C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Need advice, replacing opti

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Old May 6, 2015 | 02:51 PM
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Default Need advice, replacing opti

So my water pump went out on my 94 base model a couple weeks ago. Replaced it this weekend, and in doing so, drop the damn thing right on the optispark wiring connection. Was praying for a miracle that it wasn't damaged and wouldn't you know it, got a secondary missfire on half the plugs. So now the question is what to replace it with? I've heard nothing buy horror stories of using anything aftermarket. Seems the only ACDelco's left are remaned, and they get crap reviews. Delphis are still around, but don't know much about them. Anyone have a suggestion?
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Old May 6, 2015 | 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by westman
So my water pump went out on my 94 base model a couple weeks ago. Replaced it this weekend, and in doing so, drop the damn thing right on the optispark wiring connection. Was praying for a miracle that it wasn't damaged and wouldn't you know it, got a secondary missfire on half the plugs. So now the question is what to replace it with? I've heard nothing buy horror stories of using anything aftermarket. Seems the only ACDelco's left are remaned, and they get crap reviews. Delphis are still around, but don't know much about them. Anyone have a suggestion?
Not sure but when you change it pull both your knock sensors to get a proper flush you won't believe how much crap in there
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Old May 6, 2015 | 04:24 PM
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Delphi is the OE manufacturer for GM electronics. So you pinched or broke the wires at the base of the opti? Or after the base to re-splice.
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Old May 6, 2015 | 11:05 PM
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I broke the actual connector that the pig tail plugs into.

Last edited by westman; May 9, 2015 at 10:29 AM.
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Old May 8, 2015 | 12:28 AM
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Do some research on the opti sold by SacCityCorvettes. I've replaced 4 NOS (ACDelco), so I'm not
recommending NOS after my experiences. Using the SacCityCorvette opti now.... so far, so good.

Last edited by Tact; May 9, 2015 at 11:04 AM.
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Old May 9, 2015 | 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by seabright
Do some research on the opti sold by SacCityCorvettes. I've replaced 4 NOS (ACDelco), so I'm not
recommending NOS after my experiences. Using the SacCityCorvette opti now.... so far, so good.
I checked them out and their stuff looks decent. I did notice that there is only a 1 year warranty on their stuff though. Honestly, at this point I'm just going to grab a Duralast or A1 Cardone from Autozone. They both come with lifetime warranties. So, they'll either work or I'll become the worlds most efficient Opti and water pump replacer.

Last edited by Tact; May 9, 2015 at 11:05 AM.
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Old May 9, 2015 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by westman
I checked them out and their stuff looks decent. I did notice that there is only a 1 year warranty on their stuff though. Honestly, at this point I'm just going to grab a Duralast or A1 Cardone from Autozone. They both come with lifetime warranties. So, they'll either work or I'll become the worlds most efficient Opti and water pump replacer.
I've read favorable forum posts regarding Duralast and Cardone optis. Should not be a problem. Notice that both optis come with a 'limited lifetime warranty', which is different than a 'lifetime warranty'. Not a big deal.

You may have read the following link.... a very detailed and popular opti instruction:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-pictures.html
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Old May 10, 2015 | 01:14 AM
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Originally Posted by westman
So my water pump went out on my 94 base model a couple weeks ago. Replaced it this weekend, and in doing so, drop the damn thing right on the optispark wiring connection. Was praying for a miracle that it wasn't damaged and wouldn't you know it, got a secondary missfire on half the plugs. So now the question is what to replace it with? I've heard nothing buy horror stories of using anything aftermarket. Seems the only ACDelco's left are remaned, and they get crap reviews. Delphis are still around, but don't know much about them. Anyone have a suggestion?
You may find ( as I did ) a slight difference in the pigtail coupling where it connects near the starboard side fuel rail in the new Opti. Not a big deal, as the actual wiring is the same. The difference was in the plastic watertight connector. easily fixed with a sharp knife by removing the alignment tab inside. I used a rebuilt Opti from GM Mexico....so far no problems. Oh....and you don't have to remove the center bolt on the crank pulley to get it off, just the three on the perimeter of the pulley.....don't ask how I know.

