
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 486
VALVE SEATS  
A visual inspection of the valve seats 
should show a slightly worn and pitted 
surface where the valve face contacts t he seat. Inspect the seat carefully for 
severe pitting or cracks. Also, a seat t hat is badly worn will be recessed into the 
cylinder head. A severely worn or rece ssed seat may need to be replaced. All 
cracked seats must be replaced. A seat co ncentricity gauge, if available, should 
be used to check the seat run-out. If run-out exceeds specifications the seat 
must be machined (if no specification  is given use 0.002 in. or 0.051mm).  
CYLINDER HEAD SURFACE FLATNESS  
After you have cleaned the gasket surf ace of the cylinder head of any old 
gasket material, check the head for flatness.  
 
Fig. 12: Check the head for flatness across  the center of the head surface using 
a straightedge and feeler gauge 
  

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 496
ENGINE BLOCK  
ENGINE BLOCK BEARING ALIGNMENT  
Remove the main bearing caps and, if sti
ll installed, the main bearing inserts. 
Inspect all of the main bearing saddles  and caps for damage, burrs or high 
spots. If damage is found, and  it is caused from a spun main bearing, the block 
will need to be align-bored or, if severe  enough, replacement. Any burrs or high 
spots should be carefully removed with a metal file.  
Place a straightedge on the  bearing saddles, in the engine block, along the 
centerline of the crankshaft. If any cl earance exists between the straightedge 
and the saddles, the block  must be align-bored.  
Align-boring consists of machining th e main bearing saddles and caps by 
means of a flycutter that runs  through the bearing saddles.  
DECK FLATNESS  
The top of the engine blo ck where the cylinder head m ounts is called the deck. 
Insure that the deck surface is clean  of dirt, carbon deposits and old gasket 
material. Place a straightedge across  the surface of the deck along its 
centerline and, using feeler  gauges, check the clearance along several points. 
Repeat the checking procedure with th e straightedge placed along both 
diagonals of the deck surface. If  the reading exceeds 0.003 in. (0.076mm) 
within a 6.0 in. (15.2cm) span, or 0.006 in . (0.152mm) over the total length of 
the deck, it must be machined.  
CYLINDER BORES  
The cylinder bores house the pistons and  are slightly larger than the pistons 
themselves. A common piston-to-bor e clearance is 0.0015-0.0025 in. 
(0.0381mm-0.0635mm). Inspect and measur e the cylinder bores. The bore 
should be checked for out-of-roundness, t aper and size. The results of this 
inspection will determine w hether the cylinder can be us ed in its existing size 
and condition, or a rebore to  the next oversize is required (or in the case of 
removable sleeves, have replacements installed).   

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 751
13. Lubricate a new outlet tube 0-ring and in
stall it on the end of the tube.  
14. Connect the regulator base to the fuel  outlet tube, then to the fuel rail.  
15. Finger-tighten the base-to-rail screw.  
16. Install the pressure regulator br acket. Finger-tighten the screws only.  
17. Lubricate a new rear crossover tube  O-ring and install it on the end of the 
tube.  
18. Install the rear crossover  tube to the regulator base.  
19. Install the crossover tube reta iner and finger-tighten the screw.  
20. Tighten all attaching screws to 44 inch lbs. (5 Nm).  
21. Install the fuel rail assembly.  
22. Temporarily connect the negative battery cable.   a.  With the engine OFF and the igniti on ON, check for fuel leaks.  
b.  Disconnect the negative battery cable.  
23. Install the intake  plenum and runners.  
24. Connect the negative battery cable.  
IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE 
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION   1.  Unplug the electrical connector from idle air control valve.  
2.  Remove the idle air control valve.  
To install:   3.  Before installing the idle air contro l valve, measure the distance that the 
valve is extended. Measurement s hould be made from the motor housing 
to the end of the cone. It  should not exceed 28.5mm (1
1/8 in.), or damage 
to the valve may occur when installed.  
4.  On 1985-1992 models, identify the  replacement IAC valve as being 
either Type 1 (with collar at electric  terminal end) or Type 2 (without 
collar). If measuring distance is great er than specified above, proceed as 
follows:  
•  Type 1: Use finger pressure to slowly retract the pintle.  
• Type 2: Compress retaining spring  from valve while turning valve 
in with a clockwise motion. Return  spring to original position with 
straight portion of spring end aligned  with flat surface of valve.  
On IAC valves that have already been in  service, do not push or pull on the 
valve pintle. The force required to move  the pintle may damage the threads on 
the worm drive.   
5.  Use a new gasket or O-ring and install the IAC valve into the throttle  body.  
6.  Allow the ECM to reset the idle  air control valve using the procedure 
described earlier in this section.   

