Replacing Water pump and Opti, input please....

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Feb 18, 2002 | 12:34 AM

thmupr

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Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 812

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From: Sherman Texas

Replacing Water pump and Opti, input please....

Just looking for some input, like where to buy, what to buy, and while I have it all off, what else needs to be done. First LT1, so I am kinda new to this type of set-up. Thanks in advance.

:cheers: :flag

Feb 18, 2002 | 09:57 AM

Clayton

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Joined: Aug 2001

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From: Waco Tx

Re: Replacing Water pump and Opti, input please.... (thmupr)

I just got through doing the opti. I suggest you replace the waterpump, plugs and wires at the same time you do the opti. It makes a huge difference in how the car runs. As for the parts , get them from Jeff Kopp (18carfan) ,he has the best prices on the opti ($329 for unvented) . He also knows exactly what parts you'll need. Do a search for old threads on the forum on this subject and you'll get pretty indepth instructions on the whole process. It's not too hard to do just time consuming. Good luck.

Feb 18, 2002 | 11:17 AM

Thud

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From: Bagpipes put the "fun" in "funeral"

Re: Replacing Water pump and Opti, input please.... (thmupr)

Make sure you have a gasket scraper, dremel with wirebrush attachment, and a nice cushiony pillow to lie on while you scrape off the old waterpump gaskets for about an hour or so. :)

Oh yeah, a 9/16 swivel socket and extension will be required to remove the middle bolt on the driver's side of the waterpump. Remember there are SIX bolts holding the pump on.

Feb 18, 2002 | 01:08 PM

Breezy

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 232

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From: Hayward, Ca

Re: Replacing Water pump and Opti, input please.... (Clayton)

I just did mine and I agree with Clayton on this. (Do the waterpump, plugs wires etc.) Run your search for PurpleC4. He has written an excellent piece on doing the job. One other thing. I wish that I had a "flat" breaker bar for the belt tensioner. You just can't get a regular breaker bar in there. I needed a second pair of hands to hold the tensioner up with a box end wrench. Not the best solution.

Feb 18, 2002 | 01:30 PM

GlockLT4

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Joined: Apr 2001

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From: Dallas TX

Re: Replacing Water pump and Opti, input please.... (Thud)

Quote:

Good tips! :yesnod: :yesnod:

Feb 19, 2002 | 01:53 PM

thmupr

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 812

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From: Sherman Texas

Re: Replacing Water pump and Opti, input please.... (thmupr)

Thanks for all the input guys! Looks like I'll set aside my next weekend off to do a tune-up! :cheers:

Feb 19, 2002 | 03:19 PM

MCPOWHITE96

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Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 1,438

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From: Bowie MD

Re: Replacing Water pump and Opti, input please.... (thmupr)

Also consider replacing the seals on the timing chain cover while you have the Opti out/off and the waterpump removed. Nothing would blow worse than spending the dough and time and having one go bed on you later. they are cheap and easy to replace.

Good time to replace hoses, thermostat and serpentine belt also. :cheers:

Feb 19, 2002 | 03:21 PM

MCPOWHITE96

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From: Bowie MD

Re: Replacing Water pump and Opti, input please.... (MCPOWHITE96)

Oh yeah, and no matter what anyone tells you, it IS possible to put the opti on with the keyway misaligned. Be very careful and ensure the keyway is aligned properly. The opti should fit tight without being torqued down at all. It shouls not have to be forced on in any way.

I got mine installed about 30 degrees off the first time and had to remove everything and re-install.....