Looking into buying a 4th gen T/A , has oil leak at the valve covers. Opinions? (Page 1/6)
nitroheadz28 JUL 31, 06:28 PM
http://reading.craigslist.org/cto/3162258867.html

The guy tells me that it is leaking oil from the valve cover. I've never owned an fbody and haven't worked on one, is it possible to get at it from the top? I offered him 4k a few days ago (he said he could work with that), he texted me again today that it started leaking a day or 2 ago. It also needs a rear caliper cause the ebrake doesn't work right now.

I'd think it would be a good buy for $3700 or so. Also providing he has a receipt for the engine/ trans swap.

Stay away?

The registration expires on my grand prix after august and I'd really like to get rid of it and buy something soon. I'm pretty much settled on a 4th gen LS/LT1 fbody but it needs to be 6 speed and those are tough to find around here.

The only other one that seems alright for the money is this:

http://newyork.craigslist.o.../cto/3166802025.html

But it needs the rear end overhauled.
pontiackid86 JUL 31, 07:13 PM
There one of thoes cars where you can get a really good one or a really bad one.. and No most likly you will not be able to get to the leak through the top.. Opening the hood is more or less to get to the radiator and the front of the engine block.. thats it...... Bring it to a mechanic before you buy it... they can be very good cars or very tempermental.
GreenPlatypus AUG 01, 10:01 PM
They are easier to work on than most people lead on. Just take a few breaks as it will kill your back while leaning to do anything under the hood. I did head gaskets on one and left the engine in it. I wouldn't recommend it, but it is doable.

If I had the money, I would jump on it. A lot has been done to the car, and what is needed is fairly minor work. Unless something is hiding, but only time will tell. It is a very good starting point for something wild or drive as is and keep up the maintenance. Keep in mind, these cars will always be desirable, running or not, so I believe it has the potential to be a good buy.

Second one would be good if oyu can talk it down about 1000-1200. Rear end is stupid simple to replace, but I would suggest an upgrade like the first one, they tend to be weak after the years and abuse go by. And it has been abused, it is a trans am. Either one will put a smile on your face, take your pick!

[This message has been edited by GreenPlatypus (edited 08-01-2012).]

nitroheadz28 AUG 02, 12:47 PM
Thanks for the opinion! I did forget to mention that the chassis on the first one has 197k miles, and the engine/ trans in it supposedly now have 98k.

If he can give me all of the receipts (I like to keep my cars documented) of all the big mods/ repairs and the engine/ trans swap and I like what I see when I drive it, I'd offer $3700.

Otherwise if he can't prove that the engine/ trans is newer and have under 100k, $3k.. I think its a VERY nice looking T/A, tastefully modded as well. I guess I'll see this weekend

[This message has been edited by nitroheadz28 (edited 08-02-2012).]

nitroheadz28 AUG 05, 01:23 PM
Sigh...

Finally I had a chance to speak with the guy selling the first T/A. This one :

http://reading.craigslist.org/cto/3162258867.html

He doesn't have paperwork on the engine/trans swap.
Oil leak from the valve cover.
Needs 1 caliper for ebrake to work.
Will need rear tires soon. (They are 17x11 so $$$).
Will need pads soon, possibly rotors?

He said he won't take less than $4k for it. Is it worth it? If it had 100k on it with original engine/ trans I wouldn't hesitate. But 197 with an undocumented swap is meh.

[This message has been edited by nitroheadz28 (edited 08-05-2012).]

Tony Kania AUG 05, 04:21 PM
Sweet looking ride. From the CL photos, it looks well taken care of, but hard to see from 2800 miles away.

Good luck in your search,

Tony
nitroheadz28 AUG 05, 07:39 PM
I agree, I definitely think it looks very sharp and clean. Later this week I'll go see it and do my best to haggle him down a few hundred. My grand prix will be sold on thurs so I need a car before then.

Thanks and take care Tony.
Formula88 AUG 05, 10:57 PM
4th Gen LT1 How To
4th Gen LT1 Technical Aids

Since it's an LT1 and not an LS1, the price isn't fantastic. You can get a decent LS1 car for that or not much more. The LT1 cars don't hold their value as well. I'd check it out thoroughly and consider it's probably been ridden hard and put up wet. I certainly wouldn't shy away from it for the oil leak and rear caliper.

For a comparison, here's a '96 Z28 that was listed for $3500obo and sold within the month.
http://www.triadfbody.com/f...viewtopic.php?t=5752

Oh, and if you go look at the car in person, slap the owner silly for using all those keywords that don't have a damn thing to do with his car.

[This message has been edited by Formula88 (edited 08-05-2012).]

nitroheadz28 AUG 05, 11:30 PM
Thanks a lot for those links!!!

I know most LT1 cars are cheaper, but 90% are auto and I've been searching for a T56 car for a month. I almost gave up and went auto with a '00 Z28 that had a lot of work done to it, was just as clean, with a dyno tuned motor/ bolt ons/ freshly built race friendly trans at 133k. Owner wanted $5500, but I just didn't have the heart to go auto.

Sigh, who knows maybe I'll get lucky and something shows up tomorrow- weds.
Formula88 AUG 06, 12:04 AM
Don't settle. You'll eventually find what you want at a price you are willing to pay. It took me probably 2 years of on and off looking before I found my TA. I wanted a 6-speed, navy blue metallic and tan leather interior. It also had to be bone stock, not super high mileage and in my budget. Not an easy combination to find, but I did find it eventually. The car is virtually exactly as I would have ordered it from the factory.