well I have a v6 camaro right now and have started looking into moving up to an lt1. can you guys give me some tips of what to look for. im on a low budget, (just turned 17) so the milage will probably need to be on the high side but what is to high. any other tips would be appreciated .
thanks

 

i am selling my 94 T/A. it has 69k on it and in great condition, where are you located?

 

well first off........ check the fender wells for rubber and such... this shows signs of abuse,also check under the car for oil leaks and such.... near the transmisson inspection pan (rear main) and along the under side (intake?). look at the engine bay..... look for anything funny like clipped wires and broken peices..if its dirty... you may want to think about what your getting yourself into... gudging by the cleanliness of the car... matinence maybe a real concern.


put your finger underneath the water pump and see if its wet at all...this can save you alot of money by replacing it before it take out your opti. look for miss's and stubles throughout the powerband......


inside.....check to make sure the seats and solid, arm rest door is cracking......other stuff like that. check to see if there is any clunking in the driveline when you put it in gear... this is also helpful to spot bad rear ends...u-joints and failing transmission componets.


check the cooling system...check the tempature during crusing, also look at the coolant... see if its low....or if the coolant(greeen) is discolored. same with oil (brown) and trans fliud (red)

check to see if the brakes are okay.... and if the car starts okay.

other than those lil things i can think of off the top of my head..... thats it.

 

1994transam: thanks i printed out that list to take with me when i go looking at car

94transam4: i am located in delaware

 

make sure you examine those power window motors, make sure the windows go up and down smoothly and quickly. window motors can be a bitch. check the turn signal. there could be a socket problem.(common on f-bodys). check for modification's.(good indecator if it has been driven hard). and most importantly, drive the car for more than 5 minutes. take it on the highway. whatever it takes for you to be satisfied with the ride of the car. dont be afraid to test the car at WOT. ask when the optispark was replaced (if at all). and there might be an intake manifold leak(oil) on the rear passenger side of the engine. dont worry, this is common. i would say half of fbodys have it. can be fixed by yourself. thats all i can think of that 1994transam hasnt covered. good luck, and by the way i live in illinois. you will enjoy the LT1

 

after all of the above, let the car idle for at least 15 minutes, and test drive it again......because that's where the misfire is usually accours......

 

thanks for all the help guys i have a nice list with all of these things printed out so i wont get caught in the moment and buy something just to later find out it has problems thanks again if anyone else has any more ideas please let me know.
(now all i have to do is talk my dad into the idea lol)

 

I would in addition to what was mentioned above, clutch (manual) and transmision (auto). Most people take there car out for a glory ride or two before it gets tradded in. Also check the tires, they'll set you back a handful.

 

I'd also run a carfax just in case as well...

 

Check out the article at the bottom of the page on my site for some great info.

 

I second what TMDZ28 said. Make sure that temp gets hot, like 225 or hotter. I have this problem now, if it gets to hot then it stumbles but if its below the halfway mark then it's fine. So just let it idle with out the AC on.
Zack S.

 

i would also ask about the fuel pump...has it been replaced or not. ask about everything you can!!!
i bought mine with 69K miles on it: i made the dealer fix an oil leak with the intake, the power seat switches, and the console before i bought it. a week later they were replacing the fuel pump under warranty. a month later i was replacing the water pump and all four tires because they were dry rot. i've also replaced the clutch and throw-out bearing since i've had it.
if you buy it from a dealer...MAKE ABSOLUTELY sure you get at least a 1000 mile/1 month warranty!!!!!
having a bit of trouble with the synchro's in the transmission right now, but from what i've read on this board that seems to pretty common after a few years.
don't let any of this scare you...i got a REALLY good deal on mine when i bought it and looking back, i would do it all over again. i love my car and it's tons of fun!!! i wouldn't trade it for anything in the world...except an SS!!
good luck...you won't be disappointed!

 

Gm high tech mag had an article on how to by a used lt1. Their list included lots of the above stuff and also if not already mentioned the following:
-intake bellow (it rips on underside by throttle body)
-headlight doors on firebirds
-transmission mounts
-wet torque arms(pinion seal leak)
-wheel locks(do they have the key?)

Good luck

 

How much?

 

7900 obo