Hey guys I am new to the LT1 thing. I just transplanted one into an 89 Camaro. But anyway it is a 97. I have had it running for a week or so, and no real problems. Anyway last nite I jumped on it and revved it up then I went to shift 2nd gear and it backfired real loud then died. It wouldn't restart. I checked and have spark from the coil to the opti but when I checked the spark at the # 1 wire, nothing. So I am assuming the opti is bad. But searching around I havn't seen anyone having it die that suddenly? The one I had was used so who knows how many miles or how old it was, although it is a vented opti.

sounds like the rotor might have come apart

yup. sounds like the rotor gernaded. make sure you have spark coming in and not coming out.

I double checked the spark, spark is strong going in, but I put a spark tester on the # 1 wire, and it has some spark but definetely not enough. It is an inconsistant spark and sometimes it only had 1 quick spark and that was it.

its the opti, had this happen a couple of times just the way you said... rotor is gone...

Thats what I figured. Thanks for the reply. I put the motor together and have only drove it about 100 miles and it blew up already. Oh well thats what I get for buying used parts. I will get a new one this time. Thanks again.