Valve Guides

Even modern production engines like the K series still tend to use conventional iron valve guides because for standard road use, they are usually quite sufficient. They do however require generous lubrication to prevent the possibility of the valves 'sticking'.

In competition use the valves are usually required to operate at higher speeds than in road cars and the oil which lubricates the guides (along with the rest of the engine) is usually operating at much higher temperatures. At this higher temperature the viscosity of the oil in the valve guides decreases and the lining of oil in the guides becomes ever thinner. Eventually this can lead to a lubrication failure as the valve 'sticks' in the guide with potentially disasterous consequences.

For competition use we highly recommend using valve guides made from Colsibro bronze. These guides will operate safely at higher temperatures and with minimal lubrication and are much more suitable for valves operating at high engine speeds.

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Latest News

January 31st 2012:
Just had Classic Ford magazine round for the day. See us in their guide to the Lotus Twin Cam, issue 184, on sale March 2nd.
January 30th 2012:
Wish the UK had it's own Nurburgring? Maybe it can! http://t.co/RRT2UMrk http://t.co/NNvUqmls
January 26th 2012:
Lotus Twin Cam Mk2 Pickup pipe gauze now available!... http://t.co/zDEVRXEZ
January 18th 2012:
We've re-vamped the mobile site slightly to make it easier to find a price or product on your phone, quickly.
December 19th 2011:
Lotus Twin Cam +0.020" piston rings currently out of stock until March 2012.