An intake valve for a combustion engine having an intake port is disclosed. The intake valve includes a valve guide having an end proximate the intake port, a valve shield extending from the end of the valve guide and into the intake port, and a valve stem arranged proximate the valve guide and valve shield. The valve guide and valve stem define a first clearance dimension therebetween, and the valve shield and valve stem define a second clearance dimension therebetween, wherein the second clearance dimension is equal to or greater than the first clearance dimension.