Possibly buying a camaro that hasn't been driven in 7 years .. questions...
06-25-2011, 08:33 AM
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Possibly buying a camaro that hasn't been driven in 7 years .. questions... I am considering buying an iroc with the zz-4 motor and a p600 procharger. The rear end went out 7 years ago and has only been started up from time to time and has sat in a garage all this time. Is there anything to worry about when buying something like this?
06-25-2011, 09:02 AM
#2
Staging Lane
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: orange county
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Man, I knew someone who did that, it was a 300zx that wasn't driven in about 5 years I think. Apart from tune up and stuff, lot of rusted parts had to be swapped out, lotta cleaning. It was definitely an involving project. But then again it depends. Obviously you gotta look at this one reeeeeally carefully before you buy it.
Trending Topics
06-25-2011, 01:33 PM
#8
On The Tree
iTrader: (18)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Lakewood/HB/Anaheim
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I picked up my DeLorean, it hadn't been ran in twenty years. Replaced the fuel system and was on my way. Still on the 1981 radiator hoses and belts. The last two third gens I bought had been sitting outside for a little under ten years. One came back to life with new fuel and a battery.... Unless it's by the beach or in a field, seven years is nothing.
06-26-2011, 08:09 AM
#10
TECH Resident
Generally speaking, when you store a vehicle for that long a period of time, you should have a gas additive (stabil) to your tank,, change oil to straight 90W, start vehicle for <1min., pull the battery and sparkplugs.
The straight 90W oil acts as a preservation liquid while the vehicle is in storage.
If some or none of these things have been done, I would pass on the vehicle.
SteveC
The straight 90W oil acts as a preservation liquid while the vehicle is in storage.
If some or none of these things have been done, I would pass on the vehicle.
SteveC
06-26-2011, 04:40 PM
#11
I would think rust (besides the cooling system with an iron block) isn't much of an issue here in Socal, unless you're close to the coast or something. My VR-4 has been sitting for the past 6 years now 
outside, although I do cover it mostly, and it shows no signs of rust.
Speaking of cooling systems though with aluminum (heads and thermostat housing in this case) is corrosion from the antifreeze, so give it a really good flush.
Otherwise, besides the gas quality (flush the lines, replace filter), things like ALL the fluids should be changed (not just because fluid has sat, but moisture), lube the chassis if it has zerks on the tie rods, etc. and plan on changing the tires. Wouldn't hurt to also replace hoses and belts, too.
My biggest concern would be the engine oil though. Before starting it up, drain it and perhaps pull the valve covers and pour some oil there and squirt some into the combustion chambers (pull plugs) and then use one of those tools that attach to your drill and spin the pump thru the distributor gear (you pull the dist; mark where the rotor is pointing, but since you don't know history, I'd locate #1 TDC and align it that way when you're done priming it)...
If animals (mice, etc.) didn't get to the wiring, then you'll probably be alright there. I'd plan on getting a new battery too.
When you do get it running, start off slow and gradually get the car going to speed and distance, just to be sure everything is good, before long treks, getting on it, etc...
IIRC, prochargers have their own lubrication, right? Not sure what they use, but plan on changing that too...Too much $$ to take a chance, IMO.
Finally, does this have T-tops? May want to check to see if they were leaking (if it sat outside) and created an issue under the carpet with mold/mildew and/or rust there...
[EDIT - oh, sounds like it was garaged, so that's good; especially for the paint...I'd still do most all of the above and what others have mentioned, but being garaged helps a lot!]
outside, although I do cover it mostly, and it shows no signs of rust.Speaking of cooling systems though with aluminum (heads and thermostat housing in this case) is corrosion from the antifreeze, so give it a really good flush.
Otherwise, besides the gas quality (flush the lines, replace filter), things like ALL the fluids should be changed (not just because fluid has sat, but moisture), lube the chassis if it has zerks on the tie rods, etc. and plan on changing the tires. Wouldn't hurt to also replace hoses and belts, too.
My biggest concern would be the engine oil though. Before starting it up, drain it and perhaps pull the valve covers and pour some oil there and squirt some into the combustion chambers (pull plugs) and then use one of those tools that attach to your drill and spin the pump thru the distributor gear (you pull the dist; mark where the rotor is pointing, but since you don't know history, I'd locate #1 TDC and align it that way when you're done priming it)...
If animals (mice, etc.) didn't get to the wiring, then you'll probably be alright there. I'd plan on getting a new battery too.
When you do get it running, start off slow and gradually get the car going to speed and distance, just to be sure everything is good, before long treks, getting on it, etc...
IIRC, prochargers have their own lubrication, right? Not sure what they use, but plan on changing that too...Too much $$ to take a chance, IMO.
Finally, does this have T-tops? May want to check to see if they were leaking (if it sat outside) and created an issue under the carpet with mold/mildew and/or rust there...
[EDIT - oh, sounds like it was garaged, so that's good; especially for the paint...I'd still do most all of the above and what others have mentioned, but being garaged helps a lot!]
Last edited by JNR_Design; 06-26-2011 at 04:45 PM.
06-27-2011, 04:21 AM
#13
Teching In
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yeah it is sitting in a garage - the fuel pump went out 3 months ago, so all fluids were drained already. The supercharger is a p600b so I think they actually tap that into the oil pan or something.
