mlaw92

Hey guys,

I've been in the market for an LS1 cCamaro for a while. I came acorss a 2002 one with 80k miles with bolt ons. I went for a test drive and at the end of the first one coolant started leaking everywhere. After he hosed the radiator down and put some water in the coolant ta k we went on another drive. This time it didn't overheat. The power steering had a leak in it so he put some ps fluid in and it worked fine. However, after driving it the third time white smoke came in through the vents. He claimed it was the leaking pump getting the fluid on the header, which sounds probable. The last part of the drive is when he left, white smoke came out of the back.

The exterior is very clean and I really liked the car l. Should I just stay away from this thing?

Mods that I know of:
slp full exhaust
cams
arp heads (looks like there was a bit of leaking around them)

RADEoN

iTrader: (12)

I hope it only has ONE cam.

ARP Doesn't make heads.

Johnboy26

I'd be a little hesitant depending on price. Before I bought it I would have it taken to a local shop and checked out completely, then depending on what they find negotiate from there. There are plenty of these cars out there so take your time and find the right one for you.

omgitsmikeyc

If the smoke is coming from on the exhaust, it very well could be a blown head... but it could also be run off from what sounds like either a bad water pump/seal, broken hose, or thermostat. If the white smoke is from inside the exhaust, then start checking the the oil for suds/foam looking stuff in the oil. That's a tell tale sign. Secondly, power steering leaks can also cause said white smoke if it's hitting the headers/exhaust. Not a horrible fix, but a fix none the less. Personally, find some where you can put it on a jack, and inspect while it's running to see exactly where the leaks are.... keep in mind watch for hot water spatter, or wait until cool to start up before you burn yourself.

bwkmaro

is the car priced accordingly for a major engine issue? and he filled up the car with water from the hose? you prob should just stay away from it

sweet99ss

iTrader: (41)

All this wrong in one test drive? It sounds like you don't know nearly enuf to be buying a car to fix in the first place. Unless it's damn cheap stay away from it.

KevinR

I wouldn't buy it even if it was cheap though. Sounds like you are buying a huge headache. Keep looking around. You will be able to find one without all these issues for a good price.

LsxNotchy

arp heads? im confused

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Stay far away! There are plenty of camaros out there that haven't been beat up...unless the asking price is under 3k I wouldn't consider it

1_MEANZ28

iTrader: (4)

Try nd see if u can get it for a good price ,power steering could be te rack and pinion ,a line, coolant well if radiator is not damaged might. Just be the cap...lowball him and point out the faults if u get it for a good price go for it

pewter2002

iTrader: (4)

Good thing these problems arose on the test drive, not AFTER you bought it. Take the car to a trusted mechanic PRIOR to purchase. The $$ spent on a detailed report could save thousands. Or, look elsewhere and compare, as was already suggested
Heck, it could be stupid, small stuff on a 10 year old car, but unless you know what is wrong with the car, don't chance it.

sweet99ss

iTrader: (41)

seems like what I said worded slightly different....

redtan

iTrader: (5)

1) you seem very new at even how engines work

2) this car seems like it has a lot of troubles

Putting those two points together, I would not be buying this vehicle. It will lead to more headaches and money spent than just buying a well running car.

This seems like a good project for someone mechanically inclined and with skills to be able to perform the job easily. Not everyone is a good mechanic, so I say leave this project car to someone else and look for one that is more suited to your mechanical skills. Eventually you will learn all this stuff yourself as many of us have, but now is not really the time for a project (unless you want to learn on a busted car).

BrianSF-GA

Don't walk away from it .... run away from it!