Best Performance Engine Exhaust Valves of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Performance engine exhaust valves are essential components of any high-performance engine. These valves are designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures generated by high-performance engines, ensuring optimal engine performance and longevity. Made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, these valves are engineered to provide superior durability and resistance to wear and tear. Additionally, performance engine exhaust valves are often designed with larger diameters and more aggressive profiles, allowing for increased airflow and enhanced engine performance. Whether you're a professional racer or simply looking to improve the performance of your vehicle, performance engine exhaust valves are an excellent investment.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Manley Performance Chrysler 426 Hemi Race Master Exhaust Valves Cover #TOP 1
Manley Performance Chrysler 426 Hemi Race Master Exhaust Valves
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Ferrea Racing F6202-8 1.600" Exhaust Valve Set Cover #TOP 2
Ferrea Racing F6202-8 1.600" Exhaust Valve Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Manley Chevy Small Block Race Flo Exhaust Valves Set Cover #TOP 3
Manley Chevy Small Block Race Flo Exhaust Valves Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Performance Engine Exhaust Valves

#TOP 1

Manley Performance Chrysler 426 Hemi Race Master Exhaust Valves

11317-8
Manley Performance Chrysler 426 Hemi Race Master Exhaust Valves Cover
Manley Performance Manley Chrysler 426 Hemi Race Master Exhaust Valves (Set of 8)

The Manley Hemi Race Master Valves are high-performance engine exhaust valves designed specifically for vehicles. With a package dimension of 11.75 inches in length, 6.75 inches in width, and 2.5 inches in height, these valves are perfectly sized for vehicle-specific fit. Made in the United States, they guarantee quality and reliability. Weighing only 4.0 pounds, they are lightweight and easy to handle. These valves are a great addition to your vehicle's engine, providing improved exhaust flow and performance. With the Manley Hemi Race Master Valves, you can expect enhanced power and efficiency, giving you a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.

What We Like
Vehicle-specific fit
Quality and reliability
Improved exhaust flow
#TOP 2

Ferrea Racing F6202-8 1.600" Exhaust Valve Set

Ferrea Racing F6202-8 1.600" Exhaust Valve Set Cover
Ferrea Racing Components F6202-8 Competition Series 1.600" Exhaust Valve - Set of 8

The Ferrea Racing Exhaust Valves are designed specifically for Small Block Chevy engines, making them a perfect fit if you want to upgrade your vehicle's performance. This set includes eight valves, allowing you to replace all your exhaust valves at once for balanced engine efficiency. Each valve measures 1.600 inches, a size that supports improved exhaust flow and engine power. Additionally, the package weighs just over two pounds and comes in compact dimensions, which means it’s easy to handle and store. If you’re looking for reliable, performance-focused exhaust valves, this set from Ferrea Racing is a solid choice.

What We Like
Small Block Chevy compatibility
Set of eight valves
1.600-inch valve size
Lightweight packaging
Compact dimensions
#TOP 3

Manley Chevy Small Block Race Flo Exhaust Valves Set

11565-8
Manley Chevy Small Block Race Flo Exhaust Valves Set Cover
Manley Performance Manley Chevy Small Block Stock Height Race Flo Exhaust Valves (Set of 8)

The Manley Race Flo Valves are designed with a unique three-layer structure that offers excellent protection while adding style and comfort to your daily drives. These valves measure 1.600 inches at the head and 0.342 inches in stem diameter, making them a perfect fit for Small Block Chevy engines. Crafted from durable stainless steel, they resist wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance. The valves use inlet and outlet flange connections for secure and efficient installation. With these valves, you get reliable, high-quality parts that enhance your engine’s exhaust system and overall performance.

What We Like
Three-layer valve design
Fits Small Block Chevy
Durable stainless steel
Inlet and outlet flange connections
#TOP 4

Ferrea F6108-1 1.600" Exhaust Valve

F6108-1
16.87
Ferrea F6108-1 1.600" Exhaust Valve Cover
Ferrea Racing Components F6108-1 Competition Series 1.600" Exhaust Valve

The Ferrea Exhaust Valve is designed specifically for Small Block Chevy engines, making it a great choice if you want a perfect fit for your vehicle. The valve's part number, F61081, helps you identify the exact model easily when ordering or replacing parts. Weighing just under two pounds, this lightweight component won't add unnecessary bulk to your engine. Its compact packaging, measuring roughly 7.7 by 4.2 by 3.3 inches, ensures convenient storage and handling. With the Ferrea Exhaust Valve, you get a reliable, well-sized part that suits performance engine upgrades smoothly.

