Just reposting here a question I posted in the technical section. Does anyone have firsthand knowledge whether a Testarossa has sodium filled valves? My hunch is not, partly based on the fact that I have never heard of one failing. They are also tiny, which tends to suggest they are solid. Ferrari 4v tech of the 80s seemed somewhat consistent across the V8 and Flat 12 cars. It would be strange that a 328 uses solid valves while the TR did not. Ironically, the Ferrari specialist machine shop here in Modena does not even know. They have seen very few examples of TR engines come through their shop (apparently they are either too tough, or perhaps too cheap) but they suggest replacing valves if the originals were sodium filled. Mine look pretty flawless, even after 61,0o0 km, so unless they are sodium filled, they will go back in (and save me €2500). Guides and seals need replacing however.
The shop is used to doing very high end cars (even vintage Ferrari F1 cars go through there). I suspect their standard is to suggest to replace everything they can on 30+ year old heads. They did a Countach engine for me a few years back. Fantastic work.
4 valve Ferrari engines never had sodium valves. While I'd never take a 60,000 kilometer head apart to do a valve job I'd also never reuse the exhaust valves if It was apart unless stem wear was non existent and I'd need to see that to believe it.
Thanks. We will take a closer look and make a decision. A head gasket prompted the issue, not valvetrain issues or excessive smoke. In fact, in 15 years, 30,000 km and 4 valve clearance checks, only one valve was ever borderline out of clearance.
the shafts from the valves are 7 mm. a lot of japanese motorbikes have the same valve stem diameter. would be worth to check the length and the diameter from the valve itself. may be a cheap alternative? may be a little larger valves for more horsepower? there is so much space between the valves
Lots of sources for valves far cheaper than Ferrari. I have not installed a Ferrari branded valve since about 1985 when I did my last warranty engine overhaul.
