finally getting an F-body!

[Lt1_8U]

i have found a 96 trans am. 91k, 6 speed, t-tops, grey leather interior, black.


I'm going to look at the car this sunday and hopefully drive it home if it is what he says it is. Can you guys tell me some things to look for. like common areas that rust or go bad.

Thanks a lot

~jim

[deadtrend1]

What mods have been done to it? The vented opti should not give you trouble with the mileage on it, but it would be nice if a new one was in there.

[SteveR]

LT-1s leak around the intake, look around the back if possible to see if there is any oil leaking out of the back.

Check to make sure the headlights go up and down, and listen for any unusual noises like binding.

When you drive it, make sure each gear shift is smooth and that the trans doesnt want to throw the shifter back out.

Listen for excessive whine from the rear.

Go over some bumps and feel/listen for looseness in the front struts.

Also when you go over bumps, feel if both struts are behaving the same and that one isnt stiff and the other loose.

Check the nose for excessive paint cracking, same with rear bumper.

Ask how old the clutch is.

Check and see if the 'ABS INOP' light is on, the ABS brain module is expensive and not as easy as other parts to find. And it'll fail you for inspection.

If it has a fiberglass hood, check around the hood latch to see if its cracking. Mine eventually broke and I had to replace the hood at a cost of $1000.

If it has manual electric radiator fans, make sure they work.

Make sure to check the power steering rack and hard pressure lines, nobody makes aftermarket replacement parts for it so if there is a leak or crack in it, you have to replace the entire rack, or find someone willing to fabricate some pressure fittings for you if thats whats leaking.

Check to make sure the oil is clean and that the level is correct. LT-1s tend to eat oil and if the previous owner ignored it, it could have potential engine damage.

[Lt1_8U]

Originally Posted by deadtrend1

What mods have been done to it? The vented opti should not give you trouble with the mileage on it, but it would be nice if a new one was in there.

slp cold air intake and a borla cat-back

[Lt1_8U]

Originally Posted by SteveR

LT-1s leak around the intake, look around the back if possible to see if there is any oil leaking out of the back.

Check to make sure the headlights go up and down, and listen for any unusual noises like binding.

When you drive it, make sure each gear shift is smooth and that the trans doesnt want to throw the shifter back out.

Listen for excessive whine from the rear.

Go over some bumps and feel/listen for looseness in the front struts.

Also when you go over bumps, feel if both struts are behaving the same and that one isnt stiff and the other loose.

Check the nose for excessive paint cracking, same with rear bumper.

Ask how old the clutch is.

Check and see if the 'ABS INOP' light is on, the ABS brain module is expensive and not as easy as other parts to find. And it'll fail you for inspection.

If it has a fiberglass hood, check around the hood latch to see if its cracking. Mine eventually broke and I had to replace the hood at a cost of $1000.

If it has manual electric radiator fans, make sure they work.

Make sure to check the power steering rack and hard pressure lines, nobody makes aftermarket replacement parts for it so if there is a leak or crack in it, you have to replace the entire rack, or find someone willing to fabricate some pressure fittings for you if thats whats leaking.

Check to make sure the oil is clean and that the level is correct. LT-1s tend to eat oil and if the previous owner ignored it, it could have potential engine damage.

i will have a lot to look at haha, thanks for all the info man. i just dont want to get into a huge project. it appears to be a really nice car

[deadtrend1]

steve .. you are very wise in your advice .. but what the heck is a manual electric radiator fan????

But yes .. steves right, LT1's usually leak around the rear of the manfold. Its easily fixed but popping the intake off and resealing it.

The headlights sometime get loose off the gears and the gears sometime may strip. Easily (and Free) to fix that.

Don't let them be a deter to buy it though. Pending the price, and body condition, the LT1 is a stout motor.

[SteveR]

Originally Posted by deadtrend1

steve .. you are very wise in your advice .. but what the heck is a manual electric radiator fan????

I'm not sure what F-Bodies got it, but on my Firehawk there was a toggle switch next to the shifter to turn on two auxilary electric fans on the radiator

[deadtrend1]

Originally Posted by SteveR

I'm not sure what F-Bodies got it, but on my Firehawk there was a toggle switch next to the shifter to turn on two auxilary electric fans on the radiator

that was probably the SLP fan switch (not factory).

[SteveR]

Originally Posted by deadtrend1

that was probably the SLP fan switch (not factory).

Oh. Then he probably shouldnt check for that

[LTb1ow]

Also, just make sure it doesn't studder at idle and if you can, at higher rpms it doesn't fall apart. Bad optis and ICM/coils are not cheap.