1978 CHEVROLET CAMARO

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 1-2 shift, Delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse, Burnt transmission fluid smell, dark or metallic fluid, No movement in any gear after warm-up

Fix: Full rebuild required in most cases — clutch packs, bands, seals, and torque converter inspection. Budget 12-16 hours labor for a complete R&R and rebuild. External cooler lines and radiator-mounted cooler often leak and starve the trans, so address those during the job.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Symptoms: Visible rust perforation in front subframe rails near radiator support, Cracking or holes in rear torque boxes where leaf springs mount, Sagging rear end or misaligned body panels, Clunking over bumps from compromised mounting points

Fix: Requires cutting out rusted sections and welding in patch panels or replacement subframe sections. Rear torque boxes need the interior and trunk partially stripped. Expect 20-30 hours labor depending on extent. This is the deal-breaker on many otherwise solid cars.

Estimated cost: $2,500-5,000

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Heavy knocking on cold start that quiets slightly when warm, Low oil pressure at idle (under 10 psi hot), Metal shavings in oil or filter, Blue smoke on deceleration

Fix: Main and rod bearings are worn, sometimes spun. Requires engine pull, full teardown, crank inspection/machining, new bearings, piston rings if cylinder wear present. Plan on 24-30 hours for a proper rebuild with machine work. Some opt for a remanufactured long block to save time.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000

Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, especially after short trips, Stalling in traffic or at idle after highway driving, Surging or hesitation under load in warm weather, Fuel smell in cabin or engine bay

Fix: Fuel lines run too close to exhaust manifolds and heat-soak the mechanical pump. Install heat shield or reroute lines, replace fuel filter and pump if old. Carbureted models benefit from electric pump retrofit. 3-5 hours labor depending on approach.

Estimated cost: $300-700

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Rear sits visibly lower than front, uneven from side to side, Harsh ride over bumps, bottoming out with passengers, Clunking from rear suspension, Worn or broken shackle bushings with excessive play

Fix: Replace leaf springs and shackle bushings as a set. Rear needs to be supported and disassembled — shocks, U-bolts, hangers all come apart. Count on 6-8 hours labor for both sides with alignment check afterward.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: Gas smell and wet manifold after sitting, Rough idle, won't hold steady RPM, Hesitation off idle, black smoke, Hard starting, flooding evident by spark plug fouling

Fix: Needle and seat wear out, float level drifts. Idle passages clog from old gas and varnish. Full carb rebuild with ultrasonic cleaning, new gaskets, needle/seat, accelerator pump. 4-6 hours labor including tuning.

Estimated cost: $400-800

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive play at center, 2-3 inches of wheel movement before response, Clunking felt through steering column over bumps, Wandering on highway, constant corrections needed, Visible cracks in rubber rag joint coupling

Fix: Adjust or rebuild steering box (Saginaw manual or power). Replace rag joint coupling. Inspect intermediate shaft for wear. 3-5 hours labor, alignment required afterward.

Estimated cost: $500-1,200