Hey guys I am new here and was wondering if you wouldnt mind answering some questions. I recently got from my older brother his 1987 Camaro 5.0. The car has SAT for about 5 months. What should I look for and how can I safely start the engine? My brother said that before he parked the car it ran a little rough, he had to keep his foot on the gas to keep her running but it would accelerate just fine. Any idea? Thank you for looking.

 

Welcome aboard.

First, some clarification is in order. TBI wasn't offered in 3rd gens until 1988. If it is an '87, it's most likely a carb'd engine. If it's TBI, it's most likely an '88 model car. So, look at your VIN and tell us what the 8th character is.

Either way, the most likely causes of your problem involve ignition, fuel system issues, or vacuum leaks. Ignition would be spark plugs, spark plug wires, cap, or rotor, most likely. Fuel would be plugged passages. Vacuum could be a rotted hose, bad gasket, etc.

 

5 months is not that long to leave a car sit. New cars sit in lots for up to a year without ever turning over and people store their cars for months on end in the winter months. 5 years on the other hand would be different. Assuming any problems that Five mentioned are taken into consideration, you can fire her up and be on your merry way.

 

Thanks for the reply guys. Yes you are right it is a 4bbl carb! My brother said the only problems he had with the car was at a certian RPM he had to "flutter" the gas??? If I can start the car I will be very happy because he sold it to me for only 250$ because he cant drive it. (He had his licence revoked for DUI) Moron. Anyway thanks for anymore hlep you can give me!