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 812
9.  Connect one end of the other jumper 
cable to the negative (-) terminal on 
the booster battery and the final cable clamp to an engine bolt head, 
alternator bracket or ot her solid, metallic point on the engine with the 
dead battery. Try to pick a ground on the engine that is positioned away 
from the battery in order to minimi ze the possibility of the 2 clamps 
touching should one l oosen during the procedure.  DO NOT connect this 
clamp to the negative (-) term inal of the bad battery.  
CAUTION  - Be very careful to keep the jum per cables away from moving parts 
(cooling fan, belts, etc.) on both engines. 
10. Check to make sure that the c ables are routed away from any moving 
parts, then start the d onor vehicle's engine. Run the engine at moderate 
speed for several minutes to allow the dead battery a chance to receive 
some initial charge.  
11. With the donor vehicle's engine still r unning slightly above idle, try to start 
the vehicle with the dead battery. Crank the engine for no more than 10 \
seconds at a time and let the starter  cool for at least 20 seconds between 
tries. If the vehicl e does not start in 3 tries, it  is likely that something else 
is also wrong or that the battery  needs additional time to charge.  
12. Once the vehicle is star ted, allow it to run at idle for a few seconds to 
make sure that it is  operating properly.  
13. Turn ON the headlight s, heater blower and, if equipped, the rear 
defroster of both vehicles in order to  reduce the severity of voltage spikes 
and subsequent risk of dam age to the vehicles' electrical systems when 
the cables are disconnected. This st ep is especially important to any 
vehicle equipped with computer control modules.  
14. Carefully disconnect the cables in the reverse order of connection. Star\
t  with the negative cable  that is attached to the engine ground, then the 
negative cable on the donor battery. Di sconnect the positive cable from 
the donor battery and finally, disconnect the positive cable from the 
formerly dead battery. Be careful when  disconnecting the cables from the 
positive terminals not to allow the alli gator clips to touch any metal on 
either vehicle or a short and sparks will occur.  
JACKING  
Your vehicle was supplied with a jack for emergency road repairs. This jack is 
fine for changing a flat tire or other s hort term procedures not requiring you to 
go beneath the vehicle. If it is used in  an emergency situation, carefully follow 
the instructions provided eit her with the jack or in your owner's manual. Do not 
attempt to use the jack on any portions of  the vehicle other than specified by the 
vehicle manufacturer. Always block the  diagonally opposite wheel when using a 
jack.  
A more convenient way of jacking is the  use of a garage or floor jack. You may 
use the floor jack to raise the vehicle in  the areas shown in the illustration .   

