Pulling intake and Opti tomorrow evening
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 663
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
Pulling intake and Opti tomorrow evening
Ok I've recruited some help to pull my intake to seal the oil leaks that are pouring out the front and rear gaskets and to pull the opti and decide what to do about it.
I've read a lot but I'm coming to you experts for and tips and advice.
Which distributor shoud I be looking at for dependability and price?
I've read a lot but I'm coming to you experts for and tips and advice.
Which distributor shoud I be looking at for dependability and price?
Last edited by bassackwards; Sep 24, 2012 at 06:49 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Ok I've recruited some help to pull my intake to seal the oil leaks that are pouring out the front and rear gaskets and to pull the opti and decide what to do about it.
I've read a lot but I'm coming to you experts for and tips and advice.
Which distributor shoud I be looking at for dependability and price?
I've read a lot but I'm coming to you experts for and tips and advice.
Which distributor shoud I be looking at for dependability and price?
I believe that you can find a conversion to the opti II, which is the vented opti. I would highly recommend this.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
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IMO AC/Delco isn't the gold standard that it once was. If possible I'd try to find a Delphi unit. (Delphi was the OEM and was what was in the Delco box once upon a time.)
Regardless which unit you buy, I would recommend pulling it apart and checking the rotor screws to be sure there is thread locker on them.
If the car runs now then I would also recommend that you start the R&R by backing out the crank pulley's three bolts a couple of full turns and running the car at idle for a bit with the belt still in place. This is to help break the pulley to rust to crank bond.
Read up on "the right stuff". I like it for the china wall seal. Some complain that it make future removal of the intake too much of a chore. Your call.
Regardless which unit you buy, I would recommend pulling it apart and checking the rotor screws to be sure there is thread locker on them.
If the car runs now then I would also recommend that you start the R&R by backing out the crank pulley's three bolts a couple of full turns and running the car at idle for a bit with the belt still in place. This is to help break the pulley to rust to crank bond.
Read up on "the right stuff". I like it for the china wall seal. Some complain that it make future removal of the intake too much of a chore. Your call.
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Limestone TN
There is a guy in Alabama that sells a distributor with the conversion as a kit. I found him through the forums here but I can't remember his name, sorry. What I can say is that it is a quality piece and it works great with no issues. If I get time I'll try to find his info for you.
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Limestone TN
That's him. I researched about a month and decided on his unit. He called me directly when I had a question and answered it fully. The cap he uses looks like an MSD unit. The instructions are detailed. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you choose his...just my opinion.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Make sure your intake manifold is REALLY leaking. The valve cover gaskets can leak and cause you to think the intake is the culprit.
Valve cover gaskets are much easier to replace.
As far as the Opti. Chris Petris puts together a very high quality unit.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 663
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From: Nashville TN
Update! I cleaned it up really good last night and we decided to wait on the intake because it looks like a huge job.
We tackled the opti first. After digging down and getting it off we decide to take a good look at it. When I flipped it over about 2 ounces of water poured out. Sure this was from the washing but it was full. After we got it emptied I see that all 3 drain holes on the bottom are clogged up.
Time to put the new one on.
We tackled the opti first. After digging down and getting it off we decide to take a good look at it. When I flipped it over about 2 ounces of water poured out. Sure this was from the washing but it was full. After we got it emptied I see that all 3 drain holes on the bottom are clogged up.
Time to put the new one on.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
The drain holes in mine were plugged as well. They are so small, they're pretty much useless after a year of road/engine grime gets in them.
I just replaced my Opti and water pump this month, and so far she's running like a champ.
I just replaced my Opti and water pump this month, and so far she's running like a champ.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 663
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
The liquid was from powerwashing the engine last night. The cap was warped and 2 oz of water poured oit of it. You can see the blackened stained seal that no longer sealed. I bet the oil and corrosion were already there
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
How many miles on your Opti?
I have seen worse. The Optispark Distributor is a very robust ignition unit, contrary to "Internet Opinion".
The Petris unit will have the updated venting which will allow the unit to operate for many, many miles.
You will enjoy how your Vette runs when you complete your work.
While driving your Vette with a NEW Opti, please be sure to SAVE the WAVE!
I have seen worse. The Optispark Distributor is a very robust ignition unit, contrary to "Internet Opinion".
The Petris unit will have the updated venting which will allow the unit to operate for many, many miles.
You will enjoy how your Vette runs when you complete your work.
While driving your Vette with a NEW Opti, please be sure to SAVE the WAVE!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 663
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
My car has 103k on it but the opti was replaced in the recall but I don't know when. It was wide open at the top from the cap warping, that's how so much water got in while washing it.
I should have it back on the road Friday.
I should have it back on the road Friday.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
When I purchased my new 1992 Vette, the Opti was replaced with less than 1,000 miles under a recall. I believe the original Optis did not have any vent holes at the bottom.
I drove the '92 for 2 1/2 years and 51,000 miles. Never had any warranty issues with the vehicle.
I drove the '92 for 2 1/2 years and 51,000 miles. Never had any warranty issues with the vehicle.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
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From: Texas
Update! I cleaned it up really good last night and we decided to wait on the intake because it looks like a huge job.
We tackled the opti first. After digging down and getting it off we decide to take a good look at it. When I flipped it over about 2 ounces of water poured out. Sure this was from the washing but it was full. After we got it emptied I see that all 3 drain holes on the bottom are clogged up.
Time to put the new one on.
We tackled the opti first. After digging down and getting it off we decide to take a good look at it. When I flipped it over about 2 ounces of water poured out. Sure this was from the washing but it was full. After we got it emptied I see that all 3 drain holes on the bottom are clogged up.
Time to put the new one on.
It makes ZERO sense to fix an opti and then have a leaking intake spew oil on the new one
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
You remove the 4 bolts that secure the fuel rail/injector assembly to the intake and then lift the entire thing free of the intake and flip it over to rest on the windshield (on a towel so it doesn't scratch the glass).If you look very very close, you can see the fuel rail/injectors laying on the windshield with the fuel lines still attached...
Btw....buy a Factory Service Manual if you don't have one. It'll be the best $100 you've spent if you intend to do your own repairs.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I agree!
Just be sure to not cycle the key. Fuel will be all over the place.
Better yet, disconnect your battery.
After installing the intake & torquing all the intake manifold bolts to specs., I would let the intake set for several hours. Overnight, if at all possible.
This enables the sealer (installed on the front & the rear) to dry & cure properly. Dealer technicians seldom have this luxury. This has accounted for countless intakes leaking.
Just be sure to not cycle the key. Fuel will be all over the place.
Better yet, disconnect your battery.
After installing the intake & torquing all the intake manifold bolts to specs., I would let the intake set for several hours. Overnight, if at all possible.
This enables the sealer (installed on the front & the rear) to dry & cure properly. Dealer technicians seldom have this luxury. This has accounted for countless intakes leaking.