I let my IROC sit and idle while I was putting some air in the tires. I noticed that even after it was warmed up it still puffed smoke out of the tail pipes. I'm beginning to wonder if the rings are worn out in it. When I changed the spark plugs 3 of them were bad, not really covered it wet oil, but carbon build up on the electrode. I guess the only thing to do is replace the valve seals and see if it stops.

What do you guys thinK? Would leaky valve seals continue to smoke after the car is warm? Normally from what I've heard it just smokes at start up and then stops. I hope it is just the valve seals cause I really don't want to have the engine rebuilt unless it's absolutely necessary.

BTW, It was the first time I'd started it up in around 3 weeks or so.

 

One way to test for seals is getting a compression checker at any autoparts store and testing those 3 cyls for leaks. If those 3 test out fine with about the same pressure as the rest of the cyls, and for what is common for an engine with your milage, then start attacking the seals.
You could also buy a bottle of lucas motor oil or some other thick oil treatment that stops smoke. That will buy you some time, if your seals are bad, till you can either get replacement heads or seals.

 

I don't drive it. It needs some work. I mean I could drive it, but I want to get it right before I do. When I take the when I take the radiator to the repair shop I'm going to pick up seals. My dad's friend will let me borrow his compression tester. I'm pretty sure it's just the valve seals. Once I replace them, get the radiator repaired, and the exhaust leak fixed; it should be road ready other than having no gauges. I've stripped the interior which was terribly ragged out. I'm getting it mechanically sound, then getting a paint job, then installing the interior. All black with an Autometer Phantom gauge setup. White face with blue backlighting. Should be awesome.

 

OK, an update. I hate when you never find out what happened to things that are posted about.

I changed my valve seals about 3 weeks ago. Turned out great. Used the compressed air trick.

I did a compression test first and it all turned out good. The lowest compression was 150 psi and the highest was 165 psi.

Then I changed the tranny mount and all but a bit of vacuum line. So it's all good now, no smoke. It smoked a little while after I changed the seals, burning off residual oil I guess. Now you can start it up anytime and no smoke what so ever.

Plus, I didn't have to rebuild the engine. Probably going to leave it stock for the time being.

I am, however, going to get a shift kit, stall converter, and 3.73 gears. That should liven it up a bit.