chordal fracture.
We upgrade the valves in our Performance Series Cylinder Heads to prevent this issue. The Stage 2, 3, and 4 heads all utilize inconel material in the valves, for a stronger and more robust head which ultimately lasts longer.
Highway and Heavy Parts is Here to Help!
As we mentioned, we have an entire line of Performance Cylinder Heads, including a Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4 head. Our team of experts can help you decide which head is right for your application.
We have parts for a wide range of diesel engine applications, and our components are backed by industry-leading warranties.
We know how frustrating it can be to wait for a component. Especially when you’re losing money from an engine that’s not working.
So we work hard to get the parts you order to you as fast as possible. We want you to be able to get your engine back to work!
Even if you’re not sure what’s going on with your engine, give our ASE Certified Techs a call! They can help answer your diesel engine questions and provide diagnostic assistance to make sure you’re getting the right part for the job.
It’s our mission to take the risk out of buying diesel engine parts.
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway and Heavy Parts!
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FAQs for the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head
1. Why should I upgrade to a Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head for my Peterbilt 839 diesel engine?
Upgrading to a Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head is essential for high-horsepower, turbocharged, or supercharged applications. It can handle increased pressure and temperature, preventing issues like head gasket blowouts and enhancing overall engine performance.
2. What makes the Stage 4 cylinder head different from a standard OEM cylinder head?
The Stage 4 cylinder head comes with high-performance upgrades like Inconel intake and exhaust valves, fire rings, and a machined deck for fire ring installation. These features help prevent common failures in high-performance, boosted diesel engines.
3. What are the benefits of Inconel valves in the Stage 4 cylinder head?
Inconel valves are more durable than standard valves, with the ability to withstand higher pressures and temperatures, making them ideal for racing, turbocharged, supercharged, and boosted engine applications. They help prevent chordal fractures and extend the life of your engine.
4. How do fire rings in the Stage 4 cylinder head prevent head gasket blowouts?
The fire rings are stainless steel rings inserted into a machined groove around each cylinder. This design prevents head gasket blowouts by creating a stronger seal, especially when the engine operates under high pressure and extreme conditions.
5. How can Highway and Heavy Parts help me choose the right performance cylinder head for my engine?
Highway and Heavy Parts offers a range of performance cylinder heads, including Stage 2, 3, and 4. Our ASE Certified technicians can help you determine which cylinder head is right for your application, ensuring you get the best fit and performance for your engine.






