i just wanted to tell everyone that i just purchased a 1984 z28 camaro and i can now use all the amazing info on this website to help me out. its got a 5.0 H.O. V8 and an automatic. all the power options, nice car. ill put pictures up soon. im so excited, i got my license on the same day also, which was today. im 16 and loving it.

i know that this is a tech/general engine post, so ill ask a question about that. how much power do you think i could gain from a thorough tune-up? and what would a thorough tune-up consist of? Any help would be great!

 

Congrats on the purchase man!

The L69 was a hell of a motor back in the day. I think you're rated at something like 190 hp at the fly bone-stock. As far as a tuneup goes, do a search for "TomP Tuneup"....he's made it notorious by now so it should be EASY to find. He's basically included EVERYTHING....from all the sensors, to the basics like plugs, wires, dist. cap/rotor, fuel filter, etc.

Some of it may or may not apply to you since you're going to have a computer controlled Quadrajet, as opposed to the TBI or TPI/MPFI setups most of the cars on the boards have.

 

That depends on how bad it needs it.

You don't "gain power" from doing maintenace, especially not if it's overdue. All you do, is to restore to some extent, what it wasn't making due to poorly functioning parts.

At best, you might be able to get it back to somewhere near its factory output, if everything else about it is perfect. I'll have to let you be the judge of that part.

A "thorough" tune-up would be a complete fluid change (oil, trans fluid, rear-end fluid, coolant); plugs, wires, cap, rotor, O2 sensor; carb rebuild, air & fuel filters; new valve cover gaskets and valve guide seals; belts & hoses; front wheel bearings and brakes all the way around; and a new set of tires. That's about the minimum I'd consider doing to a freshly bought car. They usually require a great deal more; A/C charge, battery and other electrical parts, exhaust, steering, suspension, springs & shocks, etc. etc. etc.

Sounds like it could be a nice car; take good care of it, enjoy it, don't trash it out. I've had my 83 HO car since before you were born, so I know how good of a car they can be.

 

Tune-Up =

Checking/Replacing the following: Plugs, Plug Wires, Distributor Cap & Rotor, Air Filter, and Fuel Filter.

I would also run some fuel system cleaner through, as well as check for vacuum leaks, check trans fluid, power steering fluid, and change engine oil. I would also like to say congrats on getting a thirdgen Camaro, BUT remember to drive smart out there on the road. Have fun with your Camaro, just be SMART on the streets.

 

Heres a tip. Something of a trend I've noticed at work... do NOT use NGK spark plugs in your motor, use a set of AC Delco R45TS (thats the right plug IIRC) or whaveter Champion plugs fit.

NGK plugs for some reason don't last very long or work very well in a SBC, especially compared to AC plugs.

 

I have had really good luck with AC Delco R45TS plugs. I used to run accell header plugs and they would foul pretty quick. Not sure why but ac delcos do well. That is usually what I try to sell everyone at work. They are cheap and really good.

 

I do that too. Never had a complaint yet

 

Delco plugs here, as well. NGK are for Mitsu and Ford engines.

 

Hmm... NGK coppers are the favorite on impalassforum.com (I also own a caprice) what gives???