Elgin steel valves?

Gary Stavely · Jan 18, 2021

Hello, anyone want to school me on why I should or shouldn't have bought these for my 66 383 engine? I am doing a mild build , close to stock cam, adding a 4 barrel intake , probably 0.30 over and dual exhaust, my engine has sat for many years all the exhaust valves are toast. Heads are 915's with 2.08 and 1.6 valves, I looked everywhere online and this was all I could find available... Would be nice to hear from someone who has used these valves also I know the brand name is decent but I would have rather had built in the US or Canada. My springs all seem good but they are the originals from 67 I believe and I was wondering if the comp cams 911-16 will be to much spring? Wanting to go around the 4.6 range or so with the cam, will these valves hold up or is this a million dollar question?
Thx!

Challenger340 · Jan 18, 2021

If they are the stock ELGIN replacement Valves I'm thinking of.... what's the problem ?
I think the exhausts may even be a 21-2N material but I can't remember anymore ? we used to use them plenty.... NO problems whatsoever.
They Flow just fine with a back-cut.... we used to use them all the time in resto style builds, and I believe they were USA made at one time ? but are now Argentina or Mexico maybe ?
911-16 should be fine.... but check installed heights carefully with a Height Mic, and shoot for sub 120# Seat(closed) pressure with well sub 300# open.... lotsa Zinc in the Oil for break in.

Gary Stavely · Jan 18, 2021

Challenger340 said:
If they are the stock ELGIN replacement Valves I'm thinking of.... what's the problem ?
I think the exhausts may even be a 21-2N material but I can't remember anymore ? we used to use them plenty.... NO problems whatsoever.
They Flow just fine with a back-cut.... we used to use them all the time in resto style builds, and I believe they were USA made at one time ? but are now Argentina or Mexico maybe ?
911-16 should be fine.... but check installed heights carefully with a Height Mic, and shoot for sub 120# Seat(closed) pressure with well sub 300# open.... lotsa Zinc in the Oil for break in.

Thanks! Ya these ones are made in China but thats pretty much a lot of things these days... I was reading the other day about the importance and benefits of that back cut, thx again

qkcuda · Jan 18, 2021

I am doing the same thing on my 361 right now. I think the comp 911-16's have too much pressure for your fairly stock build. I bought Melling VS 430 springs from RockAuto. $2.80 Cdn each, and the shipping was only about $14.00.

hemi446 · Jan 18, 2021

It seems like most of the stuff is made in ping-pong these days. But for something close to stock and not turning 8000 rpms all the time they should work fine. We used a lot of SBI valves. Now they are all made with our old steel in ping-pong that's why the price is so cheap. Even if they are on the boat for three months getting here. I bet there cost to make is less than .40

Gary Stavely · Jan 18, 2021

qkcuda said:
I am doing the same thing on my 361 right now. I think the comp 911-16's have too much pressure for your fairly stock build. I bought Melling VS 430 springs from RockAuto. $2.80 Cdn each, and the shipping was only about $14.00.

Thx! I just ordered these springs but I am not sure they will work with my 383? The closed pressure is wrong for the 383 so if you or anyone knows any different please chime in. Also what retainers did you use with these springs?

qkcuda · Jan 18, 2021

My cam is a Melling MTD2 (same as an Edelbrock Performer Plus) and the VS430's are the recommended spring for that cam. I plan on using the stock retainers. You need to check the manufacturer's spring recommendation for your cam, and use a spring with similar specs. I only mentioned those springs because you mentioned that your cam was "close to stock". Mine is similar to the stock 383 four barrel cam, but smaller than the roadrunner cam.

Gary Stavely · Jan 18, 2021

qkcuda said:
My cam is a Melling MTD2 (same as an Edelbrock Performer Plus) and the VS430's are the recommended spring for that cam. I plan on using the stock retainers. You need to check the manufacturer's spring recommendation for your cam, and use a spring with similar specs. I only mentioned those springs because you mentioned that your cam was "close to stock". Mine is similar to the stock 383 four barrel cam, but smaller than the roadrunner cam.

Ya I do want to go with real close to stock as well, the installed height is good and specs seem fine except the closed pressure is of so I am just a little worried. That camshaft will work with my 383 and looks like a good choice.

Bill76 · Jan 18, 2021

Nothing wrong with Elgin valves for a stock or mild build , They are not hard core racing parts , we sell hundreds of them a year with no problems.
Or you can spend $100 apiece for some Del West titanium valves which would be major overkill
Go with the Elgin valves and you will be just fine

69 GeeTeeX · Jan 18, 2021

Melling now makes their own valve springs giving us options. I’ve used them and very high quality! Their constantly adding new part numbers.

https://performancesprings.co.uk/

Gary Stavely · Jan 18, 2021

69 GeeTeeX said:
Melling now makes their own valve springs giving us options. I’ve used them and very high quality! Their constantly adding new part numbers.

https://performancesprings.co.uk/

Thank you, ya I ended up going with the same cam and springs qkcuda mentioned. Seems like a logical choice and fits my application perfectly.

Elgin steel valves?

Gary Stavely

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Challenger340

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Gary Stavely

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qkcuda

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hemi446

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Gary Stavely

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