When you put in the money and effort to upgrade components on your Caterpillar diesel engine, you want to make sure everything can handle the increased performance.
This includes your cylinder head. If you’re increasing the horsepower, you’ll need a cylinder head that can keep up.
Cue our Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head.
This is the ultimate option for your Caterpillar 3406E, C15, or C15 ACERT diesel engines.
We’ve talked about the cylinder heads in our performance line before, including our standard option, as well as Stage 2 and Stage 3. So what’s so great about the Stage 4 Head?
This post takes you through all the benefits of this top-performing head!
All About the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head
Stage 4 Cylinder Head Caterpillar
As we said earlier, this is the ultimate cylinder head you can put on your 3406E, C15, or C15 ACERT.
It can handle the extra horsepower from your upgraded components.
Upgraded Valves
Just like the Stage 3 Head, this cylinder head comes with all the valves upgraded. We’re talking both intake and exhaust.
You’ll be getting valves made from inconel material. This allows them to handle the higher temperatures and pressures thrown at them.
You’ll see Inconel material most frequently in racing, super-charged, turbo-charged, and boosted applications.
Chordal Fracture
If you push a valve beyond its temperature and pressure capabilities, you might end up with something called chordal fracture.
To prevent this, the valves are generally upgraded in performance series engines. The inconel material means stronger, more durable valves and a longer-lasting cylinder head.
Fire Rings
With this head, you’ll also be getting fire rings. The deck has been machined around each cylinder for the fire rings.
To do this, a groove is cut and a stainless steel ring inserted. This helps stop head gasket blow outs.
This means that when you’re running an engine with high pressure and high horsepower, this head can keep up.
Head Materials
This head comes from a solid foundation. It brings a higher coolant flow to the table, and you’re getting higher nickel content and an improved casting.
This head has the stuff to last.
What Are the Benefits of the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head?
This head features all the great benefits you want in a performance head—inconel valves, fire rings, and an industry leading warranty!
It’s made specifically for high horsepower engines, so you don’t need to worry about whether or not it can handle the extreme operating conditions. It maintains structural integrity under high pressure, and it resists oxidation, pitting, corrosion, and cracking.
You’re also going to be getting new valve springs, new valve keepers, and new spring retainers. The cam bearings come pre-installed.
If you’re looking for the best option for your Caterpillar 3406E, C15, or C15 ACERT, the Stage 4 Performance Head might be just what you need!
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway and Heavy Parts!
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FAQs for the Caterpillar C15 Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head
1. What makes the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head the best option for Caterpillar 3406E, C15, or C15 ACERT engines?
The Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head from Highway and Heavy Parts is the ultimate upgrade for Caterpillar 3406E, C15, and C15 ACERT diesel engines operating under high horsepower. This head is specifically engineered to withstand extreme conditions and includes performance upgrades such as inconel intake and exhaust valves, fire rings, and enhanced casting with high nickel content. These improvements ensure greater durability, better heat resistance, and increased structural integrity, making it ideal for performance builds or any heavy-duty diesel engine experiencing increased horsepower.
2. Why are inconel valves important in the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head?
Inconel valves are critical for high-performance engines like the Caterpillar 3406E, C15, and C15 ACERT because they can endure higher temperatures and pressures than standard valves. In the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head offered by Highway and Heavy Parts, both intake and exhaust valves are made of inconel, which significantly reduces the risk of issues like chordal fractures. These types of valves are often used in turbocharged and racing applications, ensuring your diesel engine remains reliable even under the harshest operating conditions.
3. How do fire rings benefit the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head?
The fire rings in the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head play a key role in preventing head gasket blowouts in Caterpillar 3406E, C15, and C15 ACERT diesel engines. Highway and Heavy Parts machines grooves into the cylinder head deck and inserts stainless steel fire rings around each cylinder. This extra layer of protection ensures a better seal under high pressure, enhancing durability and making the cylinder head ideal for engines with performance upgrades or boosted setups.
4. What components come pre-installed with the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head?
Highway and Heavy Parts ships the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head for Caterpillar 3406E, C15, and C15 ACERT diesel engines fully loaded with vital components. This includes new valve springs, valve keepers, and spring retainers. Additionally, the cam bearings come pre-installed, saving you time and labor during installation. These included upgrades help ensure your performance build is backed by reliable, quality components right out of the box.
5. Is the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head from Highway and Heavy Parts backed by a warranty?
Yes, the Stage 4 Performance Cylinder Head from Highway and Heavy Parts includes an industry-leading warranty, providing confidence and peace of mind for diesel engine owners. This warranty underscores the durability and reliability of the head’s construction, including its inconel valves, fire rings, and improved casting. When you’re investing in a performance upgrade for your Caterpillar 3406E, C15, or C15 ACERT, having a strong warranty in place ensures long-term value and dependable service.