What We Like
Small Block Chevy fit
Clear part identification
Lightweight design
Compact packaging
#TOP 5

Ferrea Racing Components F5045-8 1.710" Exhaust Valve Set

Ferrea Racing Components F5045-8 1.710" Exhaust Valve Set Cover
Ferrea Racing Components F5045-8 Hi-Performance 1.710" Exhaust Valve - Set of 8

The Ferrea F5045-8 Exhaust Valves are designed specifically for Big Block Ford engines, making them a great choice if you're looking to upgrade your performance engine components. This set includes eight valves, allowing you to replace all exhaust valves at once for consistent performance. The valves have a diameter of 1.710 inches, which can help improve exhaust flow and engine efficiency. Weighing just 2.34 pounds, the package is compact and easy to handle, measuring about 7.7 by 4.2 by 3.3 inches, so you can store or transport it with ease. These valves are a reliable option from Ferrea Racing Components, a trusted name in performance engine parts.

What We Like
Big Block Ford compatibility
Set of eight valves
1.710-inch valve size
Lightweight packaging
Trusted brand
#TOP 6

Ferrea Racing F6104-8 1.600" Exhaust Valves

Ferrea Racing F6104-8 1.600" Exhaust Valves Cover
Ferrea Racing Components F6104-8 Competition Series 1.600" Exhaust Valve - Set of 8

The Ferrea Racing Exhaust Valves are designed specifically for Small Block Chevy engines, making them a perfect fit if you’re looking to upgrade or replace parts in this engine type. The set includes eight valves, giving you everything you need for a full replacement or a performance upgrade. Each valve measures 1.600 inches, a size that helps improve exhaust flow and engine efficiency. Weighing just over two pounds, the package is compact and easy to handle, with dimensions that make it convenient to store or ship. The Ferrea Racing Exhaust Valves offer quality and precision for performance engine enthusiasts.

What We Like
Small Block Chevy compatibility
Complete set of 8 valves
1.600" valve size
Lightweight packaging
Compact dimensions
#TOP 7

Ford M-6505-B304 Exhaust Valve

Ford
M-6505-B304
Ford M-6505-B304 Exhaust Valve Cover
Ford Racing M-6505-B304 Exhaust Valve

The Ford Exhaust Valve is designed with compact packaging, measuring 9 inches long, 1.8 inches high, and 3.8 inches wide, making it easy to handle and install. Weighing just one pound, it is lightweight, which can help reduce added weight to your engine system. Manufactured in Argentina, this valve assures you of its origin and quality. Featuring the part number M-6505-B304, it is easy to identify and order the exact replacement you need. This Ford Exhaust Valve is a reliable choice for those looking to enhance their engine's performance with a trusted brand.

What We Like
Compact dimensions
Lightweight design
Clear part identification
Trusted brand origin
#TOP 8

Manley Performance Chevy LS-3/L-99 Race Master Exhaust Valves

11621-8
Manley Performance Chevy LS-3/L-99 Race Master Exhaust Valves Cover
Manley Performance (11621-8) Chevy LS-3/L-99 (L-92 Head) Small Block Race Master Exhaust Valves (Set of 8)

This product is a set of 8 Manley Exhaust Valve Race Series designed specifically for GM LS-Series engines with L-92 heads. The package dimensions are 2.5 x 11.75 x 6.75 inches and it weighs 4.0 pounds. These exhaust valves are perfect for improving the performance and efficiency of your vehicle.

