Every Cosworth Ford DFV Formula One engine ran valve guides made from Langley Hidurel® 5 (UNS C64711, DIN 2.0855, DTD 498), a high-strength, high-conductivity bronze, with valve seats in HIDURAX 1 aluminium bronze. These materials held a reliable seat face through severe exhaust-gas oxidation and the constant hammering of the valves, helping the engine power every World Championship-winning car from 1968 to 1974.
The engine
Cosworth Engineering Ltd designed and built the Ford DFV V8 in 1967 at Ford's request. It went on to record a century of Formula One wins, and continuous development raised its power output by nearly 10%. At the recent United States Grand Prix, Cosworth Ford DFV cars took the first four places; Emerson Fittipaldi finished fourth in a McLaren, clinching the 1974 World Championship for Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd.
Why Hidurel® 5 and HIDURAX 1
Nicholson McLaren Engines developed and modified the DFV independently of Cosworth, building one DFV purely as a development unit for reliability and power testing. Among other changes, Nicholson increased the valve size and made new valve seats in HIDURAX 1.
The choice reflects the alloys' proven ability to maintain a reliable, effective seat face over long periods while subject to severe oxidation from hot corrosive exhaust gases and the continuous hammering of the valves. They resist oxidation, corrosion and wear; their high thermal conductivity aids heat dissipation and lowers operating temperatures; and their high coefficient of expansion suits them well to aluminium cylinder heads.
