I finally broke down and took it to a mechanic. I had some ideas as to what it could be, but didn't have the know-how or bravery to tackle it myself.

#1 O2 sensor had been replaced before, but I bought a new one anyway and had them install it. Turns out the Y-pipe was crossthreaded, so he had to mig weld it in place (Oh well, engine'll be dead by the time I need a new one anyway)

#2 (the main reason why it's slow) The entire d*mn engine is gunked up... The intake and throttle plates are gummed up, pistons and valves have carbon deposits on them and the timing is very retarded.

(How they are going to fix it): Fuel system service, top engine cleaner, set timing, and give the car a once over.

All for $180... I swear, labor charges s*ck... oh well. He -did- give me a break on the fuel system service, usually $125 and he did it for me for $75. Of course now that I have all this more power, I'm going to have to have my tranny serviced, which I am going to pay out the a$$ for...

Oh yeah, he's filling it up with gas for me though..

All this with no job. :sigh: Anyone know of any places where I can work that I won't have to deal with the dumber side of society?


[EDIT] Silly me mixed up some words, didn't sound right at all.
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1985 Camaro SC - 2.8L, auto.

Mods:
Removed air baffles, mandrel bent cat-back pipes (but stock replacment muffler, Dynomax Turbo and Catco converter are on thier way)

[This message has been edited by Xenodrgn (edited June 12, 2001).]

 

Don't feel bad at all.
These heads are KNOWN for quick valve guide wear.
Do your planning on a 3.4 swap job. Start seeking out an engine.

Best thoughts for work.
BEST THOUGHTS.
Always keep at emloyment search, you will, will, will, win in the end .

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

I think we all said "timing", too, didn't we? Unless I'm thinking of someone else... but if I'm not, glad to know we were guessing correctly.

Hey $180 isn't bad to get the car back together... congrats! Take care of the trans service yourself and save a few bux.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

I don't think it was me, it's been a long while since I made my post about this. At the time I was going off about my lean condition, and my code 44. I thought it was water in the tank, and the last we got down to was have the fuel pressure checked. I'm sure someone would have mentioned timing though... To those of you who helped me trouble shoot this for a while, I thank you.

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1985 Camaro SC - 2.8L, auto.

Mods:
Removed air baffles, mandrel bent cat-back pipes (but stock replacment muffler, Dynomax Turbo and Catco converter are on thier way)

 

UPDATE: He did all that, and then went to get some gas, as he was pulling back into the stall the car started hestitating... turns out I need some $120 part because the far cylinder on the drivers side isn't getting any fuel. At first I thought I was being charged 120 for an injector, but then my dad talked to him and he said it was some magnet piece that makes the injector pulse that was bad...

All in all this excapde is costing me $400... luckily my dad is going 50/50 with me on it...

I'd like some opinions on this 120$ piece... I may still be able to call this off...

for more info, see my post over on tech/general