The problem I had when shopping for valves was that the dish on aftermarket valves tended to be larger than that of the OEM ones. So, if you got dished valves, you'd effectively drop your compression, and if you got flat-faced ones, you'd increase your compression.

Also, I never found any that were cheaper than OEM. They were about the same price, if not a bit more ($17-28, plus a few bucks if you wanted oversized).

 

Oversize stem...

The stock valves are large enough for most practical purposes.

 

interesting.
not even alaniz had a set for you?
I know alaniz had a set for me, same exact specs, and if i remember my numbers correctly, I think i paid 17 or 18 per as opposed to honda, 23.

 

how do u know if your valves are bent?

 

Are you sure you're not thinking of valve guides?

 

To know without tearing the head off? Get a compression and leak-down test done.

 

You'll also have a check engine light and a rough idle.

 

If I recall correctly (which I may not, since it's been a year since I did my shopping), I think Alaniz uses Manley valves. I'm pretty sure that the dished ones have larger dishes than OE ones. The prices are currently listed on his page at $21 per valve. Don't take my word as gospel, though... you should check w/ Joe to be sure.

 

Will that always happen if your valves are bent? Could you have a bent valve and no CEL or rough idle?

Also, where can one get a compression test done?

 

No, not always. It's possible that you won't have a CEL or rough idle with a *slightly* bent valve. Over time, it could possibly bend more though. The best thing to do, as it sounds like you already know, is to get a compression test done. Just about any shop can do a compression test, but if they're going to charge you more than ~$30 to do it, you might as well rent/buy one (they cost about $30 new) and do it yourself. It's a simple procedure, PM me if you decide to do it on your own.

BTW, what makes you think you have bent valves??