Hey fellas, well, I've done it. I think I killed my Camaro. I didn't change the oil for a year (applause) and when I checked the dipstick it registered ZERO oil. Totally dry. Jiffy Lube just put in 6 quarts but the car is not the same. When driving at crusing speeds its fine, but when I try to get on it it won't pull, it resists, and refuses to go fast as it used to. It also makes a clacking sound when I rev it past 25000 rpms. I changed the wires and plugs and cap and rotor. My brother thinks I blew the engine. What do you guys think? If its blown, should I rebuild or replace? How much for a rebuild? How much for a new engine?

I live in southern California, can anyone recommend a good shop?

Its an 89 Iroc, 305 tpi, manual tranny.

Thanks for any and all advice guys!!!

 

Defiantly messed up. Even without the clanking noise it's not going to perform like it used to without oil properly lubricating the cam lobes at a minimum.

I'd personally find a 350 and just slap on your TPI intake. I believe all you need to do to make it run properly is injectors and retune.

 

If it's not knocking or making any bad noises you can likely rebuild it fairly cheap. If it was run with no oil I'd bet that the valve springs are dead and that's why it wont rev up. Valve springs need to be kept cool by the oil. If they overheat they lose tension.

If you have the means, pull the engine out and take it to a machine shop to be cleaned, inspected and rebuilt.

Block-
Hot tank, mag block
Check align bore
Bore +.030"
Square deck
Plate hone
Resize the rods
Hot tank, mag, mic and polish the crank
Reassemble with new bearings and rings

Heads-
Disassemble and mag
Check the guides for wear-could need work due to the heat
I would blend the bowl areas if you can afford it. You'll pick up some good power.
A set of stainless valves
Comp valve job
Mill
Assemble with new valve springs

The only parts that you'd need are a set of pistons, bearings, timing set, oil pump, gasket set, valves and valve springs. Should be able to do the whole shebang for under $2k.

 

glad to hear this. thanks man!!

 

It will cost more money than a 350 would be. Chances are good without proper lubrication your block needs to be machined, you need to have the crank cut and install all new bearings, new cam and new lifters.

You can find assembled 350 long blocks for $500 or less.

 

Dont waste your money on the 305 unless youre trying to keep the car stock.

 

thanks guys. a 350 would be nice