Well first I would like to say hello as I am a new member.. Secondly I have a few questions, I just got a 1986 2.8 V-6 camaro with T-Tops. I have to replace the tranny in it due to no first gear and no reverse as the P.O. killed it getting it stuck in a field (what a dumb@$$) now my first question is how difficult is it to set the valve lash on these motors as mine seems to have a slight tick. Question number two is there any other things common on these cars to look out for? Question number 3 I have driven this car a few times now and it has a tendancy to randomly die out of nowhere(not like a fuel issue it doesnt chug just instantly shuts down and if it keeps rolling in gear it will restart itself, if it happens at a stop sign I have to restart it but it starts right away) I was told this is probably my ignition pickup in the dizzy? does this sound right the shop said they were problematic in this motor.. Any and all suggestions and comments will be greatly appreciated.

 

Valve lash:
"To adjust the valve lash :
1 . Put cylinder one to TDC (compression stroke)
2 . Adjust one, five and six intake valves
3 . Adjust one, two and three ehxaust valves
4 . Rotate the engine until cylinder four is TDC
5 . Adjust two, three and four intake valves
6 . Adjust four, five and six exhaust valves

To adjust the valve, slowly tighten the locking nut (make sure the pointed side of the nut is up) while you rotate the pushrod in your fingertips. When you feel the slightest resistance stop. Tighten the nut 3/4 turn, I like to go about 5/8's of a turn because more damage is done with them too tight that loose (can always re-tighten if needed).

When locating TDC of either cylinder four or one, make sure the timing mark is at "0" on the compression stroke.

Firing order :
(0) <----distributor
5 6
3 4
1 2"

Watch out for head gaskets LIM gaskets, and valve cover gaskets, other than that these engines are pretty solid, especially if you maintain it.
I'm not sure why it's stalling,(Usually a bad sensor or in need of a tuneup, but neither would make it shut off instantly I believe) but do yourself a huge favor and give it a tuneup, new fuel filter, new air filter/s, new spark plugs, wires if needed, replace bad vac lines and hoses if any, change oil, and seafoam the thing, these engines like to run rich as hell, and the emissions equipment doesn't help matters either.

 

My car started dying like that shortly after I bought it. It got worse to the point where I'd have to wait an hour to restart it so I took it to someone more knowlegable than me.
Turned out the injectors were shorting out and frying the ECM. Found out this is common with factory injectors. Got some off a FWD 3.1 and never had that problem again, just every other problem XD