jpandes

You have a riding mower. I'm jealous!

blazer427X3

My 02 Z had a valve spring problem at approx 36,000 miles before I bought it. The previous owner had two broken springs replaced during the warranty period . Much like your case, the dealership was only authorized to replace the broken springs and they inspected the others. He didn't like the idea of the other bad springs staying on his car so he chose to drive the car that way until the warranty was up and then replace the heads with a nice aftermarket set for added performance and peace of mind.

DIYdreamcar

I'll let you borrow mine!! Just drive your vette here and I'll let you drive my mower back


-Ed

tjwong

Here is what I normally charge to replace ALL the valve springs.... less than $300 plus parts. Most shops use a flat rate manual, even at that it is still considered a guide. The GM labor guide states 5 hours to replace every spring in a LS7. As mentioned above I charge 300 to do the job, which is way less than the prescribed GM alloted labor guide time. The reason, is because with a proper tool I can do the job charge that amount and still save the customer money, that way I am happy and so is my customer. Just because the guide says it pays 5 hours, you do it in 2 hours, is it right to charge someone for 5. Beleive it or not most shops do just that. For me a clear conscience and a happy customer is worth more to me than than a few more dollars.

BTW I probably have well over $150k worth of tools and equipment in my shop.

SCM_Crash

I'm at 30K now... You're all scaring me! Now I'm thinking I should change the springs on my 02 before something bad happens!

tjwong

It is a rare occasion that a spring will break. I have many customers with 90k + miles on their cars with stock springs. I wouldn't be worried.

Millenium Z06

I understand what Steveo is saying but I agree pop.
You cant charge people for tools or having the right tool, you cant charge people because you have been doing it for 20+ years and like pop said, you cant make a living off on job.

Now steve has a point too though; I have a IT consulting business and people think because it dosent say Dell or HP or Microsoft that I should
only charge $20 an hour or that what any big name compnay does I should do for far less money. It dosent work that way, I may know how to solve your problem in 20 min but I still bill you for 1 hour, it wouldnt be worth my time to come out to your business or residence knowing that I will solve your problem in 20min or that you were only expected to pay for 1/2 hour of service yet some people do. They carry the "you're not making a living off me" too far.

The tools you bought, were to help you have the right tool for the job and decrease the time spent on the job which increases your profits.
You dont need snap ring pliers to put snap rings in but they sure speed up the process which gets the job done quicker. Be reasonable on what you charge people and you will get a repeat customer.

0Mike@NorrisMotorsports

Thanks danzinger

I have had a couple C5 Z06's with a broken stock valve spring. To replace the set with GM stock replacements is generally $350-400 if I remember correctly.

Let me know if I can be of any help.

Mike Norris

slong

Springs are not that hard to change. Plenty of on-line help out there. Now I have no room to talk. I was lazy and took my car to A&A because I have a couple friends with the same year Z who broke springs and exploded there motors. Because I was having power adders added, I had Andy install Patriot dual springs. Cost was $500 with complete parts kit. Little bit of a deal because I spent so much $$$ on the complete job done by Andy so prices may very everywhere.........

Popclutch

The car is currently at the dealership taking up space. I have no idea what the build date is though. The only mods have been a K&N intake and a Borla exhaust. That's it. The more I read the more I get disgusted with the local dealer and not to mention their name but as a "Courtesy" again I think for this cost I should get a night out with the wife on them!!
Thanks,
Brad.

Popclutch

Going to check with Mike Norris on Monday. I'm also going to try to find the procedure for changing them out. A friend of mine says he has a spring compressor.
Thanks!
Pop.

Popclutch

Hey Mike, just fired off an e-mail to you from your website then came back to the forum and saw your post! Look forward to meeting you!
Pop.

SCM_Crash

AWESOME! Thanks. That's been on my mind all day. I even told my friend I needed to borrow his spring compressor.

Thanks for the heads up.

Popclutch

The final chapter....
After much aggravation and irritation, I pulled the Z out of the local dealership and had it taken to Mike Norris of Norris Motorsports Winter Garden,Florida. First off, Mike is an incredibly nice guy with Corvette knowledge beyond belief! Having heard of, but having never met Mike I was EXTREMELY impressed with his level of professionalism, courtesy and respect that he demonstrated over the phone only to be surpassed when we met face to face. This is a FIRST CLASS business man and I would with ALL sincerity HIGHLY recommend anyone who owns a Vette to do business with him.
Not only did Mike replace ALL of the valve springs FOR LESS money than the dealership, he did it in less than 24 hours!
I am NOT easily impressed by anyone or anything, but I have to say Mike Norris went way beyond my expectations!!
My THANKS to Mike and wish him continued success!!
Brad...aka Popclutch

TK6

Glad to hear you are back on the road and you found a good guy to help you out anytime your Z needs some TLC.

Popclutch

BTW.... Just as a footnote to this saga, when the valve covers were removed at the dealership and they discovered the broken spring, they pointed it out to me, yep it was indeed broken. But, I also noticed that the #2 cylinder had already had one replaced and they hadn't noticed that one. Hmmmmm... a continuing problem maybe?? NEVER will this dealership see me again. The service writer has lost me as a customer for good. As he stated, they have lights to keep on. So do I. End of story, and THANKS to ALL on the forum, and Mike Norris for your input and support!!
Pop.