I just found an 86 Camaro Z28 305 TPI I want to buy it for myself as a welcome home from Iraq gift! I am not that new to the Chevy game however this is my first TPI. I love the car and with a $700 tag I had to buy. I want to restore it to factory specs, but I dont know where to start, Im looking at a budget of about 1700 starting out. The motor runs strong and the trans still shifts smooth so unless there is something better than a good flush and a rebuild kit where should I be looking to start my rebuild. (The car will be my daily driver so that is why I'm keeping it stock for now)

Thanks in advance for the advice...

 

Thanks for serving!!

If what you say is true - it runs strong and shifts smooth, why do you want to rebuild it? Sounds like you might want to concentrate on other things, like body, interior or suspension. Might want to post a pic if you have one with more details....

 

I will post some pics soon, I said that because I just dont know if it's to good to be true, I would hate to put 1700 into paint and interior and have something cheap like a $20 heater core crapping out on me and dumping hot water all over my interior (I had a 77 malibu and it happened to me on my way off post... funny now scary then lol)

 

Thank You for Serving !

Don't let it overwhelm you, check your frontend components and your brakes if its running good. Front wheel bearings and axle seals in the rear. A good investment would be a GM shop manual from e-bay.

 

Thanks, I am definitely going to get that manual. How much do you think the front wheel bearings/ rear axle seals will run me for?

 

You should be able to do the front bearings and front seals for $25 to $30, thats here in MS may be higher or lower where you are. The rear seals don't usually leak but check them anyway, don't let the brake cylinder fool you into thinking the axle is leaking. These checks will give you peace of mind and you can enjoy your car while you work on it ! The manual is a must if you start having problems with the TPI.

 

Thanks, the heads up on the brake cylinder as pertaining to the axle was much needed

 

check and replace worn suspension components, shocks, ***** joints etc and g from there most suspension is 20+ years old.

 

this sums up where i was going to recommend first. the 87 I picked up a year ago only had 70k on the odometer, but all the bushings are cracked and not pretty. Using this as an excuse now to do new a-arm bushings, ball joints (since the arms have to come out anyway), and upgrade the rear control arms and panhard bar to something beefier.

and like the others have already mentioned, thanks for serving!

 

Thank you, I do hear everyones suggestions and im glad to get your responses also. In recap... good tune up and check the suspension, brakes and any other part that may have been over looked for the last 25 years

 

Tires, and when you do a tune up don't forget to replace the fuel filter, often overlooked, it's placed right behind the rear driver side tire, if you didn't already know.