Cedar

I've got a good friend looking at a '13 427 and we don't know if the heads were addressed or not because the car is on a dealers lot and we all know how honest a used car dealer is. Assuming they're not, which is the best way to go, new or having the existing heads repaired?

4SUMERZ

Get any GM dealer to run a GMVIS Report. That will show if the heads were done under warranty or by any GM dealer nationwide.

subfloor@centurytrans

You couldn't pay me enough to buy a 2013 LS7 because the heads will likely be the least of his worries.

In 2013 due to some European regulation they switched the material used in the rod bearings, which ends up resulting in the coating on the connecting rods to wear out VERY prematurely. It ends up being only a matter of time before your oil pressure starts to drop significantly and/or you spin a bearing requiring the motor to be rebuilt.

CMY SIX

I'm sorry I know I'm an Ahole, but you cut down the dealer for not being honest, but then you don't have a clue what your talking about, the LS7 never had a problem with the heads, some of the EARLY years had some bad lifters by the year you speak of the problem is unknown.

TorchRedFred

My advice is to post this question in the Z06 section of the forum. This question and discussion comes up almost every day over there and there are a lot of knowledgeable guys to quickly steer you in the right direction.

Turbo6TA

Your joking ... right?

Never heard of the LS7 valve guide problem due to improper machining during manufacture of the heads?

JerriVette

Only a very small number of 2007 ls7 heads were cast wrong.

The drama and added expense to other ls7 owners is a scam and lowering values of way too many z06 S and other 427 owners..

JerriVette

Barely double digits

Cedar

Thanks, great info!

Cedar

That's what I have been reading also. That's why I asked the question looking for opinions.

Quick Silver Z

This would be true of LS6, no?

Unreal

To actually answer the question, that is up to your budget and timeline. Either way works fine. For minimum down time a lot of people just get a set of fixed heads, swap them on, then return the old heads as cores. There is no numbers, or vin matching, or any of that junk anymore so there is no issue that.

And yes the problem is very very real.

Mordeth

Agree with Unreal. If you are mechanically inclined and comfortable working on motors then buy a set of core, fixed heads from AHP, swap the heads with the fixed ones and send them back your core. Minimal downtime this way. If not mechanically inclined, then find a reputable installer. You can also just pull them off, mail them to AHP, WCCH, AI and they will replace the guides and swap the exhaust valves (corrective action), inspect the intake valves and can also port/mill the heads if one desires.

Ignore Jerry and CMY, neither of which own a C6Z nor have EVER in their life inspected valve stem to guide clearance on an LS7 motor.

Landru

Having closely followed rod bearing failures w/ '13s due exactly what you state? Failure usually occurred in first 5K, if it lasted longer the chances diminish to nearly 0.

JoesC5

It has never been determined(outside of GM, and they are not talking as there is a class action lawsuit against them over the head issue) as to just what machining was actually bad on the LS7 heads and the scope of the problem.

I made the decision to get away from the GM heads and went with the PRC265 aftermarket heads that don't use GM castings. The PRC265's have new head castings that flow better that the GM heads, and all the machining is done in their facility, and have all new components(valves, springs, retainers locks). I went with the SS exhaust valves and the Ti intake valves. Everything else on my engine is stock and I have approximately 25,000 miles on the heads.

I ordered the new heads($3,000), and then took the car(and the heads) to have them installed. I then sold the take off heads in the for sale section on the forum for $1,050.

I ended up having ~$2,000 in the new heads, but every single item was new. No reused old parts. Of course, you then have to add on the cost of new head bolts, new head gaskets, oil, etc and in my case, the labor to have the new heads installed, and then a tune.

Cedar

I just love this forum! There's a lot of great people on here always willing to share info and experiences! Thank you everyone for answering my question, it's deeply appreciated!

American Heritage

If the heads have not been done yet you can either send them in to us to be reworked and returned you or You can purchase a core set of our Package 4 LS7 heads then send us your old heads once you complete your swap.

http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/
310-326-2399

The LS7/C6z06 is an amazing platform once you get the heads squared away.

Cedar

Thanks for your reply. From what I've read here on the forum, you are the correct people to resolve the LS-7 head issue. If my friend buys the car and the heads weren't addressed, I'll send my friend your way so you can resolve his future issue before it becomes an issue.

CadVette

You can have the factory heads redone and you will be o.k. If going aftermarket be aware a lot of heads sold as complete bolt ons ready to go are made with inferior parts and frequently the valve seats are machined so poorly there is not a proper seal and performance will suffer. I'm talking big name manufacturers here so don't believe some marketing or sales person. If you go aftermarket heads, buy them as bare castings and purchase quality parts seperately. Then take all the parts to a quality machine shop and have it done right.

cv67

i wouldnt waste 2 dollars on factory heads & a lot of parts they put in aftermarket heads are junk, leak etc. Bare casting + build the way to go!