Need insight from the experts

[skyshadow07]

I'm a current Gen4 who knows nothing about Gen1 models. But I am now a owner of a '92 Gen1. The '92 has been sitting for roughly 10 years but was stated to be running when parked. I am planning on flying out to the parked location, doing some *** and prep and driving the '92 2000 miles home. As I know little about the Gen1 models specifically, I was curious if this crowd could shoot out some pointers. I know that I'll need to flush fluids, change tires and throw a new battery in, common stuff like that I got. I'm curious about the nuances of this engine and platform that I should look out for.

 

[SHOthyme]

I'm a current Gen4 who knows nothing about Gen1 models. But I am now a owner of a '92 Gen1. The '92 has been sitting for roughly 10 years but was stated to be running when parked. I am planning on flying out to the parked location, doing some *** and prep and driving the '92 2000 miles home. As I know little about the Gen1 models specifically, I was curious if this crowd could shoot out some pointers. I know that I'll need to flush fluids, change tires and throw a new battery in, common stuff like that I got. I'm curious about the nuances of this engine and platform that I should look out for.

I love that you are channeling your inner "Derek from Vice Grip Garage" on this one!

If you haven't ever watched it, you should watch his videos to mentally prepare yourself, and just be glad it's not a Mopar because their starters can be damaging to a fellers soul.

It's so great he has a show on cable, he is very deserving of it, but I like his YouTube stuff better as it doesn't have to be cut down for airing on tv.

Good luck!

 

[Texas Marauder]

FYI - 92 is Gen2. Good luck on your journey.

 

[luigisho]

I might not trust 10yr old gas. Probably try to get new stuff in there. There are external fuel filters on these cars in case anything gets clogged up. Easy swap in and out. Look out for degraded wiring, crank sensors are like hens teeth and you might have to go to sho source or (i'll find the link) the Tbird site who had these custom made (similar sensors) as aftermarket and oem supply ran dry. No crank sensor no run. 92's have the updated GenII sheet metal but the only GenII without trunk lid spoiler. Good luck!!

oh yeah for future reference https://www.supercoupeperformance.com/in-stock-position-sensor-gen-1-2-v6-sho

 

[yaycandy]

Even my 90’ dont like 1 year old gas.

 

[Blk89]

First, start with the basic red shop manuals. Then, beg the forum for the closest Gen 1 member nearby that will provide the name of a good mechanic you can trust. Hand him the manuals, emphasizing the smallest one. Fly home wait 1 month and then fly back.

 

[yaycandy]

I actually found my sho shop manuals today if you need a picture of some pages just pm me, also found my seesaw

 

[SHOMON]

When I bought my 95MTX it had been sitting for almost 3 years. I got it towed home.
I swapped the starter out of the 95ATX I owned at the time and the battery it fired right up.
Then I road tripped to Vermont after doing the fluids and tires. But having the parts you will eventually need is the smart thing to do.
Crank sensor, DIS module, CCRM module. I have faith in you and the car.

 

[Devin]

I'd swap out the gas and do an oil change. As long as it starts it should make it. Do a shake out on a local highway to make sure it can handle higher speeds.

Also, make sure the serpentine belt is in good condition. I'd buy another one just in case.

 

[rubydist]

I am a fairly optimistic guy, but there is no way I would try to drive a car that has been sitting 10 years on a 2000 mile road trip right out of the chute. In addition to all the stuff already mentioned, you have potentially brakes that are rusted up, wires that are chewed up, rodents/insects sharing the interior with you, etc. That car should be shipped to you and gone through decently before you attempt to drive more than around the block, imho.

 

[Dave T]

Trailer

 

[Greg Corcoran]

In addition to the fluids I see no one mentioned new rubber:
1 - I would NOT trust tires that are known to be more than 10 years old on a 2000 mile road trip unless you are taking all local roads at <40 mph. Even then I'd be a bit leery. Change those tires! Call ahead and make sure someone has them in stock. the originals were V rated, seems only the Z or H rated ones were available last time I needed tires.
2 -Round up a spare set of radiator hoses, the little funny pre-bent hoses for the intake/throttle body area, and heater hoses. It's been years, but I racall at least one of the hoses is one diameter on one end and a different diameter on the other, so you'll not get a generic hose to fit. You can buy a catch pan and antifreeze at the other end. inspect the hoses after the car has warmed up and driven a few miles to see if you want to change them before you head out, or if you want to take a chance doing the work on the shoulder of the interstate should one fail.
3 -Have spare serpentine belt, as already mentioned.

And of course pack the tools you'll need for the above belts and hoses.

And while I have driven newly purchased cars home on thousand mile road trips, they were at least known to be reliable local drivers. The several cars I've bought that sat for 7 to 24 years all left me on the side of the road a few times in the first several months of ownership. (read first 500 miles) so I don't know that I would recommend what you are planning. The last time I bought a car from long storage I went down to TX, got it running, drove it a few miles and realized discretion was the better part of valor and had it shipped. The good news was now that it was running it was cheaper to ship than a non running car.

