Help! 87 camaro wont get gas when in gear

[Sarah1975]

My bf just bought an 87 camaro. It may have been sitting for a few years. It stalled on him today. He said it will get gas when in N or Park, but when its in gear it keeps stalling.

Any ideas??

[chevyrulespops]

Is there a check engine light on? How is the engine idling? is it erratic, does the motor shake alot or is it nice and still? i need to know if its a TPI (tuned port injection) or TBI Throttle body injection) set up... will the car go if you give it alot of gas as soon as u put it in gear? it might have bad wires, give it a tune up anyway since thats what I would do if I just got a car: new plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, pcv valve and filter if applicable, fuel filter, air filter and oxygen sensor(s) and get a oil change if necessary. I would also change the transmission filter and oil at this time to ensure long life. Do that first and then we'll work it from there if it continues to struggle.

[Sarah1975]

It has a 5.0 4 barrell OHV. (quoted from the boyfriend, I have no idea what that means)

He's rebuilding the motor this weekend. I just wonder if thats really needed right now.

[Sarah1975]

I forgot, he also said that it idles smooth.

[Morley]

I'd bet the cat. converter is plugged.

[chevyrulespops]

Good point Morley. I'd hate to see him rebuild an engine only to find out that it didnt help the situation any. Especially if its idling fine which is a good indication that the motor is good internally.