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Hello to all

Thanks for allowing me to join the site, I own a 2002 Camaro SS that sadly has seen better days, I can't drive it far nor much anymore, but I keep my T-Top Black Ex/Interior Car, purchased a few weeks after 9/11/01 with just 5 miles on it. It Just top 60k miles in 2015.

My problems with aside from needing new controlling arms, the engine has massive problem - antifreeze leaking into the oil. I drove it a week ago, up to 60mph and it was shaking uncontrollable through the steering wheel. Now I am not a car whiz, far from it. But my local mechanic sadly does not share in understanding I seek to keep and show my car off, he's the working man garage.

I hope by becoming a member here, I can meet others owners, who can understand that seek to take my this mess to a show piece once again. I have gotten a dumb remarks, so I hope there is help in southern NJ - cherry hill area.

Thanks.

Did the car over heat?

What's up Baron. and welcome. Sorry to hear about the trouble you're having with your car. There are lots of people here willing to help. First question I have is this car your daily driver? is it a car that you can park and work on a little bit at a time or do you need to get it up and running right away. The coolant and oil problem may be do to the result of over heating the car or the engine may have a crack in it from all the cold weather we've had this winter. As far as the car shaking go's it definitely some thing something to do with the front suspension or steering. Maybe you can tell us a little more about your car.

Welcome. Sorry to hear about the issues your having with the car. As stated above the cold could have had an impact as far as creating a crack somewhere. Another possibility is a blown head gasket most likely due to an overheat. Either way we are a community of fbody guys helping fbody guys with some shanannigans mixed in from time to time.

Welcome.

How handy are you?

Welcome to the neighborhood :)

Welcome to the club!

- Justin

The car did not overheat. I drive it is nice weather, not a daily drive, used to be but now it is pure pleasure. First I am not handy, people take tools away from me and they should, I can't even change the oil. I had taken the car to my mechanic who is focus on just running car - not in making the vehicle more of a pleasure drive car.

Some have suggested the crack header - and my mechanic as quote me two separate jobs, to fix the issue, $2500 and then $3500, so I am wondering do I fix the header issue or do I go ahead and spend the money for better engine. I have a LS1 315hp engine now. Some suggest a 383 Small Block 425hp all that means to me is increase hp. I really love this car and seek help and answers. The car needs work, but I willing to bring it back from brink.

cracked head or cracked header are two very different issues. Due to the oil contamination problem, I will assume you mean cracked head. In my opinion, $2500 or $3500 to fix a cracked head(singular as in only one side) is quite overpriced.
But I also doubt you cracked a head. The most likely problem is that you had a head gasket blow, or basically fail. That allows oil and antifreeze to mix between the block and the head. To fix a bad head gasket, is a few hour job but even that I do not think it would come near 3,500. I'd say take it to a different , or recommended mechanic and get a second opinion.

Also people who suggest a 383 small block, if its not an LS-based 383('97-'04 era engine) don';t even bother. Most people talk about 383 engines that are gen 1(1st generation) small blocks that range from like the '60s-'90s. It would be more trouble to try to convert the car to take the older engine. You can buy ls-based performance engines that are ready to go with 425hp or more but you are looking at like 7,000 plus install and then you really should upgrade the rest of the car to handle the power increase otherwise you'll break more stuff.

For $3,500 you might be able to get a decent heads and camshaft package installed, and you'd be making over 425hp from the engine.

Just taking the info from your two threads and combining them into one:

You need to stop associating yourself with the circle of people around you, because they either 1) Don't know what they're talking about or 2) are trying to take advantage of your lack of knowledge/understanding.

Garage the car for another month or so, come to the next monthly club meet and get to know some of the other members in your area. They'll be the best resource to your when it comes to this hobby.

If you are not handy, depending on your area, we know a few reputable shops that can help you out.

Depending on how far you are interested in traveling to have the car looked at by a reputable shop you should check out JSPerformance, sponsor link --->>>>

Josh, the owner, is a long time member, supporter, and well respected mechanic that has handled every level of work from basic maintenance to full performance builds for members. You can reach him through his website or send him a private message, his handle is JSPerformance.

+1 for JS Performance.

I would be happy to take a look at it and give you a second opinion if you like..

Give us a call to set up an appointment.

Josh
215-783-4645

Josh at JS Performance does top notch work, he built my Iroc-Z motor/tranny (and other items) and did a fantastic job. highly recommended.