LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

Camaro and Firebird: How to Keep Your Car Running for a Long Time

There are a number of ways you can keep you Camaro or Firebird running long and running well. We'll walk you through basic maintenance, pre-buying tips, and repairs that will allow you to take care of your car in the most economical ways.

By Richard Bowen - February 18, 2016

This article applies to the 4th/5th Gen Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird (1990-present).

Prolonging the life of your Camaro or Firebird mostly involves routine maintenance like oil changes and replacing spark plug wires. As time goes on, it may also involve some major repairs and parts replacements so that your ride continues to perform superbly. DIY maintenance times vary from 45 minutes (changing the oil) to one hour (transmission fluid) to three hours (change coolant) to eight hours or more for major repairs (cylinder head reconditioning). Similarly, the DIY costs vary depending on what needs to be worked on or which replacement parts are needed.

Materials Needed

  • Oil
  • Coolant
  • Transmission fluid
  • Oil filter
  • Ratchet
  • Socket set
  • Oil filter removal tool
  • Oil catch pan
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • Lift (for major repairs)
  • Specialty tools (for major repairs)

You can do some of the maintenance items listed below yourself, if you want to save money and at the same time make sure the job is done right. Or you may want to have a reliable mechanic perform these services for you.

Step 1 – Change the oil

Most mechanics and car owners agree: the single, most basic item that will keep your Camaro or Firebird running well and on the road for a long time is to change the oil and oil filter at the intervals the manufacturer suggests. It's simple: clean oil allows your engine to continue to operate at its peak performance and proficiency. Dirty oil – well, let's just say the opposite occurs.

If you choose to do the job yourself, you can find information in the owner's manual. This includes the correct type and amount of oil and the correct oil filter. (Click here for a complete DIY oil change video.)

  • Figure 1. Check the owner's manual for recommended intervals between oil changes, the type and amount of oil to use, and the correct filter.
  • Figure 2. Install a new oil filter at the time you change the oil.

Pro Tip

For safety, use wheel chocks to prevent the car from moving when you change the oil.

Step 2 – Change other fluids

Other fluids to change that will add to the longevity of your Camaro or Firebird include the engine coolant and transmission fluids.

Most manufacturers recommend changing the transmission fluid and the engine coolant between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the recommended interval for changing these vital fluids.

  • Draining the transmission fluid
    Figure 3. Draining the transmission fluid.
  • Draining the engine coolant
    Figure 4. Draining the engine coolant.

Step 3 – What to do before you buy

A smart thing to do before you purchase any vehicle is to purchase a vehicle history report (VHR) about it. This report shows you any accidents in which the car was involved and major repairs that the previous owner had made to it. A VHR shows you any odometer discrepancies, such as if someone rolled back the odometer so it shows fewer than actual miles. A VHR also tells you if the Camaro or Firebird you plan to buy is a salvage vehicle, for example, if the car was damaged in a flood or hail storm and someone rebuilt the car.

Alternatively, you can ask the current owner of the car for any maintenance records available for the car.

Sample VHR
Figure 5. Sample VHR.

Pro Tip

You can purchase a single VHR for a Camaro or Firebird you're interested in buying; you can also purchase multiple VHRs at a discount price so you can discover the history of a number of vehicles as you shop around for the best car for you.

Step 4 – Other maintenance items

Like everything, mechanical parts wear out and show their age. The alternator on the car can wear out – brushes can deteriorate and wiring can break. Replacing it is relatively easy and inexpensive, especially if you go with a rebuilt unit. Click here for complete installation instructions to replace your alternator.

Another item that can wear out through almost daily use is the starter. This is also a relatively easy DIY job, saving you money with a rebuilt unit. Click here for a walk through about installing a starter.

Similarly, the water pump on the car can go. Click here for a complete guide to replacing it.

Other items that you need to pay attention to are spark plug wires and sensors. Replacing spark plug wires is a relatively easy task – just make sure you note which wire goes where.

New spark plug wires on Camaro
Figure 6. New spark plug wires on Camaro.

When you see a warning light on the dash, it can mean a worn sensor. Tracking this down can be difficult, a job you may want to leave to a trusted mechanic.

Figure 7. A warning light can indicate a bad sensor.

Oil seals can become brittle and worn. In many cases, using an additive can correct the problem. Shop in person or online for any number of quality oil and transmission additives that can rejuvenate oil seals without having to tear apart your car's engine or transmission.

Figure 8. Camaro and Firebird owners report that using oil additives can recondition oil seals and stop leaks.

Step 4 – Major rebuilds that will extend the life of your Camaro or Firebird

Other items you may want to consider to prolong the life of your car include reconditioning the cylinder heads and rebuilding the rear end of the car.

The head work can include regrinding the valves and replacing the valve lifters, push rods, springs, and rocker arms. While you are doing this work, one Camaro owner suggests replacing the oil pump and timing set, too, (and of course the head gasket) as long as you have the cylinder head torn apart.

Featured Video: How to Adjust and Reinstall Valves

If you have driven your Camaro or Firebird especially hard, or you have raced it, you may have to rebuild the rear end. This video shows you how.

Perform regular maintenance at the factory-recommended intervals to keep your Camaro or Firebird running great for the longest time.

Pro Tip

Bear in mind, these types of major repairs are not considered normal maintenance. You should only have to perform this type of work on a very high mileage car or a vehicle that someone has raced or driven hard.

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