I need advice PLEASE?

[87GNT]

All-

I need advise on what to do.

Met up with a buick specialist mechanic to freshen up my stock motor with 88k miles. I've just conducted a compression test and all cylinders were at 150lbs solid.

I will be taking out the engine and dropping it off at his shop. I will be providing him with all the parts. He will charge for labor $750.00 to do the following:

Replace valve stem seals and valve springs
Replace timing chain and timing cover
Replace water pump
Replace 160 degree Thermostat
Replace rear main seal
Repaint the valve covers, upper intake, plenum etc...


Now, he said he was going to check on the condition of the cam shaft to see if it was worn or as he put it "flat" if so he would put in a roller-cam along with getting the stock irons ported and polished. His quote for this alone is $1,200 dollars labor ONLY.


Is this reasonable? and how far should I let him go with this as far as putting in a new cam assuming the original one is ok?

 

[we4Mateo]

If it runs fine and you use ZDDP then leave your cam alone. Just do the first round of things, imo.

 

[87GNT]

If it runs fine and you use ZDDP then leave your cam alone. Just do the first round of things, imo.

Thank you! Seems like the resounding answer is to do the first round of things and DO NOT crack the stock head seals needlessly...

 

[Rafs-T-Type]

Meh...just because it runs fine, that doesn't mean it runs well. I would at least pull the valve covers and see if you see a noticeably dead lobe.

 

[Scott Atk]

I would do the first round but take him the car. No need to pull the motor for those items. And keep the stock timing cover, probably better than any replacement out there. Just do a few oil mods, put a roller bearing on the nose of the cam, and put a fresh surface on the oil filter adapter. Easy Peasy