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

Quick Opti install question

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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 12:54 PM
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Default Quick Opti install question

I am installing an opti that I got from the optidoctor. It is a 96 pin drive. I have read every opti install thread on the site. It took me about 45 minutes to finally get the pin to go in the slot. Every thread I have read says the three tabs should sit flush with NO force at all. With two tabs (bottom left and left) just lightly hand snugged the top right has a gap of maybe 1/32". It snuggs down with very little force. I figure the pin must be in the slot correctly as it must go in farther than 1/32". At 66 years old and never having done this I am finding it somewhat harder than expected. This is why I am asking this question as I don't want to mess up. Thank you very much! Dan
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Whaleman
I am installing an opti that I got from the optidoctor. It is a 96 pin drive. I have read every opti install thread on the site. It took me about 45 minutes to finally get the pin to go in the slot. Every thread I have read says the three tabs should sit flush with NO force at all. With two tabs (bottom left and left) just lightly hand snugged the top right has a gap of maybe 1/32". It snuggs down with very little force. I figure the pin must be in the slot correctly as it must go in farther than 1/32". At 66 years old and never having done this I am finding it somewhat harder than expected. This is why I am asking this question as I don't want to mess up. Thank you very much! Dan
i have done this twice, i can be daunting but if you take your time and not be in a hurry you will do fine, i did not have a problem finding the proper positioning of the opti to fit the cam pin,,i used a peace of chalk and marked the pin, just picture a 360 degree circle and mark where the pin is in reference to it. now turn your opti at the same angle and insert it, rotate a degree or two and it should slide right in and fit flush, if it does not fit flush do not force it. you tube has a nice video and some one posted some good pics also. just remember the square slot is the pin slot.
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 01:39 PM
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Thank You Bob, I do believe I have it correct because when it was not fitting the opti was a good 1/4" away on all three slots. I also used the marking method you describe. Finally it slipped in and all three flanges looked flush. It was only when I lightly snugged two that the third was 1/32" away. I know the square slot is the pin slot but it looked to me like it would not even go in either of the other two by mistake. Thanks, Dan
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 04:28 PM
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It sounds fine to me.
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Old Mar 31, 2018 | 01:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Whaleman
I am installing an opti that I got from the optidoctor. It is a 96 pin drive. I have read every opti install thread on the site. It took me about 45 minutes to finally get the pin to go in the slot. Every thread I have read says the three tabs should sit flush with NO force at all. With two tabs (bottom left and left) just lightly hand snugged the top right has a gap of maybe 1/32". It snuggs down with very little force. I figure the pin must be in the slot correctly as it must go in farther than 1/32". At 66 years old and never having done this I am finding it somewhat harder than expected. This is why I am asking this question as I don't want to mess up. Thank you very much! Dan
I love how you never mention what you are installing this 96 opti INTO. 94-96 corvettes should be fine but there were options for ventilation (I think, at 95). I could be wrong... I'm done with optisparks.

Best thing you can do is to dump optispark and go to coil packs. This way, when the geniusly placed water pump over your distributor fails, (which it will) you have nothing to worry about.

Last edited by Drew95; Mar 31, 2018 at 01:09 AM.
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Old Mar 31, 2018 | 07:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Drew95
I love how you never mention what you are installing this 96 opti INTO. 94-96 corvettes should be fine but there were options for ventilation (I think, at 95). I could be wrong... I'm done with optisparks.

Best thing you can do is to dump optispark and go to coil packs. This way, when the geniusly placed water pump over your distributor fails, (which it will) you have nothing to worry about.
I am sorry I was not clear. It is a 96 opti being installed in my 96 base. Thanks
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Old Mar 31, 2018 | 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Whaleman
I am installing an opti that I got from the optidoctor. It is a 96 pin drive. I have read every opti install thread on the site. It took me about 45 minutes to finally get the pin to go in the slot. Every thread I have read says the three tabs should sit flush with NO force at all. With two tabs (bottom left and left) just lightly hand snugged the top right has a gap of maybe 1/32". It snuggs down with very little force. I figure the pin must be in the slot correctly as it must go in farther than 1/32". At 66 years old and never having done this I am finding it somewhat harder than expected. This is why I am asking this question as I don't want to mess up. Thank you very much! Dan
I had a hell of time with this issue too. I did replace the seal also which may have made it a little more snug than with the old seal. After an hour I got fed up, so here's what solved it for me. I took the old opti apart down to the hub. This allows you to rotate the shaft after initial fitting. got the old one to drop back in and marked the front housing to hub. Pulled her out, lined up my marks. and marked the rear of the housing to hub. Put the old and new side by side to eyeball proper alignment. Dropped the new one in on the 2nd try. Hope that helps.
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Old Mar 31, 2018 | 09:37 AM
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Quick reminder to make sure the car starts (and the opti's not DOA) before installing the water pump.
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Old Mar 31, 2018 | 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by RUU
Quick reminder to make sure the car starts (and the opti's not DOA) before installing the water pump.
Thanks RUU, I will do that. I know I should put the intake tubes with the MAF sensor back on for this test. Do I need the serpentine belt? I figure I should reconnect all electrical except the sensor on the water pump. Am I correct?
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Old Mar 31, 2018 | 09:52 PM
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Reconnecting the MAF connection won't hurt, may help it start easier. Belt is not necessary as it just runs the accessories. Make sure all connections to the opti are there, coil, ICM and crank sensor too.
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by RUU
Quick reminder to make sure the car starts (and the opti's not DOA) before installing the water pump.
After doing the opti, plugs and wires I took your advice. It started right up and ran smoother than it ever has. I did say a prayer (actually more than one). My hands and arms are cut and nicked worse than ever before. Most from #8 plug. 66 year old hand skin is thinner than it was 30 years ago. Thanks, Dan
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 04:49 PM
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