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

Optispark conversion confusion

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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 12:24 AM
  #1  
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Default Optispark conversion confusion

Howdy y'all. Hopefully yall can help me out here.
I had an extra '93 lt-1 sitting around and decided after having many issues with the first gen opti on my vette I wanted to go with second gen opti on this engine.
A cool factor to me at the time was timing gears so I had purchased a set and welded up the water pump hole and got an electric pump as well.. if it was worth it or not dont really care at this point I've put this off for about 2 years having "fun" with other cars and projects because of too much confusion about the opti spark what will and wont work and what is and is not needed.
I've looped back around to this project finally and I'm at a crossroads as to what is needed for this 2nd gen opti to run on this 93 engine.
TL;DR need guidance on what is needed for like a 96 corvette opti to work on my 93 engine.
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 07:18 AM
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I believe you need a New cam, and a later model timing cover.

i put in cloyes version of the lt4 extreme duty timing chain while i was in there.
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 08:32 AM
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Easier to vent a gen1.
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 08:53 AM
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Default Opti

with Whaleman. I've converted a non-vented Opti to a vented one, and it isn't that difficult. Way easier than dealing with the camshaft, front cover, etc...

Regards,
John
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 11:35 AM
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Use a MSD cap (kit) as it comes with all the parts to convert to a vented system.

Steve
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by assain618
Howdy y'all. Hopefully yall can help me out here.
I had an extra '93 lt-1 sitting around and decided after having many issues with the first gen opti on my vette I wanted to go with second gen opti on this engine.
A cool factor to me at the time was timing gears so I had purchased a set and welded up the water pump hole and got an electric pump as well.. if it was worth it or not dont really care at this point I've put this off for about 2 years having "fun" with other cars and projects because of too much confusion about the opti spark what will and wont work and what is and is not needed.
I've looped back around to this project finally and I'm at a crossroads as to what is needed for this 2nd gen opti to run on this 93 engine.
TL;DR need guidance on what is needed for like a 96 corvette opti to work on my 93 engine.
There's guy's on ebay selling converted gen 1 optisparks (adding a vent kit) for like $350. or so. No idea if they are warrantied or not, but then again an ebay warranty is kind of the same as playing roulette.
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by pacoW
There's guy's on ebay selling converted gen 1 optisparks (adding a vent kit) for like $350. or so. No idea if they are warrantied or not, but then again an ebay warranty is kind of the same as playing roulette.
Thats the optidoctor (he's on here) and he will deal with you outside of ebay (save $$), he has a number of different services, but he does test the unit and sends you a video of your opti in action
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 04:44 PM
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There's guy's on ebay selling converted gen 1 optisparks (adding a vent kit) for like $350. or so. No idea if they are warrantied or not, but then again an ebay warranty is kind of the same as playing roulette.
I have had plenty of eBay warranties honored additionally Brad has too much of a good thing going to start stiffing people on warranty issues

Last edited by drcook; Feb 13, 2019 at 04:48 PM.
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 05:01 PM
  #9  
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Thanks for the input thus far, I already have the gen 2 opti as spare part. I might be able to swap it out at the parts store in town for the first gen.
I had read somewhere I may need a new camshaft dowel pin to run the opti I got if I cant swap it out?
But as yall had mentioned I had also read I'd need a different camshaft; is the hole it centers in too different orr?
Had the extra 93 lt1 laying around had a good ammount of spare parts and goodies from my grandfathers 96 from back in the day going in my 91 k1500. Smh maybe a 5.3 would've been easier but definitely not as cool lol
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Old Feb 13, 2019 | 07:03 PM
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It currently sits with gear to gear timing, shouldn't make a difference as to which opti I run?
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