I'm buying a 87 Iroc with 83k on it. Is there any specific pitfalls this engine has around this mileage? anything important to look for? any input is appreciated. TIA!

 

I would have a compression and leak down test done before sealing the deal. This test, which is performed on each cylinder, checks to see if the rings/bores have excessive wear which will contribute to reduced power and increased oil consumption. Also, make sure it will pass emissions. Also, do a complete 'cold start' on the engine and start driving. A little bit of stumbling is ok. Bucking and stalling are not. This might indicate that the EGR valve is open at the wrong time. And the motor should cold start on the first or second crank of the starter. If not, there could be a problem with the cold start system.

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1986 IROC-Z28 L98 TPI BW WC T-5
Air Foil
K & N
Custom Ram/Cold Air Induction
Koni Gas Shocks
Spohn LCAs and PHrod
Art Houser/Moser 3.73:1 Torsen Diff
Amsoil lubes and oil filter
Flash to Pass feature & 100w Euro lighting
Recaro Driving seat
Hurst Comp + shifter
Random Tech SHF cat

 

yeah, I've driven the car clod start, etc.. No stumbling or lack of power at all. Starts on the first crank every time, I've looked at it more than once.. It does blow a very small, almost not noticeable, amount of dark smoke on a cold start, It lasts for a second, but I assume this is par for the course on 83,000 miles. Are there any head gasket problems or other faults in the tpi I should notice? BTW, its a IROC with a mint exterior and its all original. I know this because the owner is a long time friend. He's asking $4,000, does that sound like a good price for a perfect Iroc?

 

Sandy...

I have an 86 305 TPI myself, and that cold start thing you mentioned...new starter, and mine seems not to start on the first or second crank...it usually takes a few cranks, and a bit of me hitting the gas for it to start...i do have a code 32, and i know i have to check the EGR and Vacumn lines..but aside from that, if i happen to replace the EGR and it still does that, what else could it be? I have new plugs, battery, and distributor. I suspect the alternator as well...but i am not sure. I am not familiar with the "cold start system." Any info would help. Thanks.


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1986 WS6-Equipped 5.0 TPI Trans Am
Random Tech High-Flow Cat
Two Chamber Flowmaster Muffler
Megs Custom 4.5" Stainless Steel Rolled Tips
1999 Grand Am GT In-Dash CD Player w/Equalizer(fits like '86 original)
5% Tint On Rear, 35% On Sides
http://www.pitt.edu/~zyhst/trans86/

OTHER RIDE:
1998 C5 6Spd. Corvette Coupe
Silver w/Gray Leather Int.
12/14 Options
Stock(for now)
Best 1/4th: 13.5 @ 104.4MPH

 

The cold start injector sprays fuel into each cylinder through the intake manifold if the coolant temp is below 100 degrees. The cold start switch prohibits this over 100 dgrees. The injector is between the runners on the drivers side, it will be bolted into the intake manifold through the center of the runner. It shares an electrical harness with the fuel injectors.