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MG TD TF 1500 - technical on head valves

Going to rebuild the head this Fall and need an education on new valves. I see from time to time NOS offered on EBAY and by others. Who made/makes the better quality and what should I look for? I've seen offered James and several other, are they the best or are new current valves a better value and quality? THANKS FOG
FOG Frank

FOG. I can't give you a definitive answer to your question. There are simply too many variables to consider. Intended use, rpm, flow characteristics, recipricating weight, metallurgy, budgetary etc.
I would suggest you contact any of the performance valve manufacturers in the US and talk to their tech support team. Or talk to Manley Ford or XPAG Engineering as they build quite a few stock and hi performance engines

Bill Chasser
TD-4834
W. A. Chasser

Here is question to ponder. Why would you use NOS when current metals are truly superior to something out of the 50s.

Joe
JWP Policastro

Joe I'm not convinced modern stuff IS better! It certainly is a fair assumption, but given the rubbishy material that comes out of SE Asia & the relatively recent worldwide industrial acceptance of planned obsolescence (built in failure) as an engineering parameter, are we really better off? One great thing about our cars is the over-engineered approach to mechanical construction that the Brits embraced. This is why we are still driving our cars today. As Bill says research is the key FOG. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Unless driven very much in anger, I have not heard of a valve breaking in a long time. My experience is that the modern stuff is just as reliable as the old stuff, so I would buy what you can, when you find it.

Valves seem to cost about $10 each, no matter what size or age, and I buy them on eBay - if I can find English parts, I prefer to use them.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Many thanks all, I get the drift and will keep my eyes open. My question I guess stems from all the poor quality parts out of the California group over the last 20 years. I'll also check with a good speed shop and get their advice. 70 yrs old and the head has never been off, std bore no smoke. FOG
FOG Frank

I used valves from that California group that everyone loves to hate when I overhauled my engine. That was a little over 2 years and a little over 2,000 miles ago and my hunch is that they are going to outlast me. (I’m over 70 and my head’s never been off, either. It aches occasionally, but doesn’t smoke.) The interesting thing about the valves is that either the exhaust or intake valves (I can’t remember which) were made in Argentina. The others had no markings.
Joe
Joe Olson

This thread was discussed between 08/07/2016 and 10/07/2016

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