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

Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti?

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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 06:27 PM
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Default Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti?

The topic says it, my waterpump is leaking and the mechanic recommended replacing the cap and rotor on the opti. My question to you all is this: should I replace the entire opti-spark unit, or just the cap and rotor. The car is approaching 120k miles and I've had it since 108k and this is the first major work that I will have done. I just replaced the plugs and wires and will be installing a 160* thermo as soon as the waterpump is replaced. Is there anything else I should get done?
Also, which waterpump should I get, a stock or aftermarket one, I know there are several aftermarket ones available, but are they worth it? If I go with stock, are all LT1 water-pumps the same, i.e. F-body, caprice/impala, corvette?
Thanks.
-josh
^_^

:D


[Modified by _freakmonkeydogboy_, 5:32 PM 8/21/2003]
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 09:09 PM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (_freakmonkeydogboy_)

Do what the mechanic recommends.
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 09:26 PM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (_freakmonkeydogboy_)

You mentioned you have had your car for approx 20k miles.......do you have any idea if this is the original opti? I would strongly recommend replacing the opti NOW!!!!!!!!!!! Save yourself a future headache........I speak from experience!! :eek:
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 10:21 PM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (BlackonBlack)

You mentioned you have had your car for approx 120k miles.......do you have any idea if this is the original opti? I would strongly recommend replacing the opti NOW!!!!!!!!!!! Save yourself a future headache........I speak from experience!! :eek:
so the whole hting, or just the cap and rotor? and no I don't know if it's original or not....no records came w/ the car :confused:
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 10:25 PM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (_freakmonkeydogboy_)

since you are not sure of the age of the opti, and going to be replacing water pump anyway..... I would replace the entire unit.......... :flag
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Old Aug 22, 2003 | 09:31 AM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (_freakmonkeydogboy_)

Hi Josh, You being a student, your cash situation must be limited. If you plan on keeping the Vette for a long time, I'd go with the electric coolant pump (Meziere HD), replace the entire opti (maybe with a Dyna-spark), and reprogram your ECM to lower the temps the fans come on. If it is just to get you backon the road and the mechanic is doing the work, at a minimum, replace the opti (cap and all) and replace the water pump with an AC Delco OEM new pump. :thumbs: :chevy
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Old Aug 22, 2003 | 09:44 AM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (Strick)

Replace the entire Opti.
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Old Aug 22, 2003 | 12:48 PM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (_freakmonkeydogboy_)

A 95 has the newer opti. It's also the less expensive opti. A cap and rotor will only save ~$50 over the whole unit. I'd get a new opti from Chris May at Superior Chevy. https://www.superchevyperformance.com/
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Old Aug 22, 2003 | 02:12 PM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (Strick)

Hi Josh, You being a student, your cash situation must be limited. If you plan on keeping the Vette for a long time, I'd go with the electric coolant pump (Meziere HD), replace the entire opti (maybe with a Dyna-spark), and reprogram your ECM to lower the temps the fans come on. If it is just to get you backon the road and the mechanic is doing the work, at a minimum, replace the opti (cap and all) and replace the water pump with an AC Delco OEM new pump. :thumbs: :chevy
The meziere would be a good idea, but I don't have the space, time, or knowledge to do that, so I will jsut get a new Delco unit. I will also get a new opti unit, Superior has them for $242.52, so this whole ordeal will only cost me ~$600, so that's not too bad for a new opti and waterpump... :thumbs:
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Old Aug 22, 2003 | 06:28 PM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (_freakmonkeydogboy_)

Now you're cooking. Oh, just a side bar, my son had a poster hanging in his dorm at college; a 5 car garage with Vettes, and other fine cars, attached to a beautiful house with babes walking around and the caption was, "Motivation for a higher education" Stick with it. :thumbs:
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Old Aug 22, 2003 | 09:10 PM
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Default Re: Need new waterpump. Should I replace opti? (_freakmonkeydogboy_)

If I go with stock, are all LT1 water-pumps the same, i.e. F-body, caprice/impala, corvette?
I don't know about F-bodies, but I've compared Vette and Caprice/Impala water pumps, and they're slightly different ... the fittings for the heater hoses pointed in different directions. There may be other differences.
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