Supertech Performance uses their experience of more than 20 years in the manufacturing of racing valves to perform intensive testing. It also works very closely with many engine builders in order to continuously improve and provide the market with the best possible product for every application. High flow rates, durability, and quality are of great concern to Supertech Performance.
The black nitride coating on these valves is a hardening treatment that—even though it is not widely used as the chrome coating—has several benefits and is becoming very popular for European and Japanese applications. The microhardness is higher than the stainless steel base material, which keeps good ductility beneath the hard nitrided layer (microhardness is 800HV minimum). The surface finish is smoother than with chromed stems, having less friction between stem and guide. The valve seat surface is harder with the nitrided layer, which lasts longer with lead-free fuels, alcohols, nitro or other "explosive" mixes.
Higher RPM engines take full advantage of all previous features. The higher the engine speed the bigger the power loss due to internal engine friction! The black nitride layer reduces this power loss due to less valve-guide friction.
The nitrided layer adheres to the base material at a microscopic level, so it does not "flake" or brake when the valves bend due to impacts with the pistons. The black nitride applies to the whole valve while the chrome coating is only applied to the stem. All valves are swirl polished, have stem undercut, and a hardened tip.
