1985 Chevrolet El Camino V8

This is a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino with V8 engine and a limited-slip differential. Perhaps thanks to being in the West Coast for most of its life, there are no rust concerns. The chassis milage is 191,000. The engine and most connected components were replaced in 2006 at 172,057 miles with a Chevrolet Performance 350cc V8 engine (#10067353). This engine is rated at 249 hp and 304 ft.-lbs. of torque. When the engine was replaced, headers (FlowTech #11102) were installed along with new exhaust pipes, and there is something special about the rumble facilitated by them (see video), but the exhaust system is not particularly loud, nor was this the intention. After recently replacing the carburetor (Edelbrock AVS2 650 CFM) and calibrating its step-up springs, it is quite responsive. Vapor lock was an issue with this car (carbureted cars may be susceptible to the presence of ethanol in modern fuel), but this was eliminated with the addition of heat-insulating spacers and a return line (silicone sheathing was also applied to many of the fuel lines). I dont know whether the transmission (TH350c) was ever seriously serviced, but it is buttery smooth; it is known to be a reliable transmission. The brake system is also in good shape, with the rear drums and front rotors being recently replaced. Most features work, including the AC, but, as I note later, some items are in need of repair.

History

The car was delivered near Sacramento, California, in November, 1984. It appears to have continued to reside in California until my grandfather acquired it in 2003, when it moved to the virtually ice-free Oregon Coast. I acquired the car in 2016, and the car moved to Ohio and then Kentucky, where I have been careful to keep it protected from the less favorable climate (the liberally applied brown substance on the undercarriage is a wax-based rust inhibitor). Older cars are more difficult to maintain due to many shops preferring not to work on them and the limited availability of some parts, so, after spending much time getting most things in order, I feel that I dont really have enough time to give it the level of attention it may require as time continues.

Known Issues

- Clear coat bubbling on hood
- Steering requires frequent, although small, corrections. I have been advised that this may indicate that steering gear needs replacement.
- Heater does not blow hot air
- Sound system receiver needs replacement (I do not listen to radio in car, so antenna has been lowered into body and capped off).
- Temperature gauge does not move.
- The burning of oil is noticeable by smell, but the oil level is hardly affected
- There is a faint ticking sound reminiscent of lifter ticking on higher revs once the vehicle has warmed up.
- The tachometer and clock are not accurate
- The windshield washing fluid does not spray.
- There are tears in the headliner. There are also tears in the drivers seat, although I have patches on these.
- The carpets, originally gray, have weathered to light green, presumably from UV exposure.
- There are the occasional drill hole and adhesive residue on interior trim from various accessories that were added and removed over the years. There are also occasional scuff marks and peeling of chrome film on the interior pieces.
- There are fine lines here and there on the chrome wheels that have developed rust. I have touched these up with silver paint and a ceramic sealant, and I dont think they are very noticeable; the wheels retain a bright shine.
- The only dent that I am aware of is on the outside corner of the tailgate.
- The tires, although having good tread, are about ten years old, so they are in need of replacement according to manufacturer recommendations due to age. The front-right tire begins to noticeably lose pressure after a few days of being filled; I am not sure what the issue is with this tire.

Repair/Addition History

- ?: Conversion to bucket seats with gear shift in center console
- ?: A class-C trailer hitch (2-inch ball), along with an electrical hookup to the rear signals, was added
- 2003: exhaust pipes, headers, fuel pump, intake manifold (Edelbrock), pedals
- 2004: power steering pump, carpets, dash coverlay, window weatherstripping, miscellaneous trim
- 2005: power steering gear
- 2006: new engine, ignition coil, radiator, water pump, oil-pressure switch
- 2008: muffler
- 2012: shock absorbers
- 2015: wheels and tires
- 2016: alternator
- 2017: AC compressor
- 2022: blower motor
- 2025-26: front brake rotors, rear brake drums, rear brake cylinders, brake fluid, carburetor, fuel-pressure regulator with return outlet (Edelbrock 174053 180GPH with Moroso gauge), fuel return line to tank, aluminum fuel filter and pre-filter, AN fittings for fuel system, fuel hoses, spark plugs and spark plug cables, charcoal cannister and line to air cleaner, speedometer and speedometer cable, instrument cluster printed circuit board, instrument cluster lamp sockets and LEDs, driver and passenger window motors and switches, valve spring seals, valve covers, thermostat, thermostat housing, heater hoses, heater regulator, upper radiator hose, radiator coolant, blower motor resistor, and v-belts.