If the price is right I may be buying a bone stock 87 IROC LB9/700R4. I havent had a chance to see the car in person but from what I can gather its condition is quite above average for its age. Clean Carfax, never failed smog (which tells a lot about a car I believe) The car has 167k on it, original everything. I know the GM V8 is hit or miss, could go to 400k or die at 100k. I'm hoping to get at least another 20k out of the car before I have to do any serious engine or tranny work.

Will the motor speak to me at all and tell me whether or not she's got another 20-30k? What noises/signs to look for? Other than the obvious things you look at for used cars of course.

I know I could probably find this in a search, but the problem is my terms are very general and I would have to search hundreds of posts which isnt practical.

 

Well,
It should run smooth as silk. Never shake, at idle. No lope. Respond instantly to throttle. Sound very quiet underhood, other than injectors - they should tick slightly. Pull a few plugs if you can - look for tan (no glazed over, whitish deposits, or black sooty ones), and the less grey/black on the outside porcelain, the better. Do a compression and leak down test and hope all are the same, with acceptable leak down. Hope for no smoke (bluish smoke) at first start in the morning (white condensing water vapor is fine - and 100% normal). Smell the exhaust for antifreeze, or oil. Get the fuel pressure checked (and at high load if possible). Get the car into a VERY dark area, and disconnect the hood light, and look for spark plug wire arcing.

Check the coolant for foamy bubbles. Check the oil for milky color, or neglect. Start the car and let it idle for a LONG time, and see if it overheats (basically wait for the fans to come on, and then make sure it keeps the temperature under control). Test drive it extensively. The tranny is the thing I'd worry about more.

Check the "Check Engine Light" to see that it's connected - by turning the key on, without starting the engine. Make sure it goes out after the engine starts. Engine should start quite quickly. Check wire harness for tampering and cracked wires/connectors.

Otherwise, I'd be more concerned about the body and interior, and tire condition.

 

my 700r4 **** the bed at 132xxx miles (2 weeks after i got it) motor is still good

 

My tranny slips a hair every now and then at 95k miles... 95k hard miles.