 

[sperold]

I rotate through my cars on a seasonal basis, and I find that I have more issues with my cars that are dormant than the ones that I am using. And unusual things, like while moving my dormant 95,
the clutch cable broke and I had to bring it back home by starting it in gear on a hill.

I too might give it a try, if I had the time to road test and evaluate the car like say, for a week where it lives now. But I would get in touch with transport companies to see how long I would be waiting if I called in a delivery from my cell phone, also get AAA to fetch you to a location where you can get service.

If it does not go well, the road trip will be more expensive than a delivery from a hauling company. But if you have tons of time and enough emergency money to make it comfortable, the road trip will make a great story for future campfire discussions.

 

[skyshadow07]

Thanks for the parts advice. I will grab up spares of the mentioned parts. I think having a spare fuel pump is smart. Stock is probably gummed up. Wow, that crank sensor is not cheap is it? I have a set of tires for it. Being that I have not owned this gen, I'm not sure what DIS module and CCRM modules are.
You guys are too cynical ha. I have driven a 60's model Mercedes 500 miles 1 day after barn find buying. Still own that car, great machine but can't go over 65mph. I once drove an actual race car from southern California to Oklahoma. The race tires lasted til New Mexico before I had multiple blow outs. I had to get a ride into town for new tires. Probably my dumbest long trip was riding a Ducati that was stored for 7yr over 200 miles on the tires and fuel it was stored with. Luckily, that one had few problems. But, If it leaves me stranded, so be it. I'll just get it fixed or worst case, shipped from that location.

 

[skyshadow07]

I love that you are channeling your inner "Derek from Vice Grip Garage" on this one!

If you haven't ever watched it, you should watch his videos to mentally prepare yourself, and just be glad it's not a Mopar because their starters can be damaging to a fellers soul.

It's so great he has a show on cable, he is very deserving of it, but I like his YouTube stuff better as it doesn't have to be cut down for airing on tv.

Good luck!

Derek is fun to watch, I've become sick of his clearly fake accent thing he does. Luckily when MotorTrend picked him up, he pulled back on it. Nothing beats the original, Roadkill, though.

 

[luigisho]

Wow, that crank sensor is not cheap is it?

Yeah once oem supply and aftermarket no longer produce commonly replaced items, small run batches from someone able to produce them drive the cost way up.
You will see a distributorless ignition system (DIS) module on the side of the intake. Very prominent and easy to see. THe CCRM is a module with several relays contained inside like those for fans and fuel pump. It is hidden above radiator below a plastic piece across the top or rad. You will get familiar quickly. I will agree to get used Helm's shop manuals on ebay with repair and diagnostic procedures for the SHO engine. This is not a chilton's/haynes manual

 

[Greg Corcoran]

Did anyone mention taking along jack stands? if you're going to change the fuel pump, fuel filter, oil filter, etc. you'll need to be inder the car.

 

[Bryan]

Trailer the car home dude. Don't do this. You could get in an accident or stranded somewhere trying to drive a vehicle that has been sitting for so long so far. Vice Grip Garage has millions of subscribers and probably millions of dollars incase things go bad. A car sitting for ten years without running is a recipe for disaster if you just try to get it running from sitting for so long. There is so many things that could go wrong. This car is a 92? So that means manual transmission as the automatic wasn't available until 93. These cars are VERY RARE and specific parts are even rarer. Things like parts for the manual transmission are almost impossible to find. The timing belt is more than likely dry rotted and would need to be at least looked at if not replaced. Crank sensor is another issue. You don't want to be stuck on the side of the road and have to try to rip apart the front of the engine to replace it.

Also the crank sensor is only available as far as I know from SHO Source. Very expensive. Other sensors like cam sensor, Ignition control module, CCRM and maf sensors are other concerns. As other's said oil and fuel would need changed. Tires are most likely dry rotted and would need replaced. Brakes would need to be checked. I would imagine I would not trust the brake fluid so that replaced too. Engine I would say better to inspect the cylinders before trying to fire it up just incase any rust might have formed on or around the cylinders or cylinder walls. I would bet most of the rubber seals and gaskets are also probably dry an possibly rotted. You could very well do irreparable damage to the vehicle trying to drive it 2000 miles. Remember that. Please take care of the vehicle and do the proper inspection/repairs before attempting to drive it. Be safe and good luck with your new car.

 

[SHOthyme]

"I've become sick of his clearly fake accent thing he does."

Ha, I thought the same thing, but I talked to a shop teacher here in MN that met him when he was helping out with some things at their school and he said that is the way he is on and off camera. To which I obviously replied, "well, I'll be dipped!" So they may have told him to rein it in a bit but that's really him. I found it cute and endearing, but I'm an idiot, so he spoke my language.

Good luck and may the SHO gods look kindly upon you during your trip, heck, if nothing else it makes for a great story.

 

[SHOthyme]

"Vice Grip Garage has millions of subscribers and probably millions of dollars incase things go bad."

Up until recently, he was a one man band, which was one of the best parts of the show. He had to figure it all out himself with the occasional assist from the seller of the vehicle.