The '96 Camaro F1 is in the shop

[Retired Engineer Bob]

Had her at Lowe’s to pick up a few things. We came out and climbed into the car. It started but I could tell there was a problem. It idled down the parking lot, but if I tried to give it throttle it hesitated, soon died. We had to push it into a parking space and call a tow.

Had it towed to my local mechanic, dropped it off with keys and a filled out form through the mail slot. Diagnosed with a bad fuel pump. Funny thing was the shop did not want to do the work due to aftermarket exhaust, suggested a different shop that specializes in high performance/modified cars. Another tow from shop 1 to shop 2.

Stopped in at shop 2 and explained. I am about 2 weeks out, they are busy.

Meanwhile I had ordered new shocks/struts, and a total bushing replacement set from Summit. The car is 25 years old, shocks are worn and bushings have stiffened, original parts have over 100,000 miles. The goodie package arrived today sans 2 shocks/struts expected next week. Probably going to have shop 2 install the new goodies. Here’s hoping my sloppy suspension and steering get corrected.

[Budi]

1. I'm dyin' here!! Woweee. Thanks for the headrush 😄

It's Just Beautiful

[littlemissmartypants]

2. She's a beauty. Funny thing, the photo reminded me, I need to get new wiper blades.

I'd sign up for a ride, for sure! Of course, I'd want to wait until you get her suspension spruced up.



❤

[Boxerfan]

3. I hated that job -Z body in tank pumps

You have to drop the entire exhaust on most models. The fill neck is solid requiring a contortion twist exercise to remove / install. And the pump is so big it can't be snuck in the tank has to come all the way or 98% out.

And they fail all the time. If the guy gets your gas gauge sender right your a lucky minority. If it was mine-I'd consider making a access panel. I did that for my VW bus made getting to the sender a 10 minute job vs 2+ hours. But I'm ok with the modification and most shops will not do that kind of work.

[Retired Engineer Bob]

4. She has 110,000 miles, this is the second fuel pump

Been thinking about a trade or sell (shhh, don’t let her hear), but best offer is $3500. Ain’t happening.

Kept her out of the salt since ‘96, stored or parked every winter.

I’ll pay to get her back on the road. Let my husband drive it to work on nice days, it needs some miles. Can’t sleep in the garage forever.

[CentralMass]

5. Sweet car. I'll bet it will be nice having her back.

[Retired Engineer Bob]

6. It will be nice having her back.

When I was younger I was into doing a lot of modifications. Among the changes:

Borla cat back exhaust
Arizona Speed and Marine headers and high flow catalytic converter
SLP cold air induction
Transmission kit
2800 rpm torque converter
373 gears in the rear pumpkin
Subframe connectors
Strut tower brace

I was thinking about getting a lumpier camshaft and getting the heads polished and ported, but came to my senses. All told I figure horsepower increased from 285 to perhaps 330.

She shares the garage with her much younger sister, a 2018 Camaro ZL1



No mods on her, at 650 stock horsepower she already scares the hell out of me.

[CentralMass]

7. I like your style. 650 stock is amazing. That must pin you back in the seat.

[Retired Engineer Bob]

8. Missed your reply

It certainly does pin you back. Heard one person state that mashing down the go pedal is like poking a sleeping lion with a broomstick. Makes any additional modifications to the ‘96 seem senseless.