Had to replace the following: fuel filter, wires, rotor, distributor cap, O2 sensor, accelerator coil, both valve cover gaskets (leaked oil on both sides), master cylinder (brakes), rebuilt my transmission ($900), new radiator, water pump, brakes, mass air flow sensor ($411), heater blower motor.
I did most of this work myself, everything except physically rebuilding my tranny. I did take it out myself, got it rebuilt, and put it back in my car. Then something else went (didn't fix the tranny right, so I had to drop it out, get it fixed, again, and put it back in.
This car is a lot of work to keep it running. Not reliable. Not good on gas. Not very much power. The only good thing about a Camaro is the looks, and the hatch area that is perfect for a custom fitting sub-box. It does however start good in the winter. Even without it plugged in, and -30, it will start. It handles quite nicely, and is fun to cruise in. It is a rough ride though. Not a very good suspension system.
Being the proud owner of a 85 camaro, I can tell you that a lot of the problems you are having comes from a lack of care and upkeep of the car. If your transmission is the 700R4 and is exposed to a lot of racing it will not last, it is built for fuel economy, but it do still have bugs in it. I would suggest that you try a performance upgrade if you chose to build it again. As for the suspension, in 85 not many cars had good ones, but there are a lot of aftermarket parts avail. now that will really smooth out the ride. I will agree that it is sometimes a hard car to maintain, but it is very inexpensive to repair, (compared to a lot of vehicles today), the good thing is it is possible to do most of the work yourself with limited knowledge of mechanics. To sum this all up, you must be a lover of classic American muscle to do the car justice.
Here's my little story about Shevy Camaro 1985, 4 cylinders. I bought it in 1996-second hand and it did serve me for the next 8 years.
Just recently the mechanic has told me that the frame rails wore out and cannot be replaced or welded because they are made of alloy.
So I guess the car is ready to be sold for parts which all are good.
Any suggestions?
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