all right, I've got an 89 lxi w/ a 5 speed manual(was originally an auto-prev. owner did it)
For the past three days, when I start it, it's fine, but it seems after it warms up and I accelerate it starts burnin somethin fierce outta the exhaust. sucks for those behind me, and it wouldn't be horrible for me, except I think I'm missing something for the shifter/clutch cause I can the road underneath.. I want to say the smoke is white/white, or maybe blue/white...I'm in OHIO so it's so cold I can't really tell right now. I do see black stuff on my tailpipe end
How can I tell( cheaply) what's wrong...I'm pretty much a home-mechanic by default, and still learning, so what I know is limited. I really don't want to take it in if I can reasonably do it myself...

 

Maybe a head gasket

Check to see if you have coolant in your oil

 

if its real white i would also say head gasked u said its been real cold out there if u have 50/50 antifreeze it could have froze up on u have u noticed ur temp gauge go to the (RED) at all latley?? thats just the most common one it could be many othere things to piston Rings, Valve seals, any thing like that its an older car good luck.....

 

if you just got a oil change dont worry about it, its prolly just some leftover oil that got on your cat. Most times thats just what happens if u smell the burning.

Check your fluids and next time you go out driving see if u can see where the smoke is comming from

if it continues take it to a shop before your in deep sh**.