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 847
DISARMING 
1.  Turn the steering wheel to align the w heels in the straight-ahead position.  
2.  Turn the ignition switch to the  LOCK position.  
3.  Remove the SIR air bag fuse  from the fuse block.  
4.  Remove the left side trim panel  and disconnect the yellow 2-way SIR 
harness wire connector at the bas e of the steering column.  
To enable system:   5.  Turn the ignition switch to the  LOCK position.  
6. Reconnect the yello w 2-way connector at the base of the steering 
column.  
7.  Reinstall the SIR fuse  and the left side trim panel.  
8.  Turn the ignition switch to the  RUN position.  
9.  Verify the SIR indicator light flashes  7-9 times, if not as specified, inspect 
system for malfunction or c ontact the manufacturer.  
For more details on the SIR system -  including disarming instructions for 
passenger bags - please refer to  Chassis Electrical in this repair guide.   
SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE REST RAINT (SIR) COIL ASSEMBLY  
After performing repairs on the inter nals of the steering column the coil 
assembly must be centered in order to  avoid damaging the coil or accidental 
deployment of the air bag. There are 2  different styles of coils, one rotates 
clockwise and the other  rotates counterclockwise.   
ADJUSTMENT (CENTERING THE COIL)   1.  With the system properly disarmed,  hold the coil assembly with the clear 
bottom up to see the coil ribbon.  
2.  While holding the coil assembly, depr ess the lock spring and rotate the 
hub in the direction of the arrow until  it stops. The coil should now be 
wound up snug against the center hub.  
3.  Rotate the coil assembly in  the opposite direction approximately 2
1/2 
turns and release the lock spring between  the locking tabs in front of the 
arrow.  
4.  Install the coil assembly  onto the steering shaft.  
STEERING WHEEL 
 
WARNING  - Before attempting any repairs  involving the steering wheel or 
disassembly of it, ensure that the Supple mental Inflatable Restraint (Air Bag) 
system is properly disarmed. 
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION  
If the vehicle is equipped with a SIR (A ir Bag) system, ensure that the proper 
disarming procedure is followed.    

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 849
2.  Loosen the screws and lo
cknuts from the back of the steering wheel 
using a suitable Torx® driver or equi valent, until the inflator module can 
be released from the steering wheel.  Remove the inflator module from 
the steering wheel.  
CAUTION  - When carrying a live inflator modul e, ensure the bag and trim cover 
are pointed away from the body. In ca se of an accidental deployment, the bag 
will then deploy with minima l chance of injury. When placing a live inflator 
module on a bench or other surface, a lways place the bag and trim cover up, 
away from the surface. This is necessa ry so a free space is provided to allow 
the air bag to expand in the unlikely event  of accidental deployment. Otherwise, 
personal injury may result.  Also, never carry the inflator module by the wires or 
connector on the underside of the module. 
4.  Disconnect the coil assembly connec tor and CPA clip from the inflator 
module terminal.  
5.  Remove the steering wheel locking nut.  
6.  Using a suitable pulle r, remove the steering wheel and disconnect the 
horn contact. When attaching the steer ing wheel puller, use care to 
prevent threading the side screws into  the coil assembly and damaging 
the coil assembly.  
To install:   7.  Route the coil assembly connec tor through the steering wheel.  
8.  Connect the horn contact and install  the steering wheel. When installing 
the steering wheel, ali gn the block tooth on the  steering wheel with the 
block tooth on the steering shaft within 1 female serration.  
9.  Install the steering wheel locking nu t. Tighten the nut to 31 ft. lbs. (42 
Nm).  
10. Connect the coil assembly connector  and CPA clip to the inflator module 
terminal.  
11. Install the inflator module. Ensu re the wiring is not exposed or trapped 
between the inflator modul e and the steering wheel. Tighten the inflator 
module screws to 25 inch lbs. (2.8 Nm).  
12. Connect the negative battery cable.  
13. Enable the SIR system as follows:   a.  Connect the yellow 2-way SIR harness connector to base of the steering column and CPA.  
b.  Install the left sound insulator.  
c.  Install the SIR fuse in the fuse block.  
d.  Turn the ignition switch to the  RUN position and verify that the 
inflatable restraint indicator fl ashes 7-9 times and then turns  OFF. 
If the indicator does not respond  as stated, a problem within the 
SIR system is indicated.  
 
