This will be my second time replacing the optispark, but i'm going to mod it with the 96 style vacuum to prevent it from getting wet again.

If anybody has any ideas on what else i should do while i have it apart, let me know !! Here's what's on the map so far, and i'm taking my time.

1. Replacing the Opti with a stock one, but going to mod it to allow filtered air in, and vacuum out to keep it dry
2. Replacing the Water pump
3. Replacing the coolant hoses with silicone (Samco) hoses
4. Opting for the 160 degree thermostat
5. New plugs since the failing opti fouled them

Things i'm thinking about

1. replacing all the vacuum hoses with silicone hoses
2. replacing the valve cover gaskets
3. timing chain ? Not sure how intese that would be yet
4. I replaced the ignition coil before but thinking of getting an accel or MSD one ?
5. Thinking of getting a VATs bypass.. VATs has tripped out before
6. Hypertech Thermotech chip, but i can't seem to find one for the 94.
7. replace TPI gaskets and clean it all out

Things that have been replaced recently
1. Ignition coil (autozone part just trying to troubleshoot)
2. Serpentine belt
3. injectors (Bosch III)
4. Mallory plug wires

I also wanted to take the time to clean it up as this car wasn't very well maintained (my dad owned it since it was two and just changed the oil and tires) so i'll try to post pics as i make progress if anyone is interested.

Lastly, if anyone would be interested in lending a hand or just watching me to make sure i don't screw it up, lemme know. I could use the sanity check ! I live in Desoto TX, and will only work on it during the weekends. I suspect it will take a few weekends to get er done.

If anyone wanted to stop in to check it out gimme a ring 214-906-6693

Here are a few picks of my current progress..




From what i'm seeing, i may not have any choice but to take off the entire TPI manifold and clean it. I could definitely use some help/guidance on how to clean it and not kill it.

 

Have you considered eliminating your opti altogether? I've replaced mine once and the next time I'm sure I'll be looking to just get rid of it.

Here's a couple links for reading:

http://www.delteq.com/products.htm

http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonn..._cylinder.aspx

 

Houston we have a problem !!!!



Looks like the waterpump gear spun out the bearings.


<a href="http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d142/reverandjeff/?action=view&current=DSC06934.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d142/reverandjeff/DSC06934.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>



Looks like i need to figure out a creative way to keep any weephole water or waterpump failures from killing the Opti. I thought i saw a post on manually sealing up the OEM Opti, and i may go that route (including using the vacuum line to pull out moisture from the revised 96 version.

Any ideas on how to clean all this up since i can't take it to the carwash ? I planned on getting some detail brushes, degreaser, and maybe use a spray bottle. Any comments would be welcome !!

 

Yeah, i thought about it, but the cost is prohibitive. I have SOOOOO much that needs to be replaced, I'll have to just do what i can to make this option work. I'd really like to move up to a 383 stoker in the next c ouple of years, and if i'm going to spend that kind of money then, i'd probably include the Delteq solution to nip this in the bud.

 

Bummer! Guess we know why your opti went out. I'd clean all that just like you're thinking. WD-40 works great for cleaning as well.

Some people have fashioned methods to redirect the weep hole, or you just might want to go electric

 

I stopped for tonight as i need to figure out how to clean all these parts up and order some gaskets, etc to put it back together.

This didn't help:


I'll have to see if the ebay seller has the right one, or whether i'll have to try again


Got it all apart, and just need to do some etensive cleanup.




Also wondering if i need to pull of the timing cover and get a new seal for the water pump shaft, it looks like it may have been leaking too, but i won't really be able to tell until i get it cleaned up.

That's really gonna suck seeing as how if i take it off, i might as well replace the timing chain.. My wallet is NOT happy

 

BTW: If there is ANYBODY in the local area that could help me make sure i don't screw up when cleaning the TPI, i'd be in your debt greatly !!!!!!!

 

Simple Green and lots of rags/paper towels goes a long way toward cleaning up all that gunk.

Under the little coupler for the water pump drive, there's an o-ring on the engine shaft that will probably need to be replaced.

Here's some good info about replacing the seals:

https://www.impalasuperstore.com/nai...84&whichpage=1

 

I haven't made much progress on this since i had to fly out to DC and have been in and out of town since i got it ripped down.

I've also been waiting on my SAMCO hoses and replacement opti, so it's not too big of a deal.

I took the intake manifold and valve covers to get vatted, but the intake still didn't get cleaned up very well.

Is there anyone in the local area who does cleanup and power coating or ceramic painting ? I really wanted to get them cleaned right and powercoated/painted yellow or black.

Give me a ring if so, as i'd like to drop them off today (Fly out Monday again) 214.906.6693