F&#^*!@ Opti
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 199
Likes: 24
From: Palmetto FL
F&#^*!@ Opti
Taking The Green Hornet for a Sat run. Went to shift to 2nd, stumbles, then dies. Try to re-start, turns over the dies. New plugs wires 2 yrs ago, 2 optis in 15k. Getting this one replaced under warranty (shop has 24m/24k, and extra 12m/12k from AAA). Ordering spare from OptiDoc.
A 'vette is like an old sailboat: Break Out Another Thousand
A 'vette is like an old sailboat: Break Out Another Thousand
Last edited by Charsel; Sep 14, 2019 at 04:24 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 698
Likes: 162
From: Huntington WV
Taking The Green Hornet for a Sat run. Went to shift to 2nd, stumbles, then dies. Try to re-start, turns over the dies. New plugs wires 2 yrs ago, 2 optis in 15k. Getting this one replaced under warranty (shop has 24m/24k, and extra 12m/12k from AAA). Ordering spare from OptiDoc.
A 'vette is like an old sailboat: Break Out Another Thousand
A 'vette is like an old sailboat: Break Out Another Thousand
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 287
From: Brisbane Australia
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I think if you are going to own 30 year old cars then you need to be prepared to do all the work yourself to keep the costs reasonable.
Mostly I find the cost of parts for corvettes ok accept if it is corvette specific then prepare for a financial raping.
i have a boat and a corvette so I’m probably going broke
Mostly I find the cost of parts for corvettes ok accept if it is corvette specific then prepare for a financial raping.
i have a boat and a corvette so I’m probably going broke
Last edited by GregMartin; Sep 15, 2019 at 04:35 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 199
Likes: 24
From: Palmetto FL
Bought 88k after inspection showed no issues. Only problems have been coolant pump at 92K (soaked opti, so replaced, along with plugs and plug wires), Fuel pump at 96k, Replacement Opti failed 98K. yeah, it's that time for thing to go, but overall easy do work on
Once Frers 36 galley rebuilt (in garage), mucho room for work, just need time
Once Frers 36 galley rebuilt (in garage), mucho room for work, just need time
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 287
From: Brisbane Australia
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Bought 88k after inspection showed no issues. Only problems have been coolant pump at 92K (soaked opti, so replaced, along with plugs and plug wires), Fuel pump at 96k, Replacement Opti failed 98K. yeah, it's that time for thing to go, but overall easy do work on
Once Frers 36 galley rebuilt (in garage), mucho room for work, just need time
Once Frers 36 galley rebuilt (in garage), mucho room for work, just need time
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
Oh, But what a Hobby it is! How many hobbies allow you to hear the roar of the V8 while swooping through tight turns at breakneck speeds in your own Corvette. Corvettes have been an obsession of mine for many years and I love owning them and working on them.
Having lived on a boat while in College I am glad I don't have to paint the hull every year. Boats require much more maintenance than a Corvette from my years of experience.
If I had a car with an OPTI unit on it I would also keep a spare. It is sad listening to the folks who have issues with units that are still under warranty and have failed. I am still surprised that GM used a part like that.
I agree with GregMartin regarding owning one of these magnificent Corvettes can be a challenge, but to have a car like this you should be able to work on most of the systems. You don't buy an antique Corvette and expect many current mechanics to understand them. It would cost a fortune to have to pay a mechanic to maintain your Corvette. The Factory Shop Manuals are a "Must have" for any Corvette owner. That along with a good multi meter and a Fuel pressure testing tool will get you started.
Best regards,
Chris
Having lived on a boat while in College I am glad I don't have to paint the hull every year. Boats require much more maintenance than a Corvette from my years of experience.
If I had a car with an OPTI unit on it I would also keep a spare. It is sad listening to the folks who have issues with units that are still under warranty and have failed. I am still surprised that GM used a part like that.
I agree with GregMartin regarding owning one of these magnificent Corvettes can be a challenge, but to have a car like this you should be able to work on most of the systems. You don't buy an antique Corvette and expect many current mechanics to understand them. It would cost a fortune to have to pay a mechanic to maintain your Corvette. The Factory Shop Manuals are a "Must have" for any Corvette owner. That along with a good multi meter and a Fuel pressure testing tool will get you started.
Best regards,
Chris
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 363
From: Central Alabama
Taking The Green Hornet for a Sat run. Went to shift to 2nd, stumbles, then dies. Try to re-start, turns over the dies. New plugs wires 2 yrs ago, 2 optis in 15k. Getting this one replaced under warranty (shop has 24m/24k, and extra 12m/12k from AAA). Ordering spare from OptiDoc.
A 'vette is like an old sailboat: Break Out Another Thousand
A 'vette is like an old sailboat: Break Out Another Thousand
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 312
Likes: 6
From: Troy Al
Taking The Green Hornet for a Sat run. Went to shift to 2nd, stumbles, then dies. Try to re-start, turns over the dies. New plugs wires 2 yrs ago, 2 optis in 15k. Getting this one replaced under warranty (shop has 24m/24k, and extra 12m/12k from AAA). Ordering spare from OptiDoc.
A 'vette is like an old sailboat: Break Out Another Thousand
A 'vette is like an old sailboat: Break Out Another Thousand
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 287
From: Brisbane Australia
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Oh, But what a Hobby it is! How many hobbies allow you to hear the roar of the V8 while swooping through tight turns at breakneck speeds in your own Corvette. Corvettes have been an obsession of mine for many years and I love owning them and working on them.
Having lived on a boat while in College I am glad I don't have to paint the hull every year. Boats require much more maintenance than a Corvette from my years of experience.
If I had a car with an OPTI unit on it I would also keep a spare. It is sad listening to the folks who have issues with units that are still under warranty and have failed. I am still surprised that GM used a part like that.
I agree with GregMartin regarding owning one of these magnificent Corvettes can be a challenge, but to have a car like this you should be able to work on most of the systems. You don't buy an antique Corvette and expect many current mechanics to understand them. It would cost a fortune to have to pay a mechanic to maintain your Corvette. The Factory Shop Manuals are a "Must have" for any Corvette owner. That along with a good multi meter and a Fuel pressure testing tool will get you started.
Best regards,
Chris
Having lived on a boat while in College I am glad I don't have to paint the hull every year. Boats require much more maintenance than a Corvette from my years of experience.
If I had a car with an OPTI unit on it I would also keep a spare. It is sad listening to the folks who have issues with units that are still under warranty and have failed. I am still surprised that GM used a part like that.
I agree with GregMartin regarding owning one of these magnificent Corvettes can be a challenge, but to have a car like this you should be able to work on most of the systems. You don't buy an antique Corvette and expect many current mechanics to understand them. It would cost a fortune to have to pay a mechanic to maintain your Corvette. The Factory Shop Manuals are a "Must have" for any Corvette owner. That along with a good multi meter and a Fuel pressure testing tool will get you started.
Best regards,
Chris
I feel privileged to own a Corvette, not everyone gets the opportunity.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 199
Likes: 24
From: Palmetto FL
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 287
From: Brisbane Australia
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I think that’s a good comparison, English cars are alway awkward to work on and I was surprised at how similarly awkward it was to work on C4s considering the clam shell bonnet and the straight forward GM engineering.
yep FSM is a must.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
Not to jump ship and rub it in...
The opti and it's unreliable design is one of the reasons I'm considering selling my '96 and getting a late model C5. But it all comes down to if I can find the right buyer to give me the right amount for my C4... 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
CLEANING THE OPTI AFTER DOUSING