hey guys, i might be looking into buying a used 95 trans am. i don't really know too many details about it, just thats it's red, 6spd, t-tops, leather int., borla for $5900. i haven't called about the car b/c i'm checking out my funds and insurance to see if i can even afford the car.

anyway back to my question. what type of problems should i look for if i go look at/drive this car? i realize the mileage is probably going to be high, is it still reliable/strong w/ a lot of miles? i'm going to try to take it to a mechanic, but the car is almost 200 miles from me so i won't be able to take it to a local place that i know and trust. i know about the window and headlight motors b/c i have a 94 firebird, but when it comes to the LT1 i really don't know what to look for. please give me some sort of check list or something to inspect on the car. BTW: i ran a search and couldn't find any topics like this, just specific problems like the opti and stuff. thanks.

here's a link to the page. http://autotrader.com/findacar/vdeta...r=&cardist=192

 

Check the last time the plugs/wires were done....thats a few hour job in itself and you should avoid doing it if possible. After a lot of miles the optisparks and waterpumps on these cars go. Also, unfortunatly, it could've been beaten on because these cars do get driven hard a lot....who was the previous owner? Look on the bright side, you're only a rebuild away from fixing all these problems

How many miles on it? I didn't check the link, sorry....

 

He doesnt list the mileage in the ad, that i can see. Assume probably in the 80+ range due to the price. I wouldnt worry about the plugs and wires as much as i would whether or not it the opti replaced, when the last clutch was put in, and tires, all 3 items that can poetentially cost you quite a few dollars in a short period of time.

 

Be wary of the intake manifold leak as well. Happens to a lot of people and happened to me a few weeks after buying my Z28 last May.

 

95 is definiately a good year to get. You get a vented opti, and unless it's a CA car, it only has 1 cat. It has OBD I.

Problems I had with my '94 Z28:

1) Smoked upon startup after it sat a while--valve guides were worn after only 40K
2) dreaded intake manifold leak
3) Count on replacing plugs & wires (& coil wire)--this is going to be your biggest nightmare. But it's also a good time to get close to your new baby. Don't forget a box of bandaids
4) Take it for a test drive and make sure it has power throughout the RPM range--sign of a bad optispark if it doesn't
5) Determine if the clutch engages at the top or the bottom--if at the top, it's probably on it's last legs
6) Get the plates for the borla!
7) Since this is a FL car--check the front for love bug damage. (I spent a few years in Orlando)

Thats all I can think of right now--good luck!

 

When you test drive it. make sure you do a 1/2 throttle 0-60 run and a full throttle 0-60 run. Between those 2 many of the common problems will be revealed. A bad opti cap will crossfire under high load at high RPMs. Usually 5000+ in first gear (when load is highest). If you are looking at an auto the 1/2 shift at WOT can tell you if you have a slipping band or bad servo (if either slip the gear wont engage in time and it may hit the rev limiter) (5825 in first 5805 in all other gears) The rear intake manifold leak is common. just dont assume its and intake leak if its at the rear of the engine. A RMS leak is expensive... An intake leake you can feel from the top.... burnt plug waires are very vommon especally if the car has headers... listen for gear whine or fueal pump whine. If you hear it in idle of course it is the pump. If you smell gas while the car is running bet the cat is shot. Not a big deal unless you gotta pass emissions. Factory cat is over 400$. But there are aftermarkets for 200-300 that flow a little better but dint function quite as well. I always look for signs of accidents. Quarter panel welds should be OEM looking... shade off fenders or front clips. are a sign of an accident. If it has a short throw shifter the synchos are probibly beat up. not a big deal because short throws are fun but they are very hard on synchros if you shift fast with them... If it grins with a relitivly fast shift synchros are shot.... vacuum leaks areound the Throttle body or intake elbow are pretty common. check oil. if it doesnt show up on the dipstick walk away, the car hasnt been taken care of... that covers most of it, good luck....