Want to start off by introducing myself, my name is Mike. I am currently looking at a 1987 Iroc-Z. If I decide to buy the car (chances are very good at the moment) I want to rebuild the motor, tranny and install a complete exhaust system (currentlyonly has headers).

Here are my questions....
1) Is there anything that I should look for that is a deciding factor as to wether or not this will be a wise investment or a money pit?

2) When searching for a rebuild kit, how would I know which kit I want? i.e. Flat top, dome or dish piston.....standard or high volume oil pump.....etc.....

3) When rebuilding the motor and tranny is there anything else I should concider changing? Fuel pump, motor mounts.......etc?

I would like to add some more ponies to the motor during the build, but not go crazy. I know the motor stock is supposed to be around 225hp, I would like to get up closer to 250-300hp.

I also plan on replacing the stock headers and installing a new exhaust system. Any opinions as to what systems are good and which are crap?

Thanks for the help. If I decide to get the car, you all will see the progress as it changes.

Mike

 

1. 80's camaros are not investments, they are a hobby and a money pit..albeit a fun money pit.

2. Stock type rebuilds are typically cheaper and more reliable.
3. For sure change out any wear items....this would include both motor and trans mounts. They are cheap and well worth it, especially if the motor and trans are to be removed.

Most all well regarded name brands make good exhaust systems. This, along with a more wild rebuild will require you to check on local emission laws. Best of luck, and the 87 was a fine year.

 

first off, welcome

by the sound of the post the vehicle is not going to be a daily driver but instead it's a project.

that's good because if you are tight on funds and need a reliable vehicle for daily driving then buying an unknown 25 year old vehicle isn't the best idea.

With respect to the rebuild, the machine shop where you take the engine for the rebuild will probably give you a better deal on parts than if you bring it to them for their work and then try to reassemble the thing yourself. If you've never reassembled an engine, and don't have access to someone who has, then I would suggest having the shop at least go as far as the assembled short block.

As for me, I'm getting lazy and don't get a thrill any more about reassembling an engine. Give me the finished short block or even better, long block and I'll do the rest.

 

Well I went and checked the car out yesterday. Body was straight but has some surface rust and paint peel. Interior has some stains, but it is all in one piece and dry (lots of rain over the last few weeks). Engine turned right over when I started it, it is slight out of tune, guy says it has something to do with the ESM (i think, the 3 prong plug on the right side of the intake maifold oppisite the throttle). Has hooker headers and hooker muffles, it's just missing the cat and Y-pipe. When I put the car into all the gears there was no hesitation from the tranns and all the gears seemed to work. I didn't drive the car, just moved it around in the guys back yard.

All in all I am going to make this guy an offer and hopefully have the car soon. I know its a prodject and that is why I am purchasing it, I need something to tinker around with.

 

Just remember there is a difference between a project car and a money pit. So your description sounds like a money pit. My opinion, is to find a car in good unmolesed condition and go from there. Like anything else, you start with a piece of crap and matter what you do it is still a piece of crap.

 

hmm

so, what do you call it when someone buys a vehicle and

rebuilds engine
rebuilds tranny
installs new exhaust
replaces entire interior
fills in a few dents and then preps and paints car
installs new stereo system
all new lights
all new hoses (all of them)
new belt
new shocks/struts
new bushings
new battery
new starter
upgrade to R134A A/C with new dryer and compressor
replace window motors
new u joints
balance drive shaft
new weatherstripping

etc


I call that a project

so, it all depends on your definition. By the way, the list above is what i did to a running and shifting vehicle. I now have a "new" 1989 RS

 

I call that replacing old wore out parts.

 

my opinion every car is a money pit but if you want it get it and try to have a good time with it

 

Hello, first its a camaro so its a project car and if you have fun doing it, it dosnt matter, second flowmaster always sounds nice on these cars , I would of sent you a soud bit but I just put the car in for the winter, and when it comes to engine upgrades , don't cheap out go big or go home, when you pull up to a civic at the lights, you wanna be able to make his lawnmore cry ! These cars are a lot of fun but they do take time and money ! There design is made for racing and if you drop a couple gs into it , you will love it for life ! I have a 83 with 383 , pro street alum heads , roller rockers , proformance intake , 750 4bbl carb and all edlebrock ! Also when doing the tranny I was just told the 700r4 is your best bet but put a race kit into it ! Brent@aeoniantattoos.com - email me if you wanna talk more and I can send you part numbers and such ,

Ps its american not import ! Treat her right and shell love you for life !