crazed_z06

I've looked around a lot of threads and I cant seem to find a figure on this. Anyone know how much it costs roughly to get valve guides checked at the dealer? $300, $600, $1000? How long does it take labor-wise for a dealership?

amdoverclocker

Hendricks Chevy in Merriam, KS wanted $2500. I laughed and hung up on them.

crazed_z06

lol wow..

I was thinking around $600 (6hrs labor x $100/hr).. I know it's internal engine work, but $2500?!


Also, doesnt necessarily need to be a dealer I guess. Anyone know of any reputable shops in the San Diego area that can do it?

Mark2009

Take it to American Heritage just north of you up in Harbor City. They're a forum vendor here and have been involved in doing this kind of work (including cylinder head rebuilds).

They would be a much, much, much better choice than the average dealer.

For contact info see https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-test-diy.html

Unreal

Depends on dealer. Wiggle test should be ~3 hours labor, so maybe $300 and if under warranty they should waive it if they are bad. Shops $150-300 for wiggle test. Now if you want the heads pulled and measured, that could easily be $1500+ because of the ~10 hours R&R+measure+gaskets/fluids/etc.

Dirty Howie

Cunningham Motorsports is the closest to you. They are a major player and Ryne is considered the premiere tuner here in SoCal.


DH

pkincy

I poaid something south of $300. $280 I think.

RichieRichZ06

We quote the wiggle tests at $250, but often you find a bad one on each side quickly and don't have to measure the rest to assure the heads are coming off.

crazed_z06

Thanks for the heads up!

I could make it up there one weekend.

rabrooks

Yup, what he said. If they find problems. I bet they'll discount the "check" fee, if you let them make the repair. I'm no where near them, but my heads will go to them if I have problems. Feedback and history seems to point to them for proper repair and customer satisfaction.
No, I don't know them and I don't have a dog in the fight. But, I have done research and they stand at the top. jmho

Z.06

Well, I was quoted $700 by one dealer and had it done for nothing at another (after I did the wiggle test myself and knew what the result would be). If you are under warranty, I would ask a dealer to do it and share the results on forum. That way we all have the benefit of knowing which GM dealerships are either terminally stupid or think we are terminally stupid. We know the cost should be around $300 for the dealerships who are experienced with the issues and know how to do the test.

Both my heads, all my valves, all valve springs, and all TTY bolts were replaced under warranty by GM. I no longer lose sleep thinking about valve issues.

If you have no possibility of warranty coverage, then the best path is to go to an aftermarket shop that specializes in Corvettes, preferably one with a great reputation on this forum. Have them do the wiggle test and the valve guide/valve repairs if needed. Do not reuse an exhaust valve that has been running in a mis-machined valve guide. With this course, you have the option of having all of the valve guide/assembly tolerances checked before the reinstall. your dealer may do this anyway, but I would not count on it.

Dirty Howie

Just be careful you don't get sucked into doing a cam etc. He always has big HP cars they are building and tuning


DH

American Heritage

We charge $300 for the "wiggle test" both banks (all cylinders).
We also Rework lots of LS7 heads (for both foreign and domestic customers). We offer Hardened powder metal valve guides as well as Moldstar90 valve guides (both you will only find here).

We offer Military discounts. We also stand behind our work and any products we sell 100%
http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/
310-326-2399
Give us a call, email or shoot us a PM. We would be glad to meet you and earn your business.

Also as Mark posted we have a DIY for the wiggle test if your handy with the wrenches

rockinSeat

I was told about $250, but we might be able to get it done for $150. Later that evening I got a call saying they had found .008 on both sides and I got new heads under warranty and didn't have to pay for the Wiggle test at all.

Unreal

Isn't it great being part of the 1% or less that have issues? I'm still trying to figure out who the 99% are. Maybe when people are saying less than 1% have issues, they are taking into account all people, not just z06 owners.

TRSCobra

LOL

Pretty tough to have LS7 valve guide issues on the average Joe's 4 cylinder Camry!

The only way most of us can be "one percent-ers". Well maybe not on this forum.

LawrenceFromTorrance

I had my valves checked at Abel Chevrolet (Richy Rich) quoted $275, they were out and I didn't pay anything. Got new heads and valve guides under warrantee. Very happy. My son's car threw a valve and blew the engine, had it transported to Abel (300 miles) and he got a new engine, also under warrantee.

StingrayJames

I assume these GM replacements are for cars with in force warranty? I have a '08 Z06 with 13K miles but doubt I have a leg to stand on since it is six years old.

Thanks,

James

Dirty Howie

With such low milage you should ask GM. Others have had full or partial warranty coverage as good will.


DH

Bill Dearborn

That is when you ask GM to help you. GM Reps can authorize GoodWill Warranty replacements under the right circumstances. Have received 4 or 5 of them (including my LS7 engine replacement) over the 50 years I have been a GM Customer. However, you have to be ready to have the dealer find the problem. It won't work if you go to Joe Blow's machine shop no matter how well rated they are.

Bill