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Trans Am ENGINE HELP

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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 10:29 AM
  #1  
slept's Avatar
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Trans Am ENGINE HELP

Hi,
I just got a 1987 trans am out of a crappy garage for $200. It starts up the previous owner hasnt used it in years. the problem is the engine like bogs down and then the car shuts off. like im at a stop sign and as im about to go the car goes off. or it just plainly shuts off as i restart it. please help. thanks
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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 11:00 AM
  #2  
John 89 Formula's Avatar
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From: Everett, MA . USA
Car: 89 FORMULA FIREBIRD, 86 CHEVY CAMARO
Engine: L98, LB9 RESPECTIVLY
Transmission: 700 R4 (BOTH)
Re: Trans Am ENGINE HELP

carbed or fuel injected?
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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 11:01 AM
  #3  
NINÅ's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,341
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From: Mooresville NC
Car: LOWERED ♦ CRIMSON METALFLAKE
Engine: ► 400 KUBES ◄
Transmission: 765R4
Axle/Gears: EATON POSI 4.56
Slightly Used, Never Abused

Due to the fact you just got it and might not know the maintenance history, which is probably poor @ $200, you should replace plugs, wires, filters, any vacuum hoses which look suspect.

Then scan codes.

After the above the performance problem can be dealt with.


Happy Racing!


If People Drove Any Slower They’d Be Going Backwards

When you see fog or “running” lights on in good weather beware. Low performance driver ahead.

How bout those nitwits too scared to drive without headlights in the daytime and the nitwits that need headlights for a little rain

.
.

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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 11:42 AM
  #4  
wanab03ss's Avatar
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,111
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From: chicago
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: 385 sbc
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
Re: Trans Am ENGINE HELP

Is it pulling any codes? You definetly need a full tune up and as previously stated replace any vacuum lines that are dry rotted, probally all of them. Rub some Zmax on the top of the motor and transmission,,that should fix what ever is wrong with it.... that stuff is amazing
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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 05:31 PM
  #5  
slept's Avatar
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Re: Trans Am ENGINE HELP

uhm. see thing is it runs and drives. the engine is actually clean. but its all old.. it runs and drives. just like i said it shuts off like it bogs out and u have to gas it. like the guy who sold it to me was a complete dumby because it has no miles its 100% original. the car is there. needs tlc though. ill upload a pic. i changed the alternator yesterday.
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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 06:19 PM
  #6  
slept's Avatar
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Re: Trans Am ENGINE HELP

5L V8 Fuel injected

Last edited by slept; Jan 29, 2010 at 06:22 PM.
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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 07:52 PM
  #7  
docpnutbutr's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: central NC
Car: 87 Z-28, 89 GTA, 79 WS-6,
Engine: 87- 305 TPI, 335 stroker, 403 Olds.
Transmission: 700r4,700r4, and th400
Axle/Gears: mostly stock
Re: Trans Am ENGINE HELP

Try changing your fuel filter and top off the tank with fresh 93 octane or better. I bought my 87 after it sat for 3 years. same problems. Give it a GOOD tune up. Plugs,wires,filters,oil,coolant, EVERYTHING. Other than the MAF problem I am having lately, it has run like a top for years.
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Old Jan 30, 2010 | 10:10 AM
  #8  
slept's Avatar
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Re: Trans Am ENGINE HELP

Originally Posted by docpnutbutr
Try changing your fuel filter and top off the tank with fresh 93 octane or better. I bought my 87 after it sat for 3 years. same problems. Give it a GOOD tune up. Plugs,wires,filters,oil,coolant, EVERYTHING. Other than the MAF problem I am having lately, it has run like a top for years.
thanksss


another problem happened... when i try to start the car it wont work. like when i turn the key it make a squealing noise like it has a super charger in it, just when i turn the key, so it wont start.
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 01:32 PM
  #9  
NINÅ's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 10
From: Mooresville NC
Car: LOWERED ♦ CRIMSON METALFLAKE
Engine: ► 400 KUBES ◄
Transmission: 765R4
Axle/Gears: EATON POSI 4.56
Slightly Used, Never Abused


From the sound you’re describing it seems like the starter pinion is spinning but not sliding into the flywheel.

The starter will have to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced.


Happy Racing!


If People Drove Any Slower They’d Be Going Backwards

When you see fog or “running” lights on in good weather beware. Low performance driver ahead.

How bout those nitwits too scared to drive without headlights in the daytime and the nitwits that need headlights for a little rain

.
.

Reply
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