lunaticinaZ

I'm looking into getting a 93 z28 auto as a daily driver. I know my way around my 91 z but I haven't messed with a 4th gen. My question is
What are the differences between my 91z and a 93 z as far as the engine goes?

Dougs91

The distributor on the early 4th gen engine "LT1" is located under the water pump. You guessed it when the pump starts to leak the dist can get wet. Water pump is driven by the camshaft. I believe they make 275hp not bad but i would try to find a newer LS1 powered car.

camaronewbie

Whole different ball game. LT1's are a major PITA to do any work on - wife has a 1997 Z28 and, although the car has power, I hate even thinking of working on it.

Worst part - spark plug wires - can't even see them, let alone replace them. Guess I'm a spoiled old school fool, but I really dislike the LT1 motor.

As mentioned, water pump and Optispark - water pump goes bad, leaks on Optispark, and $700+ replacement. If you buy, replace the waterpump immediately so you know it's a new well functioning unit, and not an old on it's way out piece that's goijng to kill your wallet in 30 days.

Only saving grace on a 1993 is that it does not have an electronic tranny (if automatic) - still has a 700R4 (renamed 4L60).

lunaticinaZ

It is an auto 4l60. But thanks guys for the info. I'm going to be doing suspension and engine work to my 91 here pretty soon and I need another car to drive to work. I was originaly looking for a old 4cyl pick up but then I ran across this car. It's black and inside and out it is in very very good condition. There was no leaks under the car but I haven't drove it to see if she runs ok. It's has 146k on it and a 93 so the milage really ain't that bad. But I guess I'll drive it and check the water pump and optispark and see if either one has been replaced. But it's still seems like a great deal at $3,000 dollers.

J0hn_J0hn08

iTrader: (2)

I highly recommend you not to get one man specially the early model 4th gens because the optispark distributor wasnt vented. If you really must get an lt1 go with a 95. I had a 95 trans am and the car left me on the side of the road like 3 times because of optispark and that year was vented.. Just my advice. I wish somebody had warned me lol


Those cars are not reliable.. to think i sold my thirdgen for one makes me sick..now im back into third gens.

lunaticinaZ

Well, with all the warning maybe I wont get it. Sounds like it would be buying a "ticking time bomb". I might just stick with finding a small pick up to drive 4cyl for the gas milage

J0hn_J0hn08

iTrader: (2)

I wouldnt get it man but some people do get lt1s running good it just takes some work and a lot of patience. Alot of people convert to ls1 style ignition but that runs about 1k plus if u get that car u might want to convert it to a vented opti which should be even more money. Ask the guy how many times hes changed the distributor and i hope he went with an oem.

torque_is_good

I would not think twice about taking my 4th gen LT1 cross country. She drives all day long staying at 180 degrees (thermostat)

As with any car that old, you must assume that maintenance was NOT performed. So, assume a new waterpump and opti. You can get aftermarket optis from $100- $250 which work just fine. You can get an MSD opti which might die in 5 miles. It comes down to quality control. Anyway, plugs and wires on ALL 4th gen V8's are a bear unless you have long tube headers.

My 4th gen is restored so of course it's reliable. Engine and tranny are both rebuilt and with headers, CAI, 93 tune and 1.6 roller rockers it kills my 07 stang with CAI, tune and axle backs.

Do not let anyone tell you the LT1's are a dog or the cars are crap.

Oh, the 4th gen is worlds apart with respect to handling compared to 3rd gens and it outcorners the stang too.

As for looks, I like the lines of my 3rd gen better but hands down the 4th gen is a better driver.

lunaticinaZ

Well just from looks alone. the car seems to have been well taken care of. it's a 93 and it is 100% better shape than my 91. I work in the shop at a dealership and this car is in better shape than most of the newer cars that roll through here. I'm going to drive it and check it out real good. But it the motor was taken care of like the rest of the car i'll probably buy it. $3,000 for a 93 z28 with 146k on it seems pretty good to me.

torque_is_good

unless they have replaced it, chances are that either the distributor drive or waterpump drive seal on the front is leaking oil. Use that to your advantage. You slip under the front, whack your head on the airdam and look up in the front of the engine. You should be able to see a wee bit of oil.

Play that like an untuned piano and make noise about it (parts are $10 for a timing cover kit but don't tell them)

then, look to the rear and you may see a drip from the rear main seal. With that many miles you probably will. You just took $500-$750 off of the price because of 2 oil leaks and hammer the seller if those leaks are present. Check to see if there is any trace of coolant on the bottom of the waterpump. If so, that is another deduction. The WP costs about $130 on line (this isn't a gen 1 wp)

If the rear main seal is leaking just a little, you'll probably be able to stop it with white shepherd rear main sealer which costs $12 for a bottle.

the front seals you'll want to replace because you don't want oil dripping on the opti.

If you find all of those things I mention, you should be driving away with a nice car for about $2200. It will scare the bejeezus out of a seller to learn the car has oil leaks, yet you would still be willing to buy at the right price