Del West Engine Intake Valve

Del West Titanium Engine Intake Valves: Race-Proven Precision

When engineers at the highest levels of motorsport need an intake valve they can trust at extreme RPM, they turn to Del West. Engine intake valves are among the most mechanically stressed components in any high-performance engine, and Del West has spent more than five decades perfecting them in the most demanding environments on earth — from the pneumatic valve systems of Formula 1 to the flat-out intensity of NASCAR and the grueling demands of professional motocross.

Aerospace Origins, Racing Pedigree

Del West's mastery of intake valve technology traces directly to its roots. Founded in 1973 as an aerospace structural materials R&D laboratory, the company leveraged its deep knowledge of titanium and aluminum alloys to produce its first line of lightweight racing valves in 1978. That foundation in materials science has never stopped driving innovation. Today, Del West is recognized as the world leader in valvetrain components, with a championship record across Formula 1, NASCAR, IRL, WRC, Trans-Am, World Superbike, NHRA/IHRA, off-road racing, and more — a claim no other titanium valvetrain manufacturer can match.

Notably, Del West titanium intake valves are found inside the engine of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, alongside Del West lash caps and finger follower assemblies — a testament to the brand's reach beyond pure racing into elite production vehicles.

What Sets Del West Intake Valves Apart

Every Del West intake valve is built around three core pillars: material excellence, precision manufacturing, and advanced surface engineering.

• Aerospace-grade titanium construction: Titanium's high strength-to-weight ratio dramatically reduces reciprocating mass, enabling higher RPM, more aggressive cam profiles, and broader torque curves without sacrificing valve control.
• 100% CNC machined and precision ground: Every valve is completely CNC machined and precision ground, with all critical dimensions verified 100% for both visual and dimensional quality before shipment — zero tolerance for variance.
• Advanced thin-film coatings: Del West applies in-house-developed coatings including Chromium Nitride (CrN), Titanium Nitride (TiN), and Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) via Physical and Chemical Vapor Deposition (PVD/CVD). These coatings protect valve stems and tips against wear, extending service life under race conditions. The majority of Del West intake valves in this catalog feature the signature CrN (Chromium Nitride) coating.
• Full traceability: 100% component traceability is maintained from raw material receipt through final shipment, reflecting the same quality standards used in aerospace and Formula 1 supply chains.

Application Range

Del West's intake valve catalog covers a broad range of performance applications. Available offerings include valves for Small Block Chevy and Big Block Chevy platforms, as well as fitments for popular aftermarket cylinder heads from brands like Brodix and Dart. Head diameters span from 2.080" through 2.300", with stem diameters available in 11/32", 5/16", and 7mm to suit a wide variety of builds. Valves are sold individually or in sets of eight, making it easy to spec a complete engine build.

For builders seeking a complete valvetrain solution, Del West intake valves are engineered to work in concert with Del West titanium keepers, spring retainers, and lash caps — reducing relative motion in the valve stem-keeper-retainer assembly for less wear and longer service intervals.

Browse the full Del West brand catalog or explore all engine intake valves to find the right specification for your build.