1987 CHEVROLET CAMARO

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between 3rd and 4th (overdrive), Delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse, Burnt transmission fluid smell, No movement in any gear

Fix: The 700-R4 is notorious for torque converter clutch issues, 3-4 clutch pack burnout, and valve body wear. A rebuild runs 12-16 hours labor including R&R. Many shops install aftermarket shift kits and upgraded clutches during rebuild. Cooler lines and radiator internal cooler should be flushed or replaced to prevent repeat failure.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink milky transmission fluid, Transmission overheating, Coolant in trans pan or trans fluid in coolant reservoir, Rusted steel cooler lines at frame contact points

Fix: The internal radiator trans cooler can crack and cross-contaminate, killing the transmission within days. Steel cooler lines rust through where they contact the frame or crossmember. Fix involves replacing radiator (if internal cooler failed) and all cooler lines with pre-bent or custom stainless, plus fluid flush. 3-5 hours labor. If contamination occurred, transmission rebuild is required.

Estimated cost: $400-900 (lines/radiator only), $2,200-3,800 (if trans damaged)

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no external leak, White smoke from exhaust on startup, Rough idle and misfires, Oil contamination in coolant or vice versa

Fix: The 2.8L uses composite intake gaskets that deteriorate and allow coolant into the crankcase. Head gaskets can also fail between cylinders or into coolant passages. Intake gasket replacement is 4-6 hours; head gasket job is 8-12 hours per side. Heads should be checked for warpage and pressure tested.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200 (intake), $1,400-2,400 (head gaskets)

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Stalling when fuel tank below 1/4, Hard starting after sitting, Loss of power under load, Whining noise from fuel tank area

Fix: The in-tank electric pump fails from age, debris, or running low on fuel (pump uses fuel for cooling). Original metal fuel tanks rust internally. Fuel filter on frame rail clogs with rust particles. Pump replacement requires dropping the tank (2-3 hours). Filter replacement is 0.5 hour. If tank is rusty inside, replacement or professional cleaning recommended.

Estimated cost: $350-650 (pump), $40-80 (filter), $600-1,200 (tank replacement)

Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil drips from bellhousing area, Oil puddle under transmission bellhousing, Oil on clutch disc (manual trans) causing slippage

Fix: The two-piece rear main seal on early small-block Chevys seeps with age. Requires transmission removal, flywheel/flexplate removal, and seal replacement. 6-8 hours labor for automatic, 5-7 for manual. Often done during clutch or transmission work to save duplicate labor.

Estimated cost: $500-900

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: No start, no spark, Stalling when engine is hot, Misfires and stumbling under load, Check Engine light with multiple misfire codes

Fix: The 1985-1992 IROC-Z and some late '87s with the Tuned Port Injection 350 use the optispark distributor mounted low on the timing cover where it's exposed to heat and water pump leaks. Moisture kills the optical sensor. Replacement requires water pump removal. 4-6 hours labor. Always replace water pump and hoses at same time.

Estimated cost: $600-1,100

Symptoms: Water pooling in footwells or rear seat area after rain, Wind noise at highway speeds, Staining on headliner, Musty smell inside cabin

Fix: T-top seals harden and shrink with age. Water leaks into cabin, often pooling under carpet and causing rust in floorpans. Weatherstripping replacement for both panels is 2-3 hours. Inspect floorpans for rust perforation; patch welding adds cost. Aftermarket seals are available but fit varies.

Estimated cost: $250-500 (seals only), $800-1,500 (with floor rust repair)