I was speaking with Bret at great length and I am going with the double roller timing chain for my 1994 Non vented opti setup. I am under the impression the waterpump gear will need to go, no problem since I run a CSR elec waterpump.

What have people been doing to block the hole??

Also I have a 94 with the non vented opti, any grinding needed, or special notes. I would just like to know in advanced.

Thanks!

 

I know of one person who just didn't plug the hole in the block. The one in the pump he used a freeze plug.

 

Well I already have a elec wp installed so the pump is all set but the timing chain cover, I dont want oil everywhere or to get dirt and crap into the motor. Any tips for the timing chain cover

 

Yes, I dont remember the size, but a freeze plug will fit in there. I used a little JB weld around the outside of the plug to insure that it was not going anywhere.

Run down to your Napa with your cover, they will measure it and get you the right plug.

 

Awesome thanks!

 

You cannot use a double roller with the non vented opti as far as I know. The reason is the opti is run by splines in the center of the timing gear on the cam, none of these double rollers have these splines. You will have to convert to a vented opti, and get a 95+ timing cover. Bret machined me a plug for the hole, and then powder coated the timing cover for me.

 

yup, only problem I saw reading his post

 

I don't believe you can use a double roller with the nonvented opti either cause I was gonna put one on mine on my upcoming tuneup, but ended up with a cloyes stock unit. A search should bring up some discussion.

 

mmhmm, I'll talk with bret, again I do understand the difference in the timing chain, my friend bought a LT4 HD timing set and we found that it was for vented opti's which doesnt work with the non vented.

Now if anyone here can help me, what is a good, strong timing chain for non vented opti sparks. I am going with Bret's set up, the whole deal (i have already bought the cam, retainers, locks, springs. Now im getting Morel lifters, rockers, rocker studs, and now timing chain).

My stock one is nice but i dont want to worry about. Let me know

THanks!

 

I believe Comp. lunati, and a few others make an upgrade for the non vented opti, however they are all single rollers, and after you see the price they want for them...you may decide to just go with the double roller and opti conversion.

 

normally I would consider it but I have a brand spankin new opti in the car, I did it less than 1500 miles ago. So No new opti, its not a huge issue, if the Lunati (which I have seen offererd) offers decent strength. I will fell good about it,

The stock style TC has bout 30k on her, this is more for peice of mind then anything.

Thanks once again.

Oh, on a personal observation, I cannot beleive they do not offer a cam sprocket machined for a 92-94 opti..... I mean they could then encompass all of the LT1 motors from 92-97, yes you can do the conversion but some may not want to.

 

I may be mistaken about the lunati one, i think they may have one but a quick search didn't reveal it. The cloyes timing chain for a non vented opti is $350, and the Comp cams is $509. I think it is rediculous to pay that much for a timing set. It may be alittle more to do the conversion, but you could recoupe some by sellling that new non vented opti. You can pick up the 95 timing cover used for around $20, and a new vented opti is also a good bit less than the non vented, as well as it is known to last longer. The only other thing you need is the little wire harness for the opti, i got mine cheap used. Not trying to force you to do something you dont want to, just trying to show you your options.

 

JB Weld and a quarter. Cheapest freeze plug you'll ever need. I've had mine like that for close to two years now, and no problems or leaks.

 

You can leave the gear in there. Tap it out from the back side while the intake is off. The actual part that drives the pump will not interfere... it's the gear that is driven by the timing set that gets in the way. You can simply use a press to remove that gear. Put it all back together and there you go. The hole in the block is sealed and hole in the timing cover is sealed. You can also put red loctite around the bearing that presses back into the block if you want.

 

I just went to summit racing and saw 3 timing chains listed for a 1994 LT1 which includes 2 Cloyes and 1 Comp Cam. The one for the non vented is 90 some odd dollars the others quoted above wasmuch higher and for vented opti's I cant win hahah