Should I replace the optispark when replacing water pump?

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Dec 30, 2003 | 08:13 PM

jay17

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Burning Brakes

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From: Tulsa OK

Should I replace the optispark when replacing water pump?

My water pump went out last week at 60,161 miles on a `94. I did luck out and it did not get the optispark too :hurray: Should I replace to optispark while I'm in there or will it still be good for a while. BTW what is the cost of a opti. Already know how much the water pump is.

Thanks for the info.

[Modified by jay17, 7:14 PM 12/30/2003]

Dec 30, 2003 | 08:26 PM

bogus

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 40,156

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From: San Pedro CA

Re: Should I replace the optispark when replacing water pump? (jay17)

I would consider it... the part is 340.00 or so, discounted.

contact Chris May at Superior Chevy... 1.800.728.8267.

The labour is double, and to be honest, at 60k, DOA waterpump, I would be suspect of the life span of the opti...

it's only another 2 hours... go for it!

Dec 30, 2003 | 08:35 PM

xlr8nflorida

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Joined: May 2002

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Re: Should I replace the optispark when replacing water pump? (bogus)

How many miles on opti?

If alot of miles, I say go for it as well. :smash: although certain forum members will now chime in about how they get 100,000 miles on an opti :lol:

Dec 30, 2003 | 08:38 PM

jay17

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Burning Brakes

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From: Tulsa OK

Re: Should I replace the optispark when replacing water pump? (xlr8nflorida)

60,161 miles, same as water pump.

Dec 30, 2003 | 08:38 PM

Strick

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Lake Wylie SC

Re: Should I replace the optispark when replacing water pump? (jay17)

If you are planning on keeping your Vette for a while, would you consider an electric water pump? They're more efficient and free up some HP and you can eliminate one possible source of an oil leak. As far as the opti goes, replace it while you're in there. You might also explore DynoTech's DynaSpark which is an improvement over the OEM Opti. If the 94 is not vented, think about that, too. Let me know if these things appeal to you, or just checkout my article in the Tech tips section. tools>tech tips>C4> Meziere coolant pump install. https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=231&TopicID=2

[Modified by Strick, 8:41 PM 12/30/2003]

Dec 30, 2003 | 09:14 PM

lspalding

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 901

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From: Punta Gorda, FL

Re: Should I replace the optispark when replacing water pump? (jay17)

Personally, I would change it. I found a new one for under $200 on ebay.

Dec 30, 2003 | 09:18 PM

CaliforniaVette

Instructor

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From: Cupertino ca

Re: Should I replace the optispark when replacing water pump? (Strick)

Interesting Article Strick :)

Dec 30, 2003 | 09:31 PM

DroptopMan

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From: Arizona

Re: Should I replace the optispark when replacing water pump? (jay17)

I would replace the Opti while in there. Better than having to redrain the water in another 20K. Be prepared to pull the vibration dampener though. My 94 was kind of rusty, (101,00 miles), so once I oiled down the hub around the three inside bolts, the outer ring finally separated, then using a puller the inner hub came off.

I would also replace the dampener seal, the opti drive seal, the waterpump to drive seal, and make sure you put the two little O-ring seals on the water pump shaft to insure it does'nt wobble or leak oik. (The water pump drive shaft seal on the timing cover is alittle tricky so be careful not to cut it trying to get it in. Email me if you need details. :)