Valve seals. Replace or buy new heads?
 

The valve seals are starting to go in my 87 305 camaro. Anyone have an idea of how much it would be to have them replaced and is it worth or should I buy new heads. Any opinions on a decent pair of heads for a carb'ed 87lg4 that aren't too pricey?

Re: Valve seals. Replace or buy new heads?
 

You should already have the good '081 heads. The only upgrades are either milled Vortecs, or TFS 175 cc aluminum heads. The Vortecs will require a different intake manifold to match.
But no point doing them until you do the basics, like gears, headers, exhaust, subframe connectors, et cetera.
Just do the seals for now. And fresh springs. You can get new "LT1 Z/28" springs for like $2 ea.

Re: Valve seals. Replace or buy new heads?
 

And honestly the valve seals really arent that big of a deal. Unless you're blowing out massive amounts of oil smoke on deceleration it's not really worth stressing over.

Re: Valve seals. Replace or buy new heads?
 

I have everything u mentioned except the SFCs. Headers to 3”inch exhaust, 3.73 posi, holley carb and intake manifold.
No smoke on decel. Ill look into seals and springs. No rush being I'm broke :)
Thanks

Re: Valve seals. Replace or buy new heads?
 

Doing seals is not that bad, you don't even need to pull the heads. Retrofit a Compression tester to fit an air compressor to pressurize the cylinder and to keep the valves up. Remove locks, springs and seals and reassemble.

Re: Valve seals. Replace or buy new heads?
 

I've also read where folks just used clothes line size rope, and stuff it in the spark plug hole until the cylinder is filled with rope (keeps the valve from falling) while replacing the seals.

But - being broke - don't sweat it. It's actually not a bad thing to have a tad of oil in the cylinder (although the puff of smoke is bothersome) - keeps thiongs nice and smoothly lubed!

Re: Valve seals. Replace or buy new heads?
 

I have a set of professionally rebuilt / never installed 081 heads that don't have a engine for them anymore. I'd sell them cheap. Let me know if your interested.
Todd