My 87 IROC has started to smoke at startup, generally, what I am told is this is a head issue.

That stated, its also lost noticably fuel effientcy that it had when I purchased it. I take meticulous care of the car, oil changes are done usually before they need to, and 6 month matinences are handled on time. But still I've noticed its lost a little zing.

I have decided its probably time, since I have the funds now, to rebuild or replace the engine. But I need to get a generally idea of what would be cheaper.

There are no weird sounds or anything, I dont think anything is 'broken' within the edge aside from the head gasket. So its not like I need too much replaced.

 

first off, it it only smokes on startup then it's probably your valve seals. I doubt your head gaskets are shotsky.

Second, do a compression and leakdown test firts to see IF there is anything wrong with the bottom end. It may just FEEL slower, it's a thirdgen. You may be used to it so it feels slower. Go drive a moped for a week then get back into your Camaro and it'll feel like a porsche.

Third, if you're looking for the cheapest way out, leave it alone and drive it. To rebuild an engine properly is not cheap by any means.

If it aint broke, don't fix it!

 

Upon gassing there is a very distinct icky smell and it usually smokes more =/

 

what color smoke? Could be running rich.

 

the leakdown test that I mentioned may also tell you if a head gasket is shot.

 

smokes when hiting the gas = rings, valve guids, or head gasket. not alway but probly dont know without a leakdown test.

rebuilds can be cheap under 700 but while your in there i cant stop myself from throughing 3000 at it. now doing a swap isnt cheap iv never seen a junk yard motor i would just want to through into my car. yeah you can get them for a few hundred but whats to say your not going to be in the same spot in a year. or just get a crate motor. they have them for all price ranges well not all but they come with a warrenty. just my 2 cents.

 

Well it smells like really bad gas if you ask me, but then I did switch her from the gas she usually gets. Used to always get highest octane Sunoko gas they sold, dont have any no where I moved and I am too cheap to sell out the 20 centsd extra so shes on regular. =/ Probably not helping!

Eh I dunno, guess I'll just find a good mechanic around here and get them to tell me what to do.

 

Oh the smoke is usually white in color, and thick. ANd it happens anytime she has been sitting more then an hour.

 

Head gasket would be white smoke and you would notice antifreeze in the oil and also be filling up the overflow for the rad every once in a while.

Its going to be rings if its smoking after initial startup, You can easily pop a new set of rings in but to do the job right you will need to get the block bored out which also means new pistons too.

Then at this point you decide what you want to do, Your going to spend a few dollars to rebuild it or are you going to go another step and stroke it or something.

But if you want to go the cheapest way just throw new rings and valve guides in her and hope for the best.

Edit: Ok just seen your new post, its definately a head gasket.

 

http://www.northernautoparts.com/

has good cheap rebuild kits. same with summit. your going to need to find a good mechanic to do the rebuild.
You can just replace the head gasket on it. haynes manuals and this board can help you through it if you want to give it a shot. id recomend having a spare vehicle while doing the job if your unsure just incase. its not to hard of a job but there is a lot to do. it can take a full weekend to do or like 6-8 hours at a shop. You should get a repair manual they are good to have. hope this helps and good luck