This thread is a recap of my 2-25-11 posting of "Opti-Spark Installation Question".
So I finally finished the job. With all your help, all went well. I ended up replacing the water pump, T-stat (180*), coolant temp sensor, opti-spark, spark plugs, plug wires, serp belt, upper & lower radiator hoses, pressure cap, and ignition coil. All parts were OEM Delco except the opti which was Delphi. No aftermarket parts made in China! I removed the two knock sensors to drain the block, no problem. Tip; do not apply any thread sealant on the knock sensors when reinstalling them because this will inhibit the ability of the knock sensors to do their job, detecting engine noise, resulting in retarded ignition timing and possible engine over heating. Over all, the job went well, except the harmonic ballancer was a bear to get off. First tried wacking with a piece of wood, the wood kept splitting apart and couldn't really get solid hit on the ballancer so as suggested, I went with a brass rod, 1" dia, 18" long and that did the trick, that baby popped right off. I don't recommend heating the ballancer unless your going to replace it because the heat may compromise the bond between outer ring with the hub which could lead to ballancer failure down the road.
Also had difficulty removing the water pump bolts. When I bought the car, the previous owner told me he had the water pump replaced. Well it seems the mechanic use some type of loctite on the bolts. They were so tight I thought they were going to break off when I tried to remove them. I decided to heat the bolt heads with a torch, that did the trick and I finally got them out. Get this; the mechanic who replaced the water pump got the opti intake vacumn hoses clamped between the water pump mounting flange and the block. So, after time that hose finally blew out and that's where my problems first started. The coolant was leaking from the flange connection. The coolant must have leaked right into that vacumn hose and right down into the opti because when I removed the opti it was flodded with anti-freeze, poured out all over the place, couldn't believe it! Well after all part were replaced and topped it off with coolant, I just touched the key starter and wala, she fired right up. It was a good feeling. All was good, no leaks, runs like a bear. Couldn't have done this job without all your help, so thanks to those who gave me their advice.
Thinking about adding that Water Wetter stuff. Any comments?
Well, thanks again to all for your help, captbob33.
captbob33

 

Wetter Water is great stuff, do it you won't be sorry.

 

Where did you get the Delpi opti?

 

I am a original owner of a 96 LT4. I have changed the coolant every five years and removed both knock sensors when the coolant was changed. I use anti-sieze on the knock sensors threads to make sure they will come out easy with the next removal. Have had no porblems using the anti-sieze.
I also install the coolant supplement identified in the owners manual with a coolant change.

 

Purchased from Amazon.com, $246.40, free shiping.

 

Sounds like a job well done!!

 

I was just following my shop manual where it states under knock sensor installation; "NOTICE: Do not apply thread sealant to sensor threads. Sensor is coated at factory and applying additional sealant will affect the sensor's ability to detect detonation."
Since the anti-sieze you use is not a thread sealant, therefore it has no solids in it which would hamper the knock sensor's ability to detect engine noise, so your ok.
What is the coolant supplement you mentioned? I just added a 50/50% mix of antifreeze/distilled water and 6 GM seal tabs P/N 3634621. My coolant temp is now running about 15*F higher than it use to, so I'm thinking about adding a bottle of that Water Wetter stuff to try to bring the temp down a bit.

 

Thanks,