I'm thinking of buying a 1996 Camaro Z28 that has the LT1 V8 Engine, it has 115,xxx miles and the seller says that it needs valve seals because it's leaking and burning oil. I know some shops around here charge $67 and hour so I can do the math on the price but how many hours worth of work should it take a shop to replace the valve seals?
Also since it needs valve seals, could it also need new heads and other internals replaced? Wondering if I should get it and get the repairs done or if I should stay away from it. Thanks

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My opinion is that I wouldn't just do valve seals. It isn't the easiest thin in the world to remove the heads so you'll want to do as complete a service as possible. The shops I have dealt with charge a set rate for a complete valve job so it's not a matter of guessing how much time will be invested.

Unless the heads are cracked you won't need new ones.....even warped heads can be machined flat.

The last time I had a valve job done on an F-body was about 6 years ago so my price memory is probably pretty irrelevant...I'm sure other can help here. I'd recommend finding the best shop in the area and just calling them for a quote...

I wouldn't let the heads stop you from buying the care....look at it as a negotiation tool...

Good luck!

 

What I would be careful of it whether it really is a valve seal problem. Apparently it is burning oil, and that could also be cause by worn piston rings, worn valve guides, etc. It could be he's telling you it's the valve seals to divert your attention from more costly causes.

 

If your not doing the work yourself those little problems add up fast at the dealership
your looking at somewhere around 1100 dollars in labor for a head job !!!
As mentioned above hopefully its just the valve seals and nothing else
never trust the guy that your buying the car from !!! I would shop around some before I
purchased a car with known problems

 

tell him you will pay 1/2 on valve seals , if it fixes the problem ! make sure u do a compression check on all 8 cylinders