Valve Guides

A cylinder head rebuild usually involves more than the guides. Browse related valvetrain and head parts:

• Valves
• Valve Stem Seals
• Valve Springs and Retainers
• Valve Keepers and Locks
• Camshafts
• Rocker Arms and Lifters
• Gaskets
• Head Studs and Engine Fasteners

See every brand we carry on our brands page.

The engine code matters more than the vehicle model when you choose valve guides. Use these points to narrow the range:

• Engine code: Guides are listed by engine. Examples include Toyota 1JZ, 2JZ, 1FZ, G16E-GTS and B58, Nissan SR20DET, RB26DETT, VR38DETT and VR30DDTT, Subaru EZ30 (Phase 1 and Phase 2) and Subaru/Toyota FA20 (BRZ/86), Honda F20C (S2000) and J35, BMW S54 (E46 M3), S58, N63/S63 and the E92 335i inline six, Ford 5.0L Coyote, Audi 2.5 TFSI (RS3), Audi R8 / Lamborghini Huracan 5.2L V10, and Porsche 996/997 GT3 Cup and 992 GT3/Cup.
• Intake or exhaust: Many engines have separate intake and exhaust guides. Some listings cover both positions, so check the product title.
• Stopper style or standard style: Each guide is listed as either stopper style or standard style. Match the style to your cylinder head and the listing.
• Valve stem size: Some guides suit a specific stem diameter. For example, some 2JZ and VR38DETT guides are listed for a 6.6mm valve stem. Make sure the guide suits the valves you are running.
• Material: Several guides are manganese bronze, which is stated in the product title.
• Quantity: Check whether a listing is a single guide or a set. For example, some EZ30 Phase 2 guides come as a set of 12.

Replacing valve guides is cylinder head machine work. It typically involves removing the old guides, installing the new guides and finishing them to suit the valve stems. The valve seats are usually checked or recut afterwards so they stay concentric with the new guides.

Plan for the parts that are usually replaced at the same time: valves, valve stem seals, springs and retainers, keepers, head gaskets and head studs or bolts.

Installation by a professional is recommended.

What does a valve guide do?
It locates the valve stem in the cylinder head and keeps the valve aligned with its seat as it opens and closes.

Do I need separate intake and exhaust guides?
It depends on the engine. Many engines use separate intake and exhaust guides, while some listings cover both positions. Check the product title for your engine.

What is the difference between stopper style and standard style?
They are two different guide designs listed for different cylinder heads. Choose the style specified for your engine in the product listing.

Can I fit valve guides myself?
Valve guide replacement is cylinder head machine work, so installation by a professional is recommended.