Cap and rotor for Opti
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
Cap and rotor for Opti
It looks like I'm gonna be doning plugs, wires, and finding the oil leak at the timing chain cover and intake manifold. Would it be benificial to replace the cap and rotor on the Opti?
If I'm this deep should I do a electric water pump and maybe even a cam?
Is the Cam a lot more work if I'm gonna be this deep?
If I'm this deep should I do a electric water pump and maybe even a cam?
Is the Cam a lot more work if I'm gonna be this deep?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,359
Likes: 2,281
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by Glasman66
It looks like I'm gonna be doning plugs, wires, and finding the oil leak at the timing chain cover and intake manifold. Would it be benificial to replace the cap and rotor on the Opti?
If I'm this deep should I do a electric water pump and maybe even a cam?
Is the Cam a lot more work if I'm gonna be this deep?
If I'm this deep should I do a electric water pump and maybe even a cam?
Is the Cam a lot more work if I'm gonna be this deep?
Re: the cam and electric water pump, your call on those. It's definitely more work, but you'll be halfway there already. Personally, I'd stick with the mechanical pump, but others will surely disagree.
Be well,
SJW
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse Utah
When I did my cam, the opti had already been replaced by the previous owner, so I kept it. Removing the timing cover is a hassle, there isn't much more to a cam change except the valve covers and springs. I thought I was in over my head when I did mine but I did it and the car fired up first try. I recommend the Hot Cam kit with rollers and springs.
The problem with changing the cam is the timing chain--it's very expensive. On 92-94 cars, the opti and water pump runs off the timing gear and you are forced to use the GM timing gear; on 95-96 the opti runs off the nose of the cam. On my 94, I didn't want to pay for the GM chain set (something like $450) so I bought a Cloyes set ($80) and machined an adapter to run the opti off of the Cloyes, then I also put in an electric water pump. It's been working perfect for a year now.
In your case, it may be best to go with the aftermarket opti setups. More money would let you convert to a 95-96 style opti but you need to get a different timing cover for that. I'm happy with the electric water pump and have had no trouble with it. It lets me circulate water with the engine turned off during cool downs, good for 5-7 horses.
The problem with changing the cam is the timing chain--it's very expensive. On 92-94 cars, the opti and water pump runs off the timing gear and you are forced to use the GM timing gear; on 95-96 the opti runs off the nose of the cam. On my 94, I didn't want to pay for the GM chain set (something like $450) so I bought a Cloyes set ($80) and machined an adapter to run the opti off of the Cloyes, then I also put in an electric water pump. It's been working perfect for a year now.
In your case, it may be best to go with the aftermarket opti setups. More money would let you convert to a 95-96 style opti but you need to get a different timing cover for that. I'm happy with the electric water pump and have had no trouble with it. It lets me circulate water with the engine turned off during cool downs, good for 5-7 horses.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
Originally Posted by Glasman66
If I'm this deep should I do a electric water pump and maybe even a cam?
Is the Cam a lot more work if I'm gonna be this deep?
Is the Cam a lot more work if I'm gonna be this deep?
Yes, it is quite a bit more work to install a camshaft. But, well worth the effort.
Here's a great link on the camsahft install.
http://www.hashmarks.com/techtips/hot_cam.htm
