1998 Camaro z28 LS1 6speed manual. My camaro has sat for about 3yrs in my garage following the arrival of my son. In the three years, it has been been started and moved at least once a year. I now have time to get it back on the road. My question is what should I look into to change/clean? Would the tank need to be emptied? Any special additives to use? Would the injectors need pulled and cleaned? Thanks in advance for your time Scotty!
@frank-k
I dont own one yet but looking to own a 4th gen of this car. As far as performance of engine I have no clue. Im looking into aspects such as changing read suspension, adding torque arm and replacing the suspension struts. I'd like to say generally yes, spark plugs never hurt. But make sure anything that could have rusted in the meantime of being parked is not directly affecting performance!
1993 - 2002 is 4th gen Camaro. The 98 you talk about is 4th gen, right ? 3rd gen made in Van Nuys, CA, but that plant shut down in 92. 4th gen Camaro was moved to Quebec in late 92 until production halt in 02. 5th gen started in 09/10. Correct me if I'm wrong ?
Recommendations for returning to street us from Storage: Change oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs and general tune-up, empty fuel tank, clean, and re-fill with fresh fuel, replace fuel filter, assure fuel lines have not degraded. (You really need to be sure the old fuel hasn't lacquered the inside of the tank, lines, pump, etc). Pull the injectors, clean them, and make sure they have a good, conical spray pattern. Flush and replace radiator anti-freeze. Carefully check for pest/rodent damage (yes, it can happen). Freshen the interior ! Give it a good cleaning and exterior protection. Make sure the tires haven't flat-spotted, if necessary, take pressure down to about 15psi, then back up to mfg spec. This flexes the tire sidewalls a little.
I wouldn't move that thing an inch without doing a 4-wheel brake check. Check everything, very important !
When you think you have it road-ready, don't just take it for a spin around the block. Use it, every day maybe, drive at least 10 miles, 3 days minimum. Issues may not show up in a single short trip, but after some road time, if anything is wrong it WILL show-up. Check for fluid leaks ! You might be surprised as to how many coolant hoses fail after storage. Suspension/steering bushings, and other rubber stuff, will have deteriorated. Check everything, on the highway surprises can bite you in the behind.
Then have fun thinking about mods ...
P.S.: The above may sound like overkill, but how many lives do you have ??
@oldrangernut
Thank you for your advice! Not overkill at all. Exactly what I was looking for!
And yes it is in fact a 4th gen. When I talk about it with people, they call it a "catfish" camaro in terms of its body style.