The vented optispark drive mechanism has a center shaft that engages the cam snout, which is drilled deeper than the unvented 93-94 cams. Picture for reference:

 

Ok I purchased this one this morning

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACF-10457702/

How hard is it to install an Opti? It's tempting to just do it myself and save money but at the same time I really don't feel like screwing up anything.

 

Its not easy man, but there isnt much on an lt1 that is easy, your prolly lookin at 4-5 hours, just a rough guess.

 

Buck and Missfire, sounds like a couple of rednecks!!

 

OK, thanks, I stand corrected.

 

On a scale of 1 to 10, an opti install is about a 5. A decent set of hand tools and a 3-jaw puller is all you really need. Take your time, get a Haynes manual to help you, and you'll be fine. Having a friend or two around is also a good idea - never hurts to have another set of eyes.

 

If you use that 3 jaw puller to remove the balancer from the hub be sure not to grip it by the outer edge. Go through the spokes or you'll rip the thing apart.

Sometimes you don't even need the puller....when I did mine I just pulled the three bolt, squirted dome PB blaster around the center hub and pulled. It popper right off. Don't expect this though...it's usually a pain.

In addition to a new opti, you'll need new water pump gaskets and coolant. And you might just want to change the spak plug wires while you're in there...if you haven't already. By the way, you did check them thoroughly, right?

 

The water pump gasket is a great idea. I got the water pump replaced about a year ago. The spark plug wires are new, got those installed 2 months ago.

 

Looks like the last person I took the car to didn't install one of the new wires and left the old one nice and corroded. Looks like I'm buying new spark plug wires as well. Any recommendations? lol

 

Yes, two.
1) replace the wires BEFORE buying and installing the OPTI..I'll bet small change the issues go away.

2) buy a high quality set of wires...it's a tough environment in there. I use Magnecor and they've been terrific but there are many choices that will work great. Don't, really, get Autozone wires or the like.

 

The wires have been replaced two months ago. Unfortunately, that didn't fix anything. Maybe because of the old wire they left and didn't replace, who knows... Are MSD or Taylor wires any good too? What is a good width to go with?
Thanks for your help dude.

 

Change that wire before diving into the opti. It might clear it up.

 

Something worthy of note, to decrease the hassle of changing your wires you may want to consider staying with the stock ac delco wires..they're not cheap but they're a good wire...I believe the original set on my '95 were still on there when I did my head gasket this spring, I replaced them with stock (about a hundred at summit but can probably be had for less). The clearance at some of the turns just does not allow for larger wires, you may have to get an over-the-valve-covers kit to fit some of the larger wires out there. As for replacing the opti, it's really pretty easy, it's one of the first things I did with my car, even if you're not mechanically inclined with patience it can be done..the biggest headaches (can) be pulling the balancer and some of the waterpump bolts can be difficult to get to unless you have offset wrenches. Autozone (and similar stores) rent out various sizes of pullers, it's the smaller one you want..with a large socket placed on the crank bolt, the center bolt of the puller has something to push against...think I used a 1/2 or 5/8 socket for that. Autozone also has the felpro kit with the water pump gaskets, o-rings and seals (behind water pump and opti) that you'll need, it's like $13. If you don't have a hayne's manual, there are tons of write-ups out there, some with pics, if you google optispark rebuild or optispark installation. This is such a commonly performed procedure on these cars, we really should have a good-quality sticky with pics on here for new guys. I have to replace mine this week, maybe I'll take the time to snap some pics and actually write down what I do and do that.

And - don't force the opti when installing it or you'll be buying yet another one.

 

My Magnecor 8mm wires follow all the contours that the stock wires do...they just don't fit in the looms. That was easily rectified by drilling 8mm holes in a piece of plastic and cutting through the holes...instant looms. Frankly, you wouldn't have to bother...lots of people have routed MSD wires through the stock location. OTVC wires are not required.

 

I had no problem installing 8mm Taylor Spiro-Pros in the totally stock brackets, looms, shields, etc. Worked fine. Others have used the MSD 8.5mm SuperConductors in the stock locations, with minor issues. I wouldn't say that the stock 7mm wires are the only ones that will fit.

I also wouldn't change the full set of wires, just because one of them is not new. Get a matching wire and just replace the one they failed to replace.