I'm new here, so sorry if this post is in the wrong spot, say something and I'll move it/remove it.

I've never owned a third gen but have loved them for over two years, so recently I went to see a third gen for sale (1989 IROC-Z28 Camaro 5.7 liter TPI), body and frame was in decent condition, however there is a issue with the steering I think. It has a lot of play, like you have to move the steering wheel 2 inches or so to get it to actually do anything. From what I understand, a lot of things with the steering system could cause this, but is there a certain thing with third gens that go bad first?

Also, and I know this will probably be impossible to figure out from reading this, but the engine seems to be burning a lot of oil. I could smell it coming from the exhaust, so would this mean it's probably the piston rings or does something else first go bad on these engines?

I got them to go down to $3,500, but probably going to ask if they can go lower. Really like the car, just don't know how much money/work it would take to fix, but I'm willing to do everything myself. Suspension is basically shot I think and hood is a little screwed but that's not really a major concern for me right now.

Thanks, and if you need more info I can probably get it.

 

There's nothing specific to that 30-year-old car that's different from any other that age. You'll need to get the car up in the air to determine the cause of the excess play. Otherwise, just figure on an entire front-end rebuild. While you're at it, consider the condition of the brake system.


Small-blocks don't really have any inherent weaknesses, but they don't last forever either. You didn't mention the car's mileage nor it's service record; you could be looking at nothing more than a leaking valve cover gasket dropping oil on the exhaust pipe/manifold, or a totally worn out engine (and probably transmission as well). Again, you'll need to look much closer, or else figure on either a complete rebuild or a new crate engine.

Third-gens are not difficult to work on, and parts are readily available, but there is still a level of mechanical skill required for such a project as well as having a well-equipped tool box. These cars are disappearing by the day, and those that are left---and in good condition---are appreciating in value by the day. If you're up to the task, rescue the car and get busy returning it to the road.




Good luck.

 

The steering might be as simple as the disc in the steering shaft. Commonly called a rag joint. Search rag joint; there are threads here about replacement and about goong with other types of shafts. The steering box and other suspension parts could be worn, which gets into a lot more expense and work.

The engine could be really worn valve guide seals. But those usually show as smoke on engine startup mostly. A compression check of all 8 cylinders is what you might do before jumping into this vehicle. Expenses on a used vehicle can mount up when the last owner didn't keep up with them.

 

I didn’t think thirdgen had rag joints ?

 

Yeah it has a rag joint. That's why the Astro shaft swap is so popular (no rag joint).

 

Gotcha

 

The original third gen shaft on the right with it's rag joint at the top of the picture , and the astro replacement on the left with no rag joint .