1995 Camaro SS Convertible, LT1, Auto, Posi (2.73), 55K miles

I purchased this Camaro with 48,748 miles from a friend in February 2004. In my opinion it has never run perfect though it was dependable until recently. I live near sea level and until recently it would always start quickly. Occassionally it will crank for 10-20 seconds before it starts. Then on Sunday when I was in Reno NV (5,000 elevation) it cranked for 3-4 minutes before it started and ran very rough barely enough to drive. Eventually it ran well enough for me to take the chance to drive 137 miles home wothout a problem. On my way out of Reno I stopped at Boomtown, shut it off, cleaned the windshield, filled it with Chevron 91, and drove off. I drove to Reno on Saturday morning, drove around Reno that evening and Sunday morning and afternoon, all with only a hint of a prblem. Two of the times I started it it started and died, then restarted it without a problem. Since I purchased the Camaro the only things I have done to the engine is clean it, replace the air cleaner with a stock type paper cleaner, replace the fuel filter near the gas tank, and run an additive fuel cleaner twice. The engine does missing at high RPM, something less than 5,000. I know nothing about Optispark. Are there parts that need to be replaced in the Optispark as in a regualr distribrutor? I would like to replace spark plugs, wires, and any other parts that are normal wear. Any assistance will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Starting and running issues could be several things. Assume that no tune up has ever been done and do the routine replacement thing. Plugs, wires, the whole opti (OEM) not parts and not copies. Change out the O2's and clean the IAC and EGR. Spray the MAF with brake cleaner.

BTW, since you occasionally run rich, sounds like, check your oil for gas smell. If it is, you need to check the FRP or leaky injectors.

Welcome to the board.

 

How did you clean the engine? High pressure water? Get any on the distributor?

Might want to scan it for codes. The Opti will set codes for problems with the optical sensor, and problems with the opticaql sensor can make it hard to start, and cause it to miss. Check the harness connectors for the Opti... water may have caused corrosion.

 

Thanks for the replies. I am new to 4th generation Camaro's and their terminology.

Optispark - is there a better price than Summit?
Wires - any suggestions for the brand and number of the wires?
Plugs - any suggestions for the band and number of the plugs?
IAC & FRP - what does IAC & FRP stand for?

* I used water and a spray cleaner when i cleaned the engine. I did not use a power washer just a garden hose.
* I will clean all the connectors. Is there a method to clean the optical sensor or is that inside the Optispark unit? Can I dry out the distributor? It has been five months since I cleaned the engine?
* Would it be worth my time and investment to purchase a code scanner? If so, what is a good one to purchase?

Thanks again.