Good evening,

My name is Joe and I’m in The Denton, Texas area. Just picked up a 1995 Corvette LT1 today. It’s a project car. I’ve always wanted one to play with and this along with the late 70’s models are my favorites. I’m gonna start working on it this weekend so I’m sure I’ll be looking for advice. Right now I’m planning to replace interior trim pieces and carpet, wheels and tires, weatherstripping, stereo system, and exhaust system. I will eventually do some stuff to the motor but I’m trying to make it more friendly to drive first.

it’s my first vette but I do have some Chevrolet experience. I’m having an issue with what I believe is a fuel/air mixture right now that I imagine is due to lacking cats and possibly O2 sensors. I haven’t dug into it yet but I know as long as the check engine light is on, it runs like a scalded dog. But occasionally the light turns off and it bogs down and sounds like it’s misfiring plus it smokes under throttle. I’m gonna have it read tomorrow so maybe I’ll confirm it. If you have suggestions or advice, I’m all ears. The paint is good and the motor is the last priority right now.


thanks y’all.

 

Moved to C4 Tech for some advice on the problem your car is having.

 

Here is my thread on how I restored the interior so I didn't have to buy new. Just be careful, the plastic is old and easy to break
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-results.html

 

You need more than to just get it read. You need to get a system to plug into the ALDL port and see data. This is usually an old laptop, cable, and the correct (free) software. You can data log and see what changes. I am not as familiar with the 95 LT1 ECM as I am the older TPIs, but codes tend to send the car into Limp mode. Limp mode isn't as bad as it sounds, it is basically open loop running off set factory parameters and the ECM ignores it's feedback loop.

I am usually against throwing parts at a problem without data, however in your case, you need to get the car healthy before you do any further work. A pretty interior won't mean squat in a car you can't enjoy. Based off the description of the car, you should probably be replacing maintenance items before you even worry about diagnosing issues. This means check all fluids, if they are dirty they should be replaced. If in doubt, change it out. Your fuel and air filters probably need replaced, and starting diagnostics with a new 02 sensor is a good idea. I think the 95's still used the one wire unheated sensors, maybe not, but those 1 wires are only good for 2 years or about 50K miles, whichever comes first. I would also clean your throttle body and IAC housing. Then see where you are on running issues.

 

That’s essentially my plan. I’m changing all fluids this weekend and putting on fresh tires. I’m also just going to inspect everything I can see to figure out what I’m working with. From outside appearances the motor seems legit. Although I don’t know anything about the internals. It looks like someone tried to tinker with it but didn’t understand the electronic side of it (sensors, etc). The main problem I’m seeing is mixture/fuel and airflow. Which if I get the sensors and hardware correct, they should be somewhat self correcting. I’m going to pull the entire motor eventually but I’d like to be able to drive it during the meantime.

 

Follow Kyles lead...once you get that stuff getting that LT1 in tune and staying that way will be so much simpler.
You def need cats and a good quality 02 dont buy the cheap stuff they dont always read correctly and youll still get codes. I learned the hard way on my 02 1500 which uses 4 of them..nothing like paying for it twice! lol

A FSM is good money spent also. If its smoking a ton wether its oil or possibly extra fuel...dont want that.

 

Well it only smokes when the check engine light turns off. When it’s on, runs great with no smoke. When the light turns off it smokes, and drives like crap. It’s weird.

 

I have only had my first Vette since June, and I have found that getting a FSM is a gamechanger. I got one on disc off ebay.

 

Maybe a place like Auto Zone can scan it for trouble codes; if it's OBD-2 you can just get a relatively inexpensive scan tool.

The smoke is likely due to rich running in limp-home mode.