Anyone know anything about this car?

[BlueMR2]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHEVROLET-CAMARO-Z28-5-7-V8-...


I quite fancy this but am somewhat concerned about what the fault could be.

[LuS1fer]

Sometimes the a/c compressors seize causing the engine to struggle to turn it. The compressor on my '98 knocked it's brains out. Possibly if the compressor is seized, it might cause the fans to cut in as it struggles to turn it. Of course, it may not be this at all but detaching the ac drive belt would answer the question easily.

The '94-'96 also have the Opti-spark distributor on the nose of the crank which originally had drainage issues leading to corrosion and faults so this needs checking for integrity as a new one is not that cheap and a pain to fit. I would ask when it was last changed.

(it's also 275hp for the '94)

Edited by LuS1fer on Tuesday 1st June 18:07

[BlueMR2]

Thanks for that i thought about the optispark, it says it has been replaced but it doesnt state how long ago or if it was a new part.

With it standing i wondered if it may have suffered from moisture, especially if not sealed correctly.

I think i need to ask the seller a few questions.

[balls-out]

If you get the right answers, its looks like a good price, particularly if you can knock him down a few quid.

[BlueMR2]

I noticed the seller also has this for sale http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

* Re-Programs Non-Removable GM Tuning Chips
* Adjusts Fuel Curve for Optimized Performance
* Provides An Elevated RPM Limiter Lower Fan Temperature Operation
* Optimizes Shift Points Corrects Speedometer Readings to compensate for Gear Ratio changes

I wonder if the units programming has been messed with?

[LuS1fer]

I'm not sure. The early GM computers relied upon a replaceable chip that was simple to change. Later ones may have used a piggyback module if the computer was not reprogrammable (I think JEGS sell them) but removing it should restore the car to normal. It may be he thinks that selling it with the module may lead some to think it's been abused or that is the cause. I would suspect the fault is there regardless of it being fitted or not.

[BlueMR2]

No replies yet. I'll let you know if i get a reply.

Is there anything these cars have a habit of failing mots on as its due on that car in a month or two iirc.

Any other questions i should be asking?

Any knowledge is appreciated.

[LuS1fer]

All panels are plastic save the rear wings and hood. Places to check are the inner sills and that the chocks don't leak but they're fairly bulletproof.

[balls-out]

BlueMR2 said:

No replies yet. I'll let you know if i get a reply.

Is there anything these cars have a habit of failing mots on as its due on that car in a month or two iirc.

Any other questions i should be asking?

Any knowledge is appreciated.

If the MOT man is keen, I can see any side indicator repeaters - Mine was failed on that after passing the 6 previous MOTs.
No sign of a rear fog light?

Hardly big issues though.

the rear diff isn't overly robust on these - although auto helps

I think spark plugs are due to be changes at 100k miles. by all accounts a pig of a job and I think they are costly?

[LuS1fer]

Spark plugs are awkward but changeable from under the car with some dexterity. Rear axle was good for the SS and 345hp Firehawk so only abuse will break it. There is no underseal on these but the metal is strong so you need to get under it and check the seams for rust and especially the brake lines and hose ends which tend to corrode. The rear axle is unpainted on Yanks so don't be too distressed by the rusty axle. A good blow over with a rust convertor makes it look better.

[ringram]

Sounds more like a wiring problem to me.
Taking longer to start maybe because of a short, blowing fuses... because of a short etc.
Use a code reader to pull the codes. Though you will need something that does OBDI if its a pre 95 from memory. OBDII after then.
Only the 93 used a chip for ECU. The 94 had OBDI flash, 95+ OBDII flash and from 94 they ran a maf. The 93 was mafess.
Optispark sucks balls big time. You can get a kit to fit the 98+ LSx coil per plug setup and actually run the ECU as well. But it requires fitting a reluctor to the crank etc. http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonnection/default...

[balls-out]

LuS1fer said:

Spark plugs are awkward but changeable from under the car with some dexterity. Rear axle was good for the SS and 345hp Firehawk so only abuse will break it. There is no underseal on these but the metal is strong so you need to get under it and check the seams for rust and especially the brake lines and hose ends which tend to corrode. The rear axle is unpainted on Yanks so don't be too distressed by the rusty axle. A good blow over with a rust convertor makes it look better.

My SS has a different dif (torsen). My first Camaro had a noisy one - probably cos I do like to spin the rear wheels

[BlueMR2]

Was there a uk equivalent sold over here, as otherwise pre 95 the emissions test is much easier to pass as an import. So the air system could be removed if its causing trouble?

I think the seller is including a code reader. Not sure if he has read the codes on the car though.

No reply as of yet though .

[BlueMR2]

I got a reply.

It had a new optispark unit at around 80-85,000 miles, however this was 8 years ago. Its at circa 113,000 now.

As its circa 16 years old it is perhaps time for a new one. Do you know how much the parts cost and the rough time for a competent mechanic to change it. I take it that changing the water pump is a good idea at the same time as well?

It has been outside over winter as well so could have suffered from damp.

Any web links would be good, i've read a few but more would be good.

It hasn't been used with the hypertech programmer

I'm going to ask if it has any rust or anything else that they think would fail an mot. If the spark plugs have been changed.

Any other questions i should ask?

Edited by BlueMR2 on Thursday 3rd June 23:19

[LuS1fer]

BlueMR2 said:

I got a reply.

It had a new optispark unit at around 80-85,000 miles, however this was 8 years ago. Its at circa 113,000 now.

As its circa 16 years old it is perhaps time for a new one. Do you know how much the parts cost and the rough time for a competent mechanic to change it. I take it that changing the water pump is a good idea at the same time as well?

It has been outside over winter as well so could have suffered from damp.

Any web links would be good, i've read a few but more would be good.

It hasn't been used with the hypertech programmer

I'm going to ask if it has any rust or anything else that they think would fail an mot. If the spark plugs have been changed.

Any other questions i should ask?

Edited by BlueMR2 on Thursday 3rd June 23:19

Why not just ask for an MOT on it?

Later Camaro install articles:
http://www.installuniversity.com/install_universit...

Binning the Optispark:
http://www.delteq.com/

Optispark units vary in price but are PLUS shipping plus import duty (3.5%)plus VAT on everything.
Discussion on replacements:
http://www.fbody.com/lt1/289396

I imagine it's labour-intensive and you'd be lucky to find someone not familiar with it to take it on.
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread....