You want your engine to run for miles and miles. That’s why when you’re doing work on your diesel engine, we know you want parts made from the best materials.
This can be especially true if you’ve upgraded the horsepower in your engine, pushing it to new limits.
If you’ve done this, a cylinder head with Inconel valves might be the right fit for your engine.
You’ve probably heard about Inconel before—we’ve talked about it a lot in reference to our line of performance cylinder heads for Caterpillar diesel engines.
But what exactly is Inconel material? Why are Inconel valves beneficial in a diesel engine with upgraded horsepower?
We’re going through just these questions and why you might want to think about upgrading your cylinder head to one with Inconel valves.
Just What Is Inconel Material?
When we’re talking about Caterpillar engines, particularly the cylinder heads, we tend to get quite a few questions about Inconel material. People want to know what the difference between Inconel and standard material is.
Is it a stronger, more reliable upgrade? Do they actually need Inconel valves?
To best answer these questions, we have to dive into what Inconel is. It’s featured in our performance line of cylinder heads, specifically the Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4 heads.
Briefly, it’s an alloy used in high temperature, high stress applications that helps prevent cracking and valve failure.
Upgrading To Inconel Valves
With the rise in turbocharged and high performance engines, Inconel valves are becoming increasingly popular.
Using this stronger, more durable material helps prevent chordal fracture, which can occur when a valve is pushed past normal operating limits. Upgrading to Inconel valves gives you peace of mind—those valves can handle the increase in horsepower in your engine.
Do I Need Inconel Valves?
In some situations, Inconel valves can be useful for the overall health of your diesel engine, especially if you’ve upgraded the horsepower of your engine.
Upgrading the horsepower can push valves beyond their intended limits. We’re talking engines that have a bigger turbo, bigger injectors, or a marine cam.
If this sounds like your engine, it might be worth considering the Stage 2 head with Inconel exhaust valves, a Stage 3 head that has Inconel exhaust and intake valves, or the Stage 4 head with Inconel exhaust and intake valves and fire rings. These valves can help give you that peace of mind you want.
HHP Can Help!
If you’re looking for a new head for your engine, or have more questions about Inconel material, we’re here to help!
We have a large selection of components for most diesel engine applications, Including performance heads for Caterpillar engines.
Our ASE Certified Staff are ready to answer any questions you have, as well as provide diagnostic assistance for your diesel engine. We want to get you the parts you need to get the job done right.
We want to take the risk out of buying diesel engine parts.
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway & Heavy Parts!
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