later, tiny
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Old May 10, 2015 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by 1800Wing
You may find ( as I did ) a slight difference in the pigtail coupling where it connects near the starboard side fuel rail in the new Opti. Not a big deal, as the actual wiring is the same. The difference was in the plastic watertight connector. easily fixed with a sharp knife by removing the alignment tab inside. I used a rebuilt Opti from GM Mexico....so far no problems. Oh....and you don't have to remove the center bolt on the crank pulley to get it off, just the three on the perimeter of the pulley.....don't ask how I know.

later, tiny
How long have you been running the GM Mexico?
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Old May 10, 2015 | 09:42 PM
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I've had a $104 dollar rock auto unit in mine for a few thousand miles now. Still running perfectly, just took it to the track a few weeks ago shifting at 6k for 7 passes. Ran a 13.71 best on a close to stock 6 speed with 2.1 best 60fts very little traction. So I'd say that optis holding up.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 01:09 AM
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MSD mine is still running great.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 10:25 AM
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I just replaced mine with a Petris. 5 YEAR warranty! Comes with all the connections and very clear instructions to make it ventilated.

Totally agree about the knock sensors, flush and clean.
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Old May 11, 2015 | 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by westman
How long have you been running the GM Mexico?
Replaced to Opti and a lot of other stuff in September. Except for picking up some funky gas I've had no problems with the car. Took a ride up to Richmond VA for the Zip Corvette customer appreciation day a couple of Saturdays ago....about three hours one way for me, no problems.

Make damn sure you put the vent hose back on before you put the crank pulley back on....you will cuss if you don't.

later, tiny
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Old May 11, 2015 | 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by seabright
Do some research on the opti sold by SacCityCorvettes. I've replaced 4 NOS (ACDelco), so I'm not
recommending NOS after my experiences. Using the SacCityCorvette opti now.... so far, so good.
Unless you installed them wrong and broke something, or put a bazillion miles on an unvented 92 thru 94 setup, i doubt you had ac delco new old stock originals (non remanufactured).

In 01, i paid top dollar $630 for an ac delco nos opti base (sans cap). I added a custom vent to it and 30k later, a user here is using it in his c4 after i sold it and converted to gen 2 parts.

The ac delco remans, yes they are po$. I had an issue with a gen 2 reman that didnt work out of the box. Middle finger to gmpartsdirect for selling me that pos and then charging me restock fees/ battle it out with credit card company.
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Old May 14, 2015 | 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by cormorant71
I just replaced mine with a Petris. 5 YEAR warranty! Comes with all the connections and very clear instructions to make it ventilated.

Totally agree about the knock sensors, flush and clean.
I think this is the best Opti on the market right now for Gen 1 Opti replacements. My two other choices would be Sac City and MSD. Petris is great to deal with, I called my order in and spoke directly with Chris Petris.
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Old May 16, 2015 | 04:20 PM
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just changed mine out to a petri too. Hopefully they hold up. Looks like a quality unit.
Originally Posted by TorchTarga94
I think this is the best Opti on the market right now for Gen 1 Opti replacements. My two other choices would be Sac City and MSD. Petris is great to deal with, I called my order in and spoke directly with Chris Petris.
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Old Jul 6, 2015 | 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Lloyd Smale
just changed mine out to a petri too. Hopefully they hold up. Looks like a quality unit.
I broke my wiring connector the same way, simple water pump replace ends up being an SOB.

I'd even like to get a used Opti (even dead) that I could swap internals with.

Took the three bolts off the crank pulley, not sure how much banging it will take to loosen it.
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Old Jul 6, 2015 | 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by yellowlust
I broke my wiring connector the same way, simple water pump replace ends up being an SOB.

I'd even like to get a used Opti (even dead) that I could swap internals with.

Took the three bolts off the crank pulley, not sure how much banging it will take to loosen it.
Be careful not to damage it. You can put the bolts back in and leave a tad loose and fire it up and let the engine do the work. Put a bit of antiziese on it for next time And pull your knock sensors out to get a proper flush a bunch of crap settles there.

Last edited by antfarmer2; Jul 6, 2015 at 01:41 PM.
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Old Jul 6, 2015 | 02:01 PM
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Put a bit of locktight on the opti cap screws
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Old Jul 6, 2015 | 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
Be careful not to damage it. You can put the bolts back in and leave a tad loose and fire it up and let the engine do the work. Put a bit of antiziese on it for next time And pull your knock sensors out to get a proper flush a bunch of crap settles there.
It won't start with the broken opti wires but it could turn over. May try that as a last resort.
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