1984 CHEVROLET CAMARO

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: slipping between 3rd and overdrive, no overdrive engagement, delayed engagement from Park, burnt transmission fluid smell, metal shavings in pan

Fix: The 700-R4 behind the V8s is notoriously weak, especially if the transmission oil cooler failed and contaminated fluid. Full rebuild required, 8-12 hours labor. Cooler lines and external cooler replacement mandatory during rebuild to prevent repeat failure.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Symptoms: rough idle and stalling when warm, hesitation on acceleration, black smoke from exhaust, poor fuel economy under 10 mpg, check engine light with codes 33, 34, 44, 45

Fix: The Rochester Quadrajet with GM's early computer control is a nightmare. Mixture control solenoid, oxygen sensor, and vacuum leaks are the usual culprits. Diagnosis 2-3 hours, repair 3-5 hours depending on what's failed. Many owners convert to Edelbrock carb or TBI swap to eliminate the system entirely.

Estimated cost: $400-900

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: oil spots under rear of engine, oil coating bellhousing and starter, low oil level between changes, oil dripping after shutdown

Fix: Two-piece rear main seals on these small-blocks leak as rope seal deteriorates. Transmission must come out, 6-8 hours labor. Oil pan gasket also common due to thin stampings and cork gaskets—another 4-5 hours if done separately. Smart move is doing both together.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: heavy knocking from bottom of engine at idle, low oil pressure below 10 psi hot, metal flakes in oil filter, rod knock that worsens under load

Fix: The 305 V8 with original flat-tappet cam and soft bearings shows rod and main bearing wear. Requires full teardown—rod bearings, main bearings, possibly pistons and rings if cylinder taper exceeds spec. 18-24 hours for in-frame rebuild, 12-16 hours for long-block swap if cores available.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500

Symptoms: fuel smell in cabin or garage, hard starting after sitting, stalling under acceleration, visible fuel wetness along frame rails, engine sputtering under load

Fix: Mechanical fuel pumps fail and steel fuel lines rust through along the frame, especially in salt states. Pump replacement 1.5-2 hours, but if lines need replacement budget 4-6 hours due to rust and access. Flexible rubber section behind tank also cracks.

Estimated cost: $300-800

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: clunking when turning wheel, excessive steering wheel play, rubbing noise from column when turning, vibration through steering wheel

Fix: Upper and lower column bearings wear out, and the rubber steering shaft coupler disintegrates. Column must be dropped, 3-4 hours labor. While in there, tilt mechanism and turn signal switch often need attention too.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Symptoms: water dripping on seats during rain, wet carpet in footwells, headliner staining, musty smell in cabin, water pooling in rear cargo area

Fix: Factory T-tops leak as weatherstripping hardens and shrinks. Full weatherstrip replacement on both panels, 2-3 hours labor. Drain tubes under t-tops also clog—must be cleaned or water backs up into cabin. Not a breakdown issue but ruins interiors.

Estimated cost: $200-400