Sodium filled valves

[Tom F.]

Was told by Ollie's that these are getting hard to come by and pricey. I am going with the Intervalve non-sodium valves in my 73.5 T, figuring that non-sodium valves seem to work fine in the 3.0 and 3.2 normally aspirated cars.

But, I am curious to know what others may think of this, and whether anyone knows of a source for the OEM (Ate) valves.

Thank you. Tom

[Rick Cabell]

Sodium valves have been around for a long time. The idea is that the valve will run cooler. I sold a bunch of the OE NOS sodium type last month for all the money. I just put 2 3.0 SC engines together and used those valves. They are priced right. I don't believe there is anything wrong with those. Today, I believe the sodium valves when disposed of, are considered hazerdous waste. I remember back in the 60's when doing bug motors, that there was a warning in the new boxes of sodium valves as to proper disposal of the old ones. And that was before there even was a EPA.

[911scfanatic]

sodium + water = big explosion.
that's why sodium is typically stored submersed in oil.

[glaverbel911]

Another point of interest is that sodium valves are lighter.. Using a TI valve retainer for compensation with the non-sodium valves get things back to the original valve train weight.
Robert.