opti replacement -- what are the basics
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 39
opti replacement -- what are the basics
I'm in the middle of pulling heads & replacing a timing chain on my C5 when the GF's C4 needs an opti spark. It's a 94 and has the hot idle surge issue.
I'm all over the C5 but have not worked on the C4 much, what are the basics for swaping out an opti? I know it's not easy. thanks!
I'm all over the C5 but have not worked on the C4 much, what are the basics for swaping out an opti? I know it's not easy. thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
It's not bad, really.
1) remove air intake
2) remove serp belt
3) remove water pump
4) remove 3 bolts that hold balancer to yoke
5) jack up car, using 2' length of 2x4, hammer balancer off
6) remove opti
reverse for reinstallation. It's also a good time for new wires and plugs. I suggest Taylor or MSD wires and NGK Platinum plugs. Depending on mileage, I would replace the waterpump, too. It comes with a new t-stat when you buy the GM part.
Call Chris May at Superior Chevy, 1.800.728.8267 for a good deal on prices. Tell him you are a forum member and that I sent ya.
1) remove air intake
2) remove serp belt
3) remove water pump
4) remove 3 bolts that hold balancer to yoke
5) jack up car, using 2' length of 2x4, hammer balancer off
6) remove opti
reverse for reinstallation. It's also a good time for new wires and plugs. I suggest Taylor or MSD wires and NGK Platinum plugs. Depending on mileage, I would replace the waterpump, too. It comes with a new t-stat when you buy the GM part.
Call Chris May at Superior Chevy, 1.800.728.8267 for a good deal on prices. Tell him you are a forum member and that I sent ya.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,510
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
I agree, it is not as difficult as one might think, but you have to move a bunch of stuff out of the way to get to the Opti. If you are lucky, you may be able to wiggle the HB/Pully off of the crank without banging it from beneath the car.
Here is a fairly good article with pics on the removal of Opti :
http://corvettefever.com/howto/16758/
Here is a fairly good article with pics on the removal of Opti :
http://corvettefever.com/howto/16758/
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 39
Thanks, you guys are just awewome! 
thanks for the quick replies.
I think the article will help also. You just can't go wrong with a tech artilce that begins with a photo of a guy banging on a part with a hammer
thanks for the quick replies.I think the article will help also. You just can't go wrong with a tech artilce that begins with a photo of a guy banging on a part with a hammer
