paloalto00

I've been looking around for quite awhile, but have yet to pull the trigger. There's several good deals on higher mileage z06s` but am worried about the dreaded valve dropping issue.

I know there are several warranties available for purchase, but it still doesn't put my mind at ease that my engine can blow up in the middle of a drive.

What would you lads recommend doing first when purchasing a used Z?

banipal19

Valve issue could happen to any LS7 even less than 5K miles. I just bought a Z06 with 7K miles on it. After driving it for 2K, I did the wiggle test and the guides are completely shot! The very first thing you should do is get the heads checked and get them fixed if needed.

Other than that, Z06 is an amazing car from every aspect!! Great DD and a BEAST in performance! Even with the valve issue, I still love it and wouldn't trade it for anything!

GunnerSMG

Factor in the cost of getting your heads redone into your total cost of the car. Get them fixed and never worried about it again. Done

Unreal

$1000-3000 depending on what you want and if you do it yourself or pay someone.

GunnerSMG

Well...... there are lots of ways/places to go on getting the heads redone. I would do a search of the forum and check the threads on this issue (there are many). I personally went with WCCH and installed them myself. I think the heads are about $1700 for the work and then say at a shop $1000+ for the labor.

Unreal

$1700 is for a performance ported package. Actual guides/etc is ~700-900 so if you aren't doing a perfomance upgrade you can just do that. Add gaskets, bolts, fluids and you can do it yourself for $1000.

v8sten

you can be like me and find a car with it already done

reasonable suspicion

Dont even bother doing a wiggle test. Just get the heads done. I would budget 5K if you arent going to do the work yourself.

79inSD

This is what I did. For me history was more important, I got a one owner car where all work was done at LG. They knew and confirmed the car history as well. I bought it sight unseen and had LG do the heads and ship the car to me. Been loving it ever since!

tim414

Too many unknowns. Generally speaking, no, not if it's been driven normally/maintained properly. Get the guides checked though.

MUKAK

in post 14 you said your friend runs a LS shop and your pops is a mechanic and you asking this forum if you should take it to a mechanic??

reasonable suspicion

Yep, depreciating assets depreciate. You aren't looking to purchase a ford gt. Hell, wait two, three more years and the prices will be even lower.

No matter how many miles have the heads done. I wouldn't worry about rebuilding the entire engine.

If a dealer or private party won't let you get a PPI, then look elsewhere.