Abstract: A method of making a valve for use in a combustion engine includes forming a valve core of a titanium material, the valve core including a head and an elongated stem extending away from the head with a curved region connecting the head and the elongated stem. The elongated stem includes a central guide region that is substantially uniform in outer dimension and free of any undercut. Surface portions of the valve core are finished to a suitable roughness average, the finishing occurring at least in the central guide region of the elongated stem. A coating process is used to apply and bond a multi-layer coating to finished surface portions of the valve core including the central guide region of the elongated stem.

Abstract: A lightweight valve spring retainer with a wear resistant spring seat or seats is provided. The spring seats may be defined in part by a tungsten carbide layer.