Been reading this site for some time but the first time I've logged in for some advise...Just picked up a '97 Z28, LT1. 85k mi., body in very good shape but the opti keeps me from geting past 4500rpm. At least that's what I've been told after some investigation...I want to rebuild the car but where do I start?

Any thoughts, suggestions, reading, research, recommendations would be appreciated...
Thanks

 

If the car only has 85k why not just get it running right and then start with basic bolt-ons. Get you a CAI, some headers and a cat-back. Then you can start getting more serious by tearing into the motor. Thats what I would do.

 

A little more specific. Where did you get the car? Who told you that the opticspark is prohibiting you from going beyond 4500 RPM? Did you not notice when you got the car that it was limited to 4500 RPM? What else is it not doing/doing? These guys are good but they don't have ESP.

 

rebuild? Do you mean rebuild as in tune-up or complete overhaul of engine? Go buy a new opti and swamp it in.

 

I've always wanted one, especially a bit of a project car so...here I am, this is the 30th anniversary version, black T-top...in any case perhaps I didn't do 100% due dilligence by NOT running the car all the up when I was test driving it. I've done some internet research and talked with a few local speed shops and the opti seems to be the problem. The engine misses at ~4200-4500rpm, consistently. Two ways to go, wait for the engine to die completely and do a real rebuild/replacement or do aftermarket, replace the opti and drive it for a while...

Bought it in a private sale. Has some after market...headers, flowmaster exhaust. Been inspected and passes NJ for the road sticker and although the tranny and rear end drip a bit they perform well so far. Brakes are good, windows work but are slow. Some internal leaking when I wash it. Looking for some advise on how to proceed? What would anyone do, keep it stock, customize, rebuild the engine or drop a new one in? Complete rebuild of the car or piecemeal? Trying to create value in the car. Interested in the commentary...

 

rebuild? Do you mean rebuild as in tune-up or complete overhaul of engine? Go buy a new opti and swamp it in.

 

The first thing I would do it contact the original owner (or the guy you bought it from) and get as much information from him as you can. Ask him when the plugs were changed, if ever. Ask him about any other mods are work that has been done. I.e., save yourself some work by gettin some information up front, bearing in mind that you might not be getting the truth.

Then have a shop check it out, including any codes thrown, compression check, etc.

I suggest getting the engine up to snuff before you do anything else. I would do this before automatically assuming that the opti is bad, although it very well could be. The optis don't like to get wet and if everything else is leaking, doesn't seems like the owner cared much about getting it really wet. JMHO

 

BTW: "Value" is a relative term. If you got the car for free, you still probably wouldn't make a profit after you do what needs to be done. If by value, you mean something worthwhile for you, then you need to decide how much effort and money you are willing to part with to get the results you desire. JMHO

 

it could be something minor. Check for the little things before buying a opti. Especially if your going to pay to have it installed.

Than do as stated: cold air intake, headers and exhaust. PCM tune, gears, suspension.

 

i dont know if that would be a good choice......i would get it taken care of b4 any post damage can occur if it hasnt already