Hey guys, I just got done working on my Camaro for 17 hours of the weekend and it was a very fun weekend. This car has been sitting as an abandoned vehicle from the late 90's until now. We installed some new spark plugs & wires, replaced the calipers, bled the breaks, changed the break pads, replaced the cap and rotor, purchased a new water pump, and some new belts. Last, but not least, we timed the ignition. We basically got her to the point of running. She fired right up after we were done, and took her out for a spin around town.

This is where I'm running into some problems. The camaro is incredibly inefficient with gasoline. I was expecting 10-12 miles per gallon, but I'm getting more like 6-8. She's been fairly smkey, and sputtering a bit. I was wondering if you guys could help me figure out where to go from here? I haven't touched the tranny or engine yet. Haven't gotten a good look at the carburetor or exhaust. Any idea on where I should focus on next?

BTW, this is my first project car, so I am a "noob", if you will...

Thanks in advance for any help!!!

 

Rebuild the carburetor. There's probably cob-webs and corrosion galore inside that thing. Not to mention a dried up and cruddy needle & seat. Change the fuel filter too. What year is the car? Is it points & condenser ignition or electronic?

 

After sitting that long, the whole fuel system will be pretty gummed up! When I got mine out of mothballs after 9 yrs. of storage, I rebuilt the carb and it immediately filled with chunks of crud from the fuel line. The Holley dual feed line had pieces of what looked like clear round tubing that broke loose from inside and plugged up my new rebuild!
Additionally, the rings are probably stuck good, and you need to change the oil before you run that engine! Then change it again after around 100 miles. Run something light, like 10-30 oil, and it may break the rings free so they'll re-seat and stop smoking, and letting gas and oil past the rings.

 

i would cheak the carb first as well

 

as the others stated, CARB CARB CARB........ I'm not a mechanic, but I did stay at the Holiday Inn Express last week......good luck, post up some pics or at least let us know what it is your working on....

 

Alright thanks guys! It's a 1980 Camaro Berlinetta. After I change out the caburetor, should I expect her to pass DEQ? I was told by someone I may need to replace the entire exhaust before a DEQ inspection.

 

well depending on your state laws, you might not have to pass DEQ with a car that old..mine is a 81 camaro and i live in WA and dont have to pass DEQ since my car is older than 25 years

 

Yopu should find your state laws out first. In many states it's 25 years, but here in Oregon it's pre 1975. Also, some states have vehicle inspections, but not DEQ, and a leaky exhaust system is cause for failure.