What's next?

[NYC32798]

I have a 1995 z-28 camaro with the LT1. I am REALLY starting to hate this car. I bought this thing about 3 months ago. It currently has about 142,000 miles on it. The day I bought the car and drove it home, I found a crack in the radiator so it was leaking a small amount of coolant. Had that replaced for about $300. About a week later the fuel pump went out. Theres another $300. About 2 weeks later, the alternator crapped out. There goes another $200. I then drove it from NY to FL and on the way in South Carolina, the water pump started rapidly pissing out coolant. Luckily made it to FL without it overheating since it was all highway. There goes another $500. Now it hesitates and boggs out at low rpm's so I'm guessing that's the optispark on it's way out. My question is what should I be expecting to fix next with this type of milage? I'll probably end up replacing everything in this car before it runs right. Is it even worth keeping? It's a shame because I love how it drives and I love the power it gives out and I'd hate to sell it but the problems are just getting rediculous with this thing. It's been in the shop longer than it has been in my driveway. I'm afraid to drive it out of town.

[97cavalier]

the lt1's start to give problems at high miles, but you almost have every thing replaced that goes out on them. I would keep it don't even think about selling it, cuz after you get this fixed, that will be about it for having stuff go out.

[Rally Sport]

Yeah, also it would be alot better to do it yourself when replacing stuff.. save alot of money this way.

[FormulaLT1]

I can't even imagine having to pay someone to do all those things but in NYC I am sure working on your car isn't all that easy.

[x_skaven_x]

Yea I always call local home mechanics with questions before I bring my car to the shop...can I do this at home? blah blah blah. I saved over $1000 with just my Grand Prix this way

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by NYC32798

the water pump started rapidly pissing out coolant.

Now it hesitates and boggs out at low rpm's...

I'm guessing that's the optispark on it's way out.

Cause and effect.

Look at the bright side, there isn't much left, err trans. Seriously, all cars develop the rash of their problems at 10 years or 100K.

[FireFox05]

Yup, after opti spark, you're pretty much set. The only things worth worrying abotu after that are the trans and rear. And if you drive easy, the chances of them going are low.

[NYC32798]

Well I don't think blowing the tranny or rear is a problem. My girlfriend is currently driving the camaro to work which is right down the road. I'm driving the maxima wich currently has 205,000 miles, runs like new, and has never given me a problem since I bought it with 159,000 miles besides normal maintenance. My original plan was to keep the car until I get out of school and build up an engine and drop it in. But for now it has to be reliable which it has not been. So hopefully you guys are right and the problem are done for the most part. Thanks for the info.

[stepho]

Originally Posted by NYC32798

I'm driving the maxima wich currently has 205,000 miles, runs like new, and has never given me a problem since I bought it with 159,000 miles besides normal maintenance.

neat.

[NYC32798]

I have one more quick question. To replace the optispark, Do I need the whole unit, or can I do with the AC Delco rebuild kit which pretty much contains a cap and rotor?

[FormulaLT1]

If the opti itself is bad. Will gain nothing from a cap and rotor. The optical sensor itself (which requires the whole unit) would need to be replaced.

[NYC32798]

Since i'm doing the optispark, i'm also going to do the plugs and wires. Any recommendations on what type of plugs and wires I should use? Also is there anything else in the ignition system I should replace besides the optispark, plugs, and wires?

[FormulaLT1]

AC delco non-platinum plugs work best with LT1's. Whatever you do stay away from Bosch. I have never felt or noticed any difference between any wires. So your guess is as good as mine as to which are the best,