OPTI time ***Input needed***
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,600
Likes: 88
From: Springfield PA
Philly 'Burbs Events Coordinator
OPTI time ***Input needed***
It appears that my water pump is telling me it's on the way out with slight leaking from the rear seal. I have 86K on the odo and figure if I'm doing the water pump I should do the Opti. I'm also going to do plugs, wires and front oil seal. Questions:
1. Should I retrofit the new Opti to the vented set up or just seal it real good?
2. Is the GM water pump reliable and perform for the bucks or is an Edlebrock or other after market one better for about the same $$$?
3. Stock plugs and wires or which other manufacturer?
4. Front oil seal, does the oil pan have to be removed to replace this seal?
5. Anything else I should consider doing while I'm there?
:cheers:
1. Should I retrofit the new Opti to the vented set up or just seal it real good?
2. Is the GM water pump reliable and perform for the bucks or is an Edlebrock or other after market one better for about the same $$$?
3. Stock plugs and wires or which other manufacturer?
4. Front oil seal, does the oil pan have to be removed to replace this seal?
5. Anything else I should consider doing while I'm there?
:cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: OPTI time ***Input needed*** (Rex Ruby)
It appears that my water pump is telling me it's on the way out with slight leaking from the rear seal. I have 86K on the odo and figure if I'm doing the water pump I should do the Opti. I'm also going to do plugs, wires and front oil seal. Questions:
1. Should I retrofit the new Opti to the vented set up or just seal it real good?
1. Should I retrofit the new Opti to the vented set up or just seal it real good?
2. Is the GM water pump reliable and perform for the bucks or is an Edlebrock or other after market one better for about the same $$$?
3. Stock plugs and wires or which other manufacturer?
4. Front oil seal, does the oil pan have to be removed to replace this seal?
5. Anything else I should consider doing while I'm there?
replace the serp belt too. If you have the 2 sided belt, the only place for it is the GM dealer....
which brings me to the dealer... :D Jeff Kopp at Superior... 1.800.728.8267
If it works out, I can come up and help out!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: OPTI time ***Input needed*** (Rex Ruby)
Hi Rex Ruby! It's time to look in the "glove" box for that "extended" warranty. I have been through the opti replacement, but I'm sure you will receive some very professional advice from those who have replaced their own, and who can answer your questions. I'll be standing by.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 252
From: Little Elm TX
Re: OPTI time ***Input needed*** (oldman)
In order to convert to the newer style opti, you'll need:
1. Newer style opti
2. Wiring harness to contect it.
3. Newer style Timing cover
4. Newer cam gear
I did mine when I rebuilt the motor. I also went with the electric water pump. It blocks the weep hole so when it goes, it doesn't dump on the opti. :mad If I hadn't been rebuilding the motor and needed another opti, I probably would have just tried to vent the older style.
1. Newer style opti
2. Wiring harness to contect it.
3. Newer style Timing cover
4. Newer cam gear
I did mine when I rebuilt the motor. I also went with the electric water pump. It blocks the weep hole so when it goes, it doesn't dump on the opti. :mad If I hadn't been rebuilding the motor and needed another opti, I probably would have just tried to vent the older style.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Micco FL
Re: OPTI time ***Input needed*** (R94 LT 1)
Regarding the Optispark, you can upgrade to the 95/96 model which will involve changing a bunch of other stuff, or replace the Opti and install a vent kit. Here is an excellent link on how to seal and vent our style Opti's
http://www.corvettefever.com/editori...=text&id=16758
As for where to buy the parts...call Jeff Kopp at Superior... 1(800)728-8267. Tell him that you got his name and number from the forum.
http://www.corvettefever.com/editori...=text&id=16758
As for where to buy the parts...call Jeff Kopp at Superior... 1(800)728-8267. Tell him that you got his name and number from the forum.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,832
Likes: 209
From: Canton GA
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Re: OPTI time ***Input needed*** (Rex Ruby)
Before you go shelling the cash out, give http://www.tld-corvette.com a call... they have great prices, on hand techs, and have always had the part in stock that I've needed! :yesnod: (Includes the dual sided belt that Andy mentioned which NO Dealer had!!).
Also, change the radiator hoses!!
Also, change the radiator hoses!!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Fraser MI
Re: OPTI time ***Input needed*** (R94 LT 1)
In order to convert to the newer style opti, you'll need:
1. Newer style opti
2. Wiring harness to contect it.
3. Newer style Timing cover
4. Newer cam gear
1. Newer style opti
2. Wiring harness to contect it.
3. Newer style Timing cover
4. Newer cam gear
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,928
Likes: 1
From: More cowbell...
St. Jude Donor '04
Re: OPTI time ***Input needed*** (92Shawnster)
I have to second the motion for replacing the water pump with a Meziere electric pump. They are about the same as a GM water pump, pump as much coolant at idle, as the GM pump does at 4000 rpms, and if they fail, they wont take out the opti. With my electric pump, and a 160 deg stat, I am running 165-175 on the freeway, and on a normal day max out at 185-190 in heavy traffic.
-Mark
-Mark
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Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: OPTI time ***Input needed*** (MarkLT1)
I have to second the motion for replacing the water pump with a Meziere electric pump. They are about the same as a GM water pump, pump as much coolant at idle, as the GM pump does at 4000 rpms, and if they fail, they wont take out the opti. With my electric pump, and a 160 deg stat, I am running 165-175 on the freeway, and on a normal day max out at 185-190 in heavy traffic.
-Mark
-Mark
It's really a good upgrade.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,600
Likes: 88
From: Springfield PA
Philly 'Burbs Events Coordinator
Re: OPTI time ***Input needed*** (Rex Ruby)
Thanks for the input everyone :cheers:
I hadn't pressure tested the system and thought it may be a good idea. Found no major leak, lost a LB in 90 minutes. Double checked the radiator and it looks good. Since I had the tester (borrowed) I tested the cap and found it to be bad. Borrowed the cap from the vert :D (tested that one and it was good) and took a ride to return the tester. The temperature seemed to fluctuate less. Upon return I could still smell AF, using a mirror I was able to see slight leakage at the weep hole and on the steering rack. At least now i fell like I am on the right track and have verification that the water pump is going. I'm just lucky it didn't blow and leave me stranded!
SO, here's what I've decided:
1. Retrofit the new Opti (old style) with the vented set up and seal it real good!
2. Gonna stay with a stock GM water pump.
3. Since my coil is stock I'm gonna stay with stock plugs and wires.
4. General concensus is the front oil seal replacement does not require the oil pan to be removed.
5. Anything else I should consider doing while I'm there?
We could go on and on with that one :D
Ordered everything from Jeff today :cheers:
I hadn't pressure tested the system and thought it may be a good idea. Found no major leak, lost a LB in 90 minutes. Double checked the radiator and it looks good. Since I had the tester (borrowed) I tested the cap and found it to be bad. Borrowed the cap from the vert :D (tested that one and it was good) and took a ride to return the tester. The temperature seemed to fluctuate less. Upon return I could still smell AF, using a mirror I was able to see slight leakage at the weep hole and on the steering rack. At least now i fell like I am on the right track and have verification that the water pump is going. I'm just lucky it didn't blow and leave me stranded!
SO, here's what I've decided:
1. Retrofit the new Opti (old style) with the vented set up and seal it real good!
2. Gonna stay with a stock GM water pump.
3. Since my coil is stock I'm gonna stay with stock plugs and wires.
4. General concensus is the front oil seal replacement does not require the oil pan to be removed.
5. Anything else I should consider doing while I'm there?
We could go on and on with that one :D
Ordered everything from Jeff today :cheers: