Installing a new MSD distrib. in my 92 LT1. few questions please.

1) different plug on new msd then on old opti. Do I need to hard wire ??
different color wires.

2) when I took the old water pump off, there was no o-rings on the shaft coming out or on the waterpump. noticed new gm waterpump has a seal on the shaft. Is it needed?

3)old opti had water and a lot of rust in it, probably why not running very well. Should I run some silicone or maybe some type of sealer
around the cap and where the wires come out to seal it better on the new msd ?

4)when running the vacuum line for the msd, the picture shows t,ing into the small line on drivers side. there is already a "t" hooked up to that spot on the 92. put another "T" and make 2 there ???

also they show running the other end to air intake on passenger side.
the sensor is right there on the 92. O.K. to just run it to the drivers side, right across from the sensor ??

oh ya, I am also changing the water pump, plugs and wires as long as I got tore apart. Thought it would be a lot harder to get apart, but was pretty easy with all your guys tips. can't thank you guys enough.

 

I just changed my old Opti with the MSD Billet on my 92 as well as changed the water pump, so I'll try to help as much as I can.

1. Yes the plug is different because when GM made the 92 they actually had a different plug and changed it 6 months later, you and I have a 92 with that change.
Yes you will have to hard wire it, I was a bit nervous cutting and changing plugs on a brand new MSD. If you call them they will give you the colour codes on what wires to match up. I have the number if you need it.
2. I just looked at my old water pump and it didn't have a seal on the shaft coming out of the pump either, I can't remember if the new Duralast waterpump I purchased from Auto Zone ( with lifetime warranty ) had one on the shaft or not. (sorry)
3. My old Opti was also rusted when I took it apart. "NO" do not seal the new MSD with anything to keep out the moisture. Thats the reason for the vacuum lines, they are to help dry moisture inside the new MSD with clean air flowing threw it constanly.
4. I went to a local auto parts store and finally found a 3 "T" slitter and I cut and put the existing line to that and the 3rd one I used for the new line. I can get you a picture if you need it.
5. I put mine on the same side as the diagram showed in the instructions. I think this is to help route the new vacuum line and keep it clear from any moving belts or pullies. I don't think it matters what side it goes on, but you can ask them at MSD.
I hope this helped, any other questions feel free to PM me.

Good luck.
Oh ya, What a differance the new MSD makes in the performance
Chris

 

where you guys having issues with your opti or did you replace it for another reason ? How many miles on your 92 ?

Reason that I am asking is that I also have a 92 LT1 with 63K miles. Not having any problems so I normally go by "if it is not broken, don't fix it". HOWEVER, planning on taking some long trips starting this coming spring (first year empty nester) and don't want to have an opti issue while far away from home. I am planning to replace the opti and wp this winter. I hate to spend the money when it is not broken but once I get past that I will feel safer.

 

This is my second one that has been replaced. The first time the water pump had a slow leak and it leaked into the OPTI, the second time was also for the same reason (waterpump) so I figured I was taking it all apart to get the water pump out and I'm sure some antfreeze had already leaked into it and by taking off the pump I was sure a little more was going to fall into it anyway. When I took off my OPTI and looked into it there was rust all on the inside - theres no way it had that much rust just from the water pump leaking because it leaked and I fixed it right away. I also found that in the last 2 summers that while in park and I reeved the engine it had a slight backfire, since I put in the MSD there isn't anymore backfire while reeving the engine. It is very pricey but the peice of mind of a new one and the less chance that it will act up when I'm on a trip or anywhere is worth the money. I also have 250,000 km on my 92 and she works great again and after the initial cost the satisfaction of completion and safety while my 4yr old son is in the car with me, is worth all the money in the world. Hope this makes sense and helps you in one way or the other.
Good luck !!
Any questions don't hesitate to contact me...
Chris