The new daily driver

[good2win22]

As most folks know, my daughter had a a little fender bender a few weeks back that led to some car swapping around the house. I had my eye on this little gem that a friend had picked up and the timing worked out in my favor. 1993 Camaro Z28. 


It ran rough and was spewing oil from the pressure transducer just above the oil filter.  After a little haggling, we agreed on a price and I took it home. $30  and 30 minutes later there was no more oil leak.  Also found two plug wires not even connected to the plugs. Running smoother now but still not there yet.  Took some time at work to research the old opti spark and found a great vendor for third and fourth gen camaro/firebirds. Ordered up an MSD opti spark and wires.  Got some plugs locally. Watched some YouTube vids and then called Rich and Brad to get some pointers. In 93 the opti spark was not vented but the new MSD set up came with the vented cover as well as vacuum lines and check valves to make it work.


Got started on it today and it wasn't that bad except for the corroded terminals on what I believe is the original cap and rotor. Of course there were other things that popped up but I had the front tore down anyway so new seals for the crank and opti spark drive as well as a new water pump.  The old pump had signs of leakage out of the weep hole and appeared to be missing the drive bearing cover. It also didn't sound so good when turning the pump. New belt tensioner bearing and a new belt. Not real sold on the reverse flow cooling system. It's a pain to bleed.  Two new cooling fan motors were in the trunk so on they went as well. Fired it up and really running smooth. Ran out of time and had to clean up to make it to Friday night lights to watch the kids march in the band. Brakes and tranny filter are on the list for tomorrow.  May get to may not... We'll see

[Steve Wood]

but the reverse cooling system works...and that is what counts

[good2win22]

Tranny filter, tranny fluid, front and rear brakes, flushed the old brake fluid, new set of rubber and flushed the power steering fluid.  Taking it to work this evening. Hopefully it's an uneventful trip.

[nocooler]

Hopefully it's not a 2.78 rear gear. Needs some true duals on it!

[good2win22]

Hopefully it's not a 2.78 rear gear. Needs some true duals on it!

The rear has 3.23 gears.  Not sure of the exhaust system that's on it but it ain't quite. Made it down to Carrizo springs without any hiccups. She likes to cruise around 80-82 when there isn't any traffic. Filled up outside of Dilley and my math shows 21.32 mpg. Not bad and definitely better than the Wagoneer. I'll get a better look at it tomorrow in the daylight to check it over

[good2win22]

Hopefully it's not a 2.78 rear gear. Needs some true duals on it!

Looked at some true dual systems and they ain't cheap!

[Steve Wood]

After Buicks, that part (cost) is the hard part.  I watch these tv shows and they spend $1200 on an exhaust system then rave about the 11 hp they picked up.

[good2win22]

It sure would be nice to have a competent exhaust shop somewhere close by. Seems like that is another one of those lost skills.

[TexasT]

Probably have to go to Houston for some fancy exhaust. When I was down there selling one of the customers bought a $60k mandrel bending machine. I believe he was down on 1960.

http://www.ripleysmufflerandbrakes.com/
They did top notch work fifteen years ago. Not sure about now.

[good2win22]

Wasnt really looking to sale the camaro but it happened yesterday. Maybe I'm getting soft. Loved driving that car on the highway. It was made for highway cruising. Just didn't like getting in and out of it. Anyway, young kid from church has himself a really solid driver.


Now looking for another daily/work vehicle...  Anyone of you guys ever own a VW TDI?

[Steve Wood]

Guess you won't be asking for seat time in my Miata, huh? 

[nocooler]

I like driving VW's - but they are bastards to diagnose and repair. Like most german things they are over-engineered because they can, not because it's necessary.


I hear you about getting in and out of a f-body. Add a roll bar and mine is a bitch.

[TexasT]

One of my cousins loves the VW diesels. He sez with a little restraint he can get 50mpg commuting to Chicago and back to Racine area.

[motorhead]

Get a 2WD TBSS.  They are becoming really affordable and are excellent vehicles.

[nocooler]

Rich, they'll pull some mpg's for sure. But I'd take my wife's civic that gets 40mpg any day.

My Passat required the vw specific scanner to diagnose anything. Then 99% of the fasteners are triple-hex. But if you have some friends that know the quirks you'll be good.