ive just purchased a 90 irocz with a 5.7 w/112,000 miles.The car sometimes smokes at start up pretty bad other times not at all. it smokes just a tad while idling but none that i know of while driving.Is this bad valve seals or a ring problem? The car starts like a brand new one and runs fine. its embarrissing because it wont do it while im alone, only around car guys and hot chicks! it pisses me off. I want to drop in a new crate motor but ileave for wyoming tech in 1 month so moneys tight. anyone ever attended this school?

Its your valve seals...not too difficult to change if you have a valve spring compressor and some 1/4" rope or a compressed air source. Seems like this is always the 1st thing that goes on these later model smallblocks.
Been to Wyoming...never to Wyoming tech. Some of the best trout fishing anywhere can be found around Jackson Hole, WY. And I think everybody should go to the Tetons at least once in their life.

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375hp 78 Chevy truck
77 Chevy Nova
95 Chevy Lumina 3.4L
and building a 78 Nova

Thanks alot ive seen the adapter kits you mention that thread into the spark plug hole and hook up to compressed air. I toured the school about a month ago, very cool place, great instructors, and some very cool projects going on. Thanks again!

Its just Chevrolets way of preventing your exhaust system from rusting on the inside! LOL

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Mark

1992 Firebird 355/Six Speed
1991 RS 350 / 700-R4
1987 Toyota Pickup 383 / 500 + HP 10.79 @ 123.95 Slicks / 11.997 @ 114.23 Radials
"Speed KILLS, so drive a FORD and live forever!"
http://personal.lig.bellsouth.net/~racer383/

Member of the "unwanted" 3rd Gen group.

Fordmanintransfer
I have the exact same problem as you. I have a 72 350 with bad valve seals. At start up it puffs a cloud of smoke.Mine also never smokes when I start it when I am alone,but at my school(UTI) it smoke in front of everyone when I start it.