Ok, I'm want to store my 89 GTA as I now have a reliable daily driver. I won't be driving it for a while. What shall I do to protect the motor when sitting so long? It has fresh Mobil 1 in it now. Anyway, it will likely be siting for a couple of years before I get the paint done...etc. Should I just keep the battery in and start it up once a month until I'm ready to tear it apart?

Thanks

Steve

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89 GTA G92
305 TPI WC 5spd w/3.45
Accel Cap & 8mm Taylor's
Custom 4" Cold Air Induction
Jet Airfoil
K&N Airfilter
160 deg stat/fan switch TB Bypass - Steel Rad
Cat back 3" Exhaust w/Terminator Muff.
HiGh FlOw Dynomax Cat
Spohn LCA's - KYB GR-2's
Moroso Crank Bolt and roller pilot bearing.
New Fuel Pump!
Autometer Vac+Oil Temp
2000 Yamaha R1 150hp 385ibs

 

There are a lot of things that should be done to store a car for that length of time.
1.) Wash, Wax, detail inside and out including engine and underside. Touch up any bare metal and treat any rust.
2.) Change fluids(oil, rear end, tranny, coolant, brake fluid
3.) Full tank of gas, add stabilizer
4.) Lube all grease fittings
5.) Remove battery
6.) Put car up on blocks on front A-arms and rear axle so the tires don't get flat-spotted
7.) Silicone spray on any rubber components can help form dryrotting
8.) Cover car
9.) Do not start it just to let it warm up every now and then. It will contaminate the oil if you don't drive it for a while and let the raw fuel in the oil from start up burn off. This doesn't matter for daily driving, but for long term storage it can cause corrosion inside the engine.
10.) Starting it and driving for 1/2 hour once a year will keep the seals from drying out. After driving, the above should be repeated.

This may seem like overkill, but if you want the car to be just like it is now when you are ready to drive it again, then it's worth doing.

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89 Transam GTA, 350TPI, auto, 3.27 rear, dual cats, gray.
Magnaflow cat-back,
K&N open element,
Best E.T. 14.63@95mph

 

I would do everything but wash it. Any trapped water will have fun with your car.

 

Thanks for the great info. Sounds great! This is now my project car so I don't mind doing all the 'overkill' work you've stated. That's exactly it, I want it to be as close as possible to the way it drives now....without a hitch.

Thanks again,

 

I should clarify that. Wash it, but allow it to dry for a day before you cover it. Use a car duster just before you cover it.

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89 Transam GTA, 350TPI, auto, 3.27 rear, dual cats, gray.
Magnaflow cat-back,
K&N open element,
Best E.T. 14.63@95mph

 

Any concerns regarding covering a car and moisture? I've heard that they have special car covers that 'breath' to let the moisture escape. Worth it?

 

My father takes out the battery ,puts dry gas in and covers his car (its being stored inside) with a very lite cover. Sometimes it will sit for a year or two like that. The tires "square up" but a few miles should bring them back. I store my car in the winter and leave the battery in but I do start it every other week and put dry gas in it.
If you storing the car outside dont go cheap on the cover buy the best you can. A down side to a cover might (not on all cars) sometimes fade away the paint where it was rubbing against due to wind etc. Get the best cover you can
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1988 Sport Coupe 305 TBI
K&N
Flowmaster 80


Daily driver:
1988 K1500 5.7 4x4 shortbed flowmaster cat-back gutted cat.
AOL: RyanNH84

[This message has been edited by NHcamaro (edited October 03, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by NHcamaro (edited October 03, 2001).]

 

nope, the car will be stored inside