ok, so I have a 1988 Camaro Iroc-Z with the L89, but I bought the car not running. since purchase, I've replaced the spark plugs, oil, oil filter, ecm, prom, and distributor coil. BUT the thing just will not start. Unfortunately, this leads me to believe that my motor may be locked up. I really don't have the money to buy a whole new engine, so is there anything I might've overlooked, or am I just stuck with getting a new engine?? all comments are welcome. Thanks, guys.

 

Well if by "locked up" you mean its seized, then yes go find a new motor. You could probably get that one goingdepending on what caused the seize.

 

Does the starter spin the motor? (yes/no)

Yes: it's not locked up, you have some other problem

No: Do you know for sure that the starter is good? Tried it on another car, or tried another starter on this car? (yes/no)

Yes: motor is toast; rebuild or replace

No: get a good starter on it and go from there

 

ok, it seems I always speak too soon with the the repairs on this car (I annoy myself sometimes). Yesterday, AFTER I left the original post, I went over to my brother's house (where the car is being fixed at) so I could see for myself what he told me it was doing after he installed the new starter. It actually [finally] turned over, just once, and then resumed doing what its always done...turn a fraction of an inch and stop with each turn of the key (does this mean it IS or ISNT locked up? ). So, now my brother is going through and checking every wire for a short. I hope that will help. I'd rather buy all new wires for the entire car than get a new engine. oh and the starter is brand new, along with all the other parts I listed in the original post. Thanks for your help, guys.