So I have a 1989 Camaro Iroc-Z L98 with about 60k original miles. I originally had a 1985 sports coupe with the VERY LEAKY 2.8. That car eventually became more than my 17 year old lifestyle could handle. So, this past summer, I worked and saved up for this car. Now comes my worst fear. I love this car, and the only issues I've had with it is the VATS system. Not a huge deal but just constantly chasing around bugs of all types. I DO NOT want to get rid of this car just because I'm off to college. At the same time, I don't want to watch it rot away for four years with little attention. So I guess what I'm getting at is, what do I need to do for the engine, heck even the tranny, that will provide me with a decent start to keep this thing going throughout the next four years. Any and all advice will be appreciated!!

 

Just drive it a little, keep up on the maintenance and keep it clean. Don't let it sit if it beaks down on you, fix it asap.

 

X2

You say: "I worked and saved up for this car."

So now maintain it and treat it well. Don't beat the crap out of it.

And another thing.........I wouldn't pull into college doing a power slide sideways saying "Look at me and my IROC."

It cost money to keep a car running well.

Good luck with school.......we need more educated people in this country!

 

With only 60K miles that thing will last you many years and need just basic routine maintenance.

A sbc engine will go 300K miles if you keep it up.

Oil and filter change every 3K miles.
Change spark plugs every 50K miles
I would say replace fuel filter about every 25K miles

When a part fails or wears out, replace it asap. Don't redline the engine, or do big burn outs every time you get on the road

 

maybe look into a custom prom to completely eliminate vats. That way there is no chance of being left stranded if it fails on you.

 

Haha no powerslides for me! Love my car (and my new tires ) way to much for that. Does anyone know of a good place to start for a custom PROM?

 

Easiest way to eliminate the vats is to call PCM of NC and order a vats delete chip for $100.

 

I drove a Third Gen throughout college, and did several roadtrips up to and including a 10,000 miler. Here's my advice:

1. Carry a basic metric tool set with you everywhere you go. Get a simple torx key set and screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and something like the Craftsman Max-Axxes (sp?) socket wrench set. Put them under the hatch, and don't leave home without them.

2. Carry a spare ignition module and coil with you EVERYWHERE. Stick it in the little door in the hatch area and keep them there. 3/4 of the time I've been stranded was because of one of these things. Get AC Delco ones from RockAuto. Don't use aftermarket units, they are horribly unreliable.

3. As soon as you have a good chunk of free time, drop the tank and put in a Walbro 255 fuel pump. I lost Thanksgiving leave one year (the only time I had a chance to go home in 6 months) because my fuel pump went out about 100 miles from the start. No warning, just up and quit.

Other than that, keep up the basic maintenance, throw in preventative maintenance every time you have a chance, and enjoy it. And finally, don't wreck it like I did!

-cal30sniper

 

Or ,

Since it sounds as if this car may be spending some time in a school's parking lot ,

Maybe look into properly repairing the VATS system so it can do it's job of keeping your car yours ????

Especially if being left in "high theft areas" (which to me is anywhere outside of my garage) a properly working VATS system really could save ya if some Ahole tries to take your car . Why disable something built for your benefit ?

 

Does anyone make new VATS ignition cylinders to repair the system? The original design is highly flawed, and virtually guaranteed to fail with age. That's why mine wears a modern car alarm and anti-theft system with a VATS delete.