Hey guys, long time member just wanted to say this forum is awesome. Using the search feature and going by consensus of all the knowledgeable posts helped me piece together the parts required for my 503 install. Timing gear + chain 1.6rr springs ect, ect. So much great information here.

During the install mechanic says what do you want to do with the opti, I said put it back in bro, its never let me down. So I've had the car 25 years 17k miles on it when I bought it 93k now. I have never replaced it since I've owned it. Now, the car hasn't seen rain or a car wash 25 years, never had coolant leak on it either. I'm curious to see how many original opti's are out there.

Keep helping each other out people, that's what it's all about. All she needs now is a tune, Solomon or PCMforless, what say you?

 

My purchased new 1994 Formula's unvented Opti started causing problems at about 4 years, 50,000 miles. Random running rough, frequent DTC 16. When I finally opened it up it was full of rust, probably due to ozone buildup without a vent. The rust particles were collecting in the optical sensor (emitter/receptor), blinding the sensor. I went off the deep end and invested in the then brand new Electromotive “Super Direct Ignition/Opti Eliminator”. It worked… sort of, totally eliminating the Opti. But it had problems of its own.

With the stroker build in 2000 I wanted to use the LT4 Extreme Duty timing set, and needed a vented Opti. I found a new-in-box GM vented Opti for $200. But the aftermarket MoTeC engine management system only uses the cam position signal from the Opti. The high voltage is no longer in the Opti because the MoTeC can drive 8 LSx coils in direct fire. Been fine for 20 years, supporting the engine's 7,200 RPM redline. Even survived a few missed shifts (when car still had the T56) with the data log showing excursions to 8,000 RPM.

I'll send you a private message on tuning.

 

Same car, same year, almost identical mileage--and still the same opti (knocking on wood, using skull). No hot cam, rollers or the other mods you've done, but that's ok. Just hope it holds out.

 

Thanks for the report on a good opti. So many reports are on troublesome ones it makes you think they all suck which is clearly not the case. Good luck with your car!