Trying to help my newphew complete a camaro project that his deceased father couldn't complete. The car is running, but doesn't seem to be running on all 8. The mechanic involved said keep driving it; he believes there is a sticking valve that should open...giving him the performance he once had.

Do we have any other options? Does this sound legit?

Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like a lazy ***(mechanic) that does not want to deal with the issue. The LT1 is an interference engine. Meaning, because of it's relatively high compression ratio, it is possible for the piston to hit the valves. If it sticks at the wrong time, (I don't know of a good time) it could cause a major problem.

The first thing for your friend to do is to check the cylinders carefully with a leak down tester. An infrared thermometer will pin point the problem cylinder that can then be tested with the leak down tester.

 

Just to make sure we know what you are asking about - are you saying that you are working on a 91 Z28 that has had an LT1 engine swapped into it? If its an LT1, with the LT1 PCM, you need to scan it for codes. How you scan it for codes will depend on what year LT1 it is (93, 94-95 or 96-97).

Is the mechanic suggesting that its an intake/exhaust valve, or possibly some other valve used as part of the engine management system?