1992 Information Needed
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 57
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From: Knoxville Maryland
1992 Information Needed
Hello all, I am looking into buying a 1992. I took it for a test ride and it seemed to hesitate under heavy acceleration. I was wondering what that might be? Starting from a complete stop and pretty much mashing the accelerator it would fall on its face and then pick-up but then seem to breakdown like a plug wire failing or possibly a plug fouling. I have heard that there have been problems with injectors and the opti-spark. Are there diagnoses for these and what cost are involved? I mean it could have been that the car was just running on dirty gas also as the gas gauge read "on reserve". The dash also displayed that the average gas mileage was 11.0 and I thought that was a bit odd. Any information that the members could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 542
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From: middle of Illinois
I wouldn't worry about the average mpg, it's probably seen some short trips with a lot of throttle and will probably settle out after some highway miles.
I had a pair of bad injectors in my 92 recently, it was pretty easy to diagnose. Pop off the plastic fuel rail covers and unplug them one at a time. Use a multimeter to ohm them out, I don't remember what they're supposed to be, but they should all be about the same. If one's really low (like 4 ohms) or really high (like 50k ohms) then you've found the problem.
Replacement is almost as easy, just a few screws where the fuel lines attach to the rails, and a few screws holding the rails to the manifold, pull up on the fuel rails (injectors will pull out with the rails). Unclip each injector, pull it out of the rail, lube the new injector's o-ring and slide it in, put the clip back. Repeat 8 times, reassemble, test drive! Way easier on the LT1 than on the TPI L98!! I replaced the fuel pressure regulator while I was in there, too.
EDIT: you WILL spill fuel doing this procedure. Be ready with some towels.
I had a pair of bad injectors in my 92 recently, it was pretty easy to diagnose. Pop off the plastic fuel rail covers and unplug them one at a time. Use a multimeter to ohm them out, I don't remember what they're supposed to be, but they should all be about the same. If one's really low (like 4 ohms) or really high (like 50k ohms) then you've found the problem.
Replacement is almost as easy, just a few screws where the fuel lines attach to the rails, and a few screws holding the rails to the manifold, pull up on the fuel rails (injectors will pull out with the rails). Unclip each injector, pull it out of the rail, lube the new injector's o-ring and slide it in, put the clip back. Repeat 8 times, reassemble, test drive! Way easier on the LT1 than on the TPI L98!! I replaced the fuel pressure regulator while I was in there, too.
EDIT: you WILL spill fuel doing this procedure. Be ready with some towels.
Last edited by reoch999; Dec 6, 2008 at 07:10 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Nine years ago I bought my 92. It had less than 30K on the clock. There was an oil leak and I had to fix it. This all lead to the discovery of what was inside my opti spark; rust and coolant. It was ready to leave me like a FORD (Found On Road Dead). Find out as much as you can on the history of the opti spark of that Vette. Most opti's can make it to 100k, but if it gets wet, it's going to fail. Check here first.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 542
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From: middle of Illinois
Whatever the problem is, it's the owner's problem to fix if he wants to get top dollar for the car. And if he wants to discount the price to sell it without fixing, have him get a professional quote on what it will take to make the car 100% before you decide if it's worth buying and for how much. Good luck, and happy hunting! 
