Ralphp

Let me preface my question with the fact that I am not mechanically inclined,don't even change oil.
I've had an '05 and '10(GS) in the past I am looking at some 2013 427s on the market,but saw in these posts comments on valves. My question:

Am I looking for trouble with the 2013 427, or have all issues been resolved by now?

Corvette_Ed

If you purchase one that has not had the head issue addressed you will need to take care of it yourself. From what I understand it runs $2000-2500 to perform the work.

Landru

Asking The Question's a start if considering one of these magnificent offerings.
"Valve issue" relates to worn or prematurely worn valve guide(s), results in broken valve(s) which LS7 ingests.
Game over. New LS7. Not cheap.

Most informed LS7 owners, be it Z06 or 427 roadster, have the valve train thoroughly inspected.
Specifically looking at valve stems that're not firmly held w/ no movement, whatsoever.
Some consider this LS7's one & only fault.

Solution's having heads rebuilt. Not very expensive, few crackerjack CF vendors provide the service.
An indy HP shop's fine, if they're known & trustworthy.
Or, DIY.
Checkout C6 Z06/ZR1 forum, plenty of discussion on LS7 heads & associated costs

I've owned a '08 Z06 since new, 62K now.
Last Fall had heads rebuilt...and while there a light cam & tune.
LS7 gets a bad rap due to its replacement cost and justly so, admittedly not for the faint of heart.
As such informed owners know how important this check is, realize they have to be proactive.
LS7 gives no warning if/when it goes. It's just gone.

Otherwise while Z06/ZR1 are more powerful, lighter than GS handling's probably close for all except serious track rats.
C6 Z06 ownership's been beyond mere words, everything I could ever ask & more. Plus, it's long paid for.

captain vette

i am also looking for one before there's none for sale with decent mileage.

cv67

Be patient, plenty of any yr out there whose owner tries not to drive it hoping for a rise in value
Assume sooner or later the heads may need attention, any shop that is competent that works on heads can do this.
If it were me Id buy aftermarket pieces and sell/junk the oem ones. be done with it.

919cw313

That will probably never be an issue. The 427 is the queeniest of all C6 garage queens (other than the three guys here who actually drive theirs). Much like the '96 Grand Sport, '78 Pace Car, and several others.

What you will find in the not-so-distant future is the depreciation will slow to almost zero. At that point denying yourself the pleasure of ownership for years to save a couple thousand dollars won't really make sense.

FAUEE

For every ls7 that has valve issues, there are 10+ that have never had valve issues. They're way overblown as an issue. If you have the means, a 427 vert is IMO one of the best Corvettes ever. Like, all time ever.

Ralphp

I found several on cars.com. I

SPSandman

VERY true statement, however, if I went that route I would definitely include the cost of the head job regardless, just for peace of mind and a great opportunity to do any other performance mods at the same time.

Would hate for the overblown issue to overblow the engine. (sorry couldn't resist, I will be here all week, tip your waitress... .or waiter) .

Definitely nothing like the LS7!

Ralphp

How would I know if the issue has been resolved?

Corvette_Ed

Until it becomes an issue, and then the new owner is left with a HUGE bill.

919cw313

A copy of a paid repair order from a professional shop.

FAUEE

Sure, but it's not exactly common. And it got a lot less common over time. The 06s and 07s may have had issues, but how many 2012s or 2013s fo you hear about blowing up? All based off the idea that the guys who made the heads didnt fix or change anything in 6 plus years, despite being a known issue? Let's be real here folks, a 2013 ls7 is a pretty damn safe bet. Probably got the same chances with it as any ls engine. Your risk of getting rear ended at a stoplight is higher than you blowing your ls7 due to a valve issue.

I figure at this point, anything LS7 powered has been priced with a valve job. These things are seriously cheap.

K-Spaz

I have one and I drive it. Drove it to work today. Anticipate about 5k miles / year, if not more. Don't care about the valve issue. It's simply not a big deal. I have a shop who said they'd do the heads for about $500. That's with me doing the R&R (not a big deal). Gaskets for the job will run a few hundred bucks. If I decide to replace the cam and lifters, that'll add to the cost. The car is running splendidly, an absolute joy to drive. If you don't like your car getting attention, this is the wrong one for you. Something about the lack of badges and the raised hood draw people's intrigue. Helps that I keep it clean. I've been driving Corvettes for a while and I've never seen one get the sort of attention this one does.

Even if no work was done on the heads, if I were you I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. I drive mine knowing full well if it blows up, I'll find another motor and move on. Not gonna let the odd chance of failure stop me from enjoying what is simply an awesome car.

Warning.. If you occasionally find yourself driving like a lunatic, this car isn't going to help the cause.