I have a '77 with the L-82 and I need Valve-O-Rings. I was talking to a local auto repair shop and he said the heads have to be pulled off, to do the job. Is that true are or can it be done on the car. It sounds like B/S to me.

 

on the car, use an air hold or rope

 

Done many of these on the car. The heads do not have to come off. as said above fill the chamber with air from a compressor to keep the valve from dropping in and remove the keepers and valve spring.

 

How much will a job like that cost at a shop, parts and labor?

 

best to call a shop and ask
btw, dont take it to that shop

 

I'm in the process of doing this job now so I can give you an answer.
O-rings and splash shields only on small blocks by the way BB do not have o-rings just valve seals.
Heads DO NOT have to come off.
Many shops tell you this so they can gouge you for addtional work.
It is popular to pull heads and tell unsuspecting customer look the valves are burnt & needs a head job might as well do it while they're off.
So a $400.00 job nets $1500.00 in his pocket.
Find a good machine shop and get the seals yourself.
If it is stock and guides are not machined Napa has them.
You will need an umbrella type seal and o-rings 16 of each.
Get 20 cause invariably one rips.

Pull spark plug #1 and rotate cylinder to top dead center
Both valves will be closed.
Any compression tester hose adapter will fit the 14mm spark plug
hole. Fill cylinder with air using 100 psi.
When full you will know cause motor will turn slightly.
With VC removed, rocker arms removed,leave push rods in place you can begin.
You will need a spring compressor and a strong magnet.
Several great videos of the process on You Tube.
You can do it or pay $4-500.00 for it done.
Do NOT get snookered into a head job if you truly don't need it.
It was the common practice in the day at speed shops to soak you for a head job and cam so you can go faster.
Marshal

 

I knew the heads didn't have off, once the shop told me that I knew he was full of BS. He wanted to redo the heads, new valve guides and head gaskets. I felt like telling him that I was born in the morning, but not yesterday morning. I going to live with it for now, its not that bad. I'll get it done next spring...

 

WAY too much from the fellow who is telling you the heads have to come off.

No disrespect, but if you need valve stem seals, you may possibly need other work as well.

 

I priced around to have the O-Rings done. One guy wanted 550-600 Hundred, he said it was a big job and needs the car for 2 days. I went to another shop and got a price of 250 bucks, he said drop it off in the morning and pick it up at the end of the day. He said pulling the heads is B.S, he does them all the time in the car.