 
 
  

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 856
1.  Properly disable the SIR 
air bag system, if equipped.  
2.  Place the lock in the  Run position.  
3.  Remove the lock plate, turn  signal switch and buzzer switch.  
4.  Remove the screw and lock cylinder.  
CAUTION  - If the screw is dropped on removal,  it could fall into the column, 
requiring complete disassembly to retrieve the screw. 
To install:  
5.  Rotate the cylinder clockwise to a lign cylinder key with the keyway in the 
housing.  
6.  Push the lock all the way in.  
7. Install the screw. Tighten the screw  to 14 inch lbs. (1.5 Nm) for 
adjustable columns and 25 inch lbs.  (2.8 Nm) for standard columns. Re-
center the SIR coil assembly  as previously directed.  
STEERING COLUMN 
 
WARNING  - Before attempting any repairs  involving the steering wheel or 
disassembly of it, ensure that the Supple mental Inflatable Restraint (Air Bag) 
system is properly disarmed. 
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION  
The front of the dash mount ing plates must be loosened whenever the steering 
column is to be lowered from the instrument panel.   
1.  Disconnect the negative battery cable.  
2.  On 1990-92 vehicles, disable the S upplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) 
system as follows:   a.  Turn the steering wheel so th e vehicle's wheels are pointing 
straight-ahead.  
The wheels of the vehicle must  be in the straight-ahead position 
and the steering column in the  locked position before proceeding 
with steering column remo val. Failure to follow this procedure will 
cause the SIR coil to become uncentered, resulting in damage to 
the coil assembly.   
b.  Remove the SIR fuse  from the fuse block.  
c.  Remove the left sound insulator  by removing the nut from the stud 
and gently prying the insulator from the knee bolster.  
d.  Disconnect the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and yellow  2-way SIR harness connector at the  base of the steering column.  
3.  Remove the nut and bolt from t he upper intermediate shaft coupling. 
Separate the coupling from the lo wer end of the steering column.  
4.  Remove the steering w heel, if the column is to be replaced or repaired 
on the bench.  
5.  Remove the knee bolster and bracket, if equipped.   

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 857
6.  Remove the bolts attaching the toe plate to the cowl.  
7.  Disconnect the electrical connectors.  
8.  Remove the capsule nuts attachi
ng the steering column support bracket 
to the instrument panel.  
9. Disconnect the park lock cable from  the ignition switch inhibitor, if 
equipped with automatic transmission.  
10. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.  
To install:  
If a replacement steering column is bein g installed, do not remove the anti-
rotation pin until after the steering co lumn has been connected to the steering 
gear. Removing the anti-rotation pin before  the steering column is connected to 
the steering gear may dam age the SIR coil assembly.  
11. Position the steering column in the vehicle.  
12. Connect the park lock cable to the ig nition switch inhibitor on vehicles 
with automatic transmission.  
13. Install the capsule nuts attaching  the steering column support bracket to 
the instrument panel and tighten  to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm).  
14. Install the nut and bolt  to the upper intermediate shaft coupling attaching 
the upper intermediate shaft to the steer ing column. Tighten the nut to 44 
ft. lbs. (60 Nm).  
15. Install the bolts attaching the toe pl ate to the cowl and tighten to 58 inch 
lbs. (6.5 Nm).  
16. Connect the electrical connectors.  
17. Remove the anti-rotation pin if a se rvice replacement steering column is 
being installed.  
18. Install the knee bolster and bracket, if equipped.  
19. Install the sound insulator panel.  
If SIR coil has become uncentered by turni ng of the steering wheel without the 
column connected to the st eering gear, follow the proper adjustment procedure 
for the SIR coil assembly before proceeding.   
20. Install the steering wheel.  
21. Connect the negative battery cable.  
22. Enable the SIR system as follows:   a.  Connect the yellow 2-way SIR  harness connector to the base of 
the steering column and CPA clip and install the SIR fuse.  
b.  Install the left sound insulator.  
c.  Turn the ignition switch to the  RUN position and verify that the 
inflatable restraint indicator fl ashes 7-9 times and then turns  OFF. 
If the indicator does not respond  as stated, a problem within the 
SIR system is indicated.