Quick Opti install question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 1,318
From: LeClaire Iowa
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
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 416
Likes: 29
From: diamond bar ca
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
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 1,318
From: LeClaire Iowa
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
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 278
Likes: 7
From: Long Valley NJ
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
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.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 1,318
From: LeClaire Iowa
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.
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.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 422
Likes: 53
From: PA
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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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 1,318
From: LeClaire Iowa
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?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
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.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 1,318
From: LeClaire Iowa
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
