New to the board, '84 GN general and cam questions

[Chris Lott]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this board although not to buicks in general. I own a couple classic buicks (see signature) but I am looking at a prospective GN. I don't know the first thing about how to work with the computered cars, so I have much to learn.

To make a long story short I am looking at an '84 GN that is not running at the moment. The car had a complete motor rebuild 4 years ago, but after talking to the mechanic that worked on the car last time it was running, my understanding is that something to do with the Cam PROM or sensor is prohibiting the car from running correctly, and the reason for it being parked 4 years ago. I may not be correct on my terminology, so if my question doesn't make sense let me know and I will double check and see if I can't clarify. I guess my question would be how expensive are these parts, and is this a common problem? If it makes a difference the car has somewhere around 140k on it to the best of my knowledge.

If anyone can shed some light on possible problems known to '84s, any share any other general information I would be very appreciative. I'm looking at this car to be used as a daily driver, so dependability and drivability are going to be an issue. The car will be kept pretty much stock for those reasons. Thanks in advance!

 

[6SENSE]

Check out the Hot Air (non-intercooled) Tech board, which is specific to '84/'85 cars. There is a sticky with pretty much all the basic info to get you going at the top.
Also try posting questions over there too, as SOME of your questions will have to do with the different configuration that the '84/'85s have (vs. '86/'87), and you may get a quicker response.

 

[EMcNeice]

If the cam sensor isn't adjusted right, it won't run. Or if its no good, i new one is under $200 i believe. The PROM refers to the computer chip used in 86/87 cars.

 

[WFO]

sounds like the problem is a mechanic that doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground...

what do they want for it?if it's in good shape and you can get it cheap snag it up.

 

[Chris Lott]

Thanks for the ideas guys. Sounds like I need to decide whether or not it is worth the risk. I have a gut feeling the car could be running very easily, it ran when parked just not very well. I'll keep everyone posted as to what happens. Thanks again.