I've owned a 95 LT1 before but never really got far into it...

First question is this...

Opti Spark, is this like a distributor? What exactly is it doing that everyone has so many problems with? Whats the remedy?

On the 95 Z28's do you need a special scan tool to read it's codes? What scan tool?

If I'm going to do an engine swap, is it better to go for a LT1 or LS1?

 

Yea, the opti-spark is an electronic distributer basically, has a optical sensor like the name says. To scan it you will need a obd II plug but the car itself has an obd I computer.

 

The opti goes out due to moisture. Its not a bad design, just in a bad place. If your waterpump ever goes out then your opti usually goes with it since its directly under it As far as an engine swap since you have a 97 an LT1 would go in easier.

 

Okay, whats the difference in the LT1 and the LS1 that makes the LS1 a larger engine?

 

LS1 is a smaller engine.....internally.

The swap isnt hard. Putting an ls1 where a v6 or lt1 would go requres new k-member ( or just motor mounts? ) new belhousing on the tranny and you either need an aftermarket hood or adapt the lt1 style intake.

 

Good exuse to go for a Cowl hood? or a Ram Air Hood?

 

It is the front of the hood that hits the LS-1 stule intake system on an LT-1 car. The LT-1 intake bellows turns and goes sideways while the LS-1 intake and filter sit on top of the radiator which is where the extra room is needed, so that cowl hood wouldnt help

 

As stated before an LS1 is internally smaller, it is a 346 compared to a 350. Theres more hype over the LS1 since it has a better power band out of the factory. Stock for stock its faster then an LT1 but if you are talking swapping then I'm guessing you are going to modify the engine? IF this is true you would be good with either of the two since the after market is huge for them both.