What We Like
Designed for GM LS-Series engines with L-92 heads
Improves performance and efficiency of the vehicle
Comes in a set of 8
#TOP 9

Manley 10549-1 1.600" Exhaust Valve for Small Block Chevy

10549-1
Manley 10549-1 1.600" Exhaust Valve for Small Block Chevy Cover
Manley 10549-1 Budget Performance 1.600" Exhaust Valve for Small Block Chevy

The Manley Exhaust Valve is designed specifically for Small Block Chevy engines, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle. With the part number 10549-1, you can easily find and replace your existing valve without hassle. This valve matches the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards, giving you confidence that it meets the required performance and durability. The compact package size of 7 by 2.5 by 2.5 inches makes handling and storage convenient, so you can quickly install it and get back on the road. If you're looking for a reliable upgrade or replacement, the Manley Exhaust Valve is a solid choice.

What We Like
Vehicle-specific fit
OEM equivalent quality
Compact package size
Performance engine part
#TOP 10

Ferrea Racing Components F6232-8 1.550" Exhaust Valve Set

F6232-8
11.7" x 6.9" x 3"
Ferrea Racing Components F6232-8 1.550" Exhaust Valve Set Cover
Ferrea Racing Components F6232-8 Competition Series 1.550" Exhaust Valve - Set of 8

The Ferrea Racing Exhaust Valves are designed specifically for Small Block Chevy engines, making them a perfect fit if you own or work on these engines. The set includes eight valves, giving you everything you need for a complete upgrade or replacement. Each valve measures 1.550 inches, ensuring they meet the right size requirements for optimal engine performance. Weighing just 3 pounds and packed in a compact box, these valves are easy to handle and ship, offering convenience from purchase to installation. With Ferrea Racing Exhaust Valves, you get reliable, performance-focused parts tailored for your engine needs.

What We Like
Small Block Chevy compatibility
Complete set of 8 valves
1.550-inch valve size
Lightweight packaging
Compact dimensions
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are high performance valves worth it?

High performance valves are worth it for industrial uses as they can withstand more than standard valves. They offer durability and reliability in demanding conditions, making them a suitable choice for high-performance applications.

2. Do bigger valves increase horsepower?

Increasing the size of the valves, along with other modifications like porting and polishing the ports, can improve airflow and increase the amount of air available to the engine. This can result in higher volumetric efficiency and ultimately lead to an increase in horsepower.

3. What will tight exhaust valves do?

Setting the valve lash too tight can prevent the valve from fully closing on the seat, allowing cylinder pressure and high-temperature combustion gases to escape. This can lead to increased valve and seat temperatures, potentially causing rapid burning and performance issues.

4. Is a bigger exhaust valve better?

Whether a bigger exhaust valve is better depends on the type of cylinder head. In some cases, larger valves may not improve airflow and can even decrease it, especially in cylinder heads designed for street applications.

5. Why are 4 valves better than 2?

Engines with more valves, such as 4 valves per cylinder, improve breathing efficiency by allowing more air and fuel into the combustion chamber and expelling exhaust gases more efficiently. The smaller and lighter valves in multi-valve engines enable higher engine speeds compared to larger valves in 2-valve designs.

6. What increases horsepower the most?

Increasing compression is the most effective way to boost horsepower. By building compression into the engine, more power can be generated. Compression has consistently proven to be a practical method for increasing power in internal combustion engines.

7. What happens if you tighten valves too much?

Over-tightening valves can deform the tubing and connections, leading to cracks and gaps where fluid can leak out. It is important to follow proper valve adjustment procedures to prevent such issues and ensure optimal engine performance.

8. Will tight valves cause backfire?

Yes, incorrect valve adjustment, including valves being too tight, can cause backfiring through the carburetor. Broken valve springs can also contribute to backfiring issues.

9. Do bigger exhaust pipes increase horsepower?

Increasing the size of the exhaust pipes can improve performance by allowing increased airflow. This can result in better horsepower and torque, enhancing the overall engine performance.

10. Is 2.5 or 3-inch exhaust louder?

A 3-inch exhaust is generally louder than a 2.5-inch exhaust if all other parts are the same. However, the specific sound characteristics can also be influenced by factors like the muffler design, which may contribute to raspiness at larger pipe sizes.

Editor's Notes

During our performance engine exhaust valve research, we found 24 performance engine exhaust valve products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,883 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance engine exhaust valves list. We found that most customers choose performance engine exhaust valves with an average price of $100.81.

The performance engine exhaust valves are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance engine exhaust valves, including Manley, Ferrea Racing Components, Ford. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,756 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.