97 Auto - I need to replace the opti. Should I do this on my own or take it to a shop? If I do it, how do I???

Thanks for any info !

 

It really depends on if you are comfortable working on your car or not. I'm
very slow, but know what I'm doing and it took me 5 hours. Granted this is a
California car with all the smog stuff intact, but it's no small chore. You have
to drain the coolant, pull the accessory belt, pull the balancer, remove the
fans, remove the air pump and bracket, remove the water pump, and then
remove the opti.

It's not difficult, it will just depend on your comfort level. I actually prefer
replacing the opti to changing the plugs. My last plug change was 4 hours
for the passenger side and 45 minutes for the drivers side. At least with the
opti you can get to everything easily.

And as always, check out the Shoebox site. Tech Site Great stuff in
there, one of my favorites!

 

I would do a search. I know there is an opti install guide floating around this board. I would do it myself or find someone local to help you. Hell i would do an opti swap for $75 bucks. I've had mine off in 45 mins, but the car was already up on jacks and i've had my car apart a few times.

 

As stated...fairly easy, just time consuming. Invest in a Helms or Chiltons manual, get familiar with the car & manual, and budget 1/2 of a day to do the job.

 

http://www.streetillusionsracing.com.../opti/opti.htm

 

truedualws6 is right. It's easier than changing the spark plugs. You just have
to know what to remove. Everything comes out really easy. Once you do it once, you'll wonder why you even worried about it.

 

Its actually not as bad as some people make it out to be...i also found that having a second set of hands makes the job so much easier *SOMETIMES* also i didnt have to remove the fans. The right tools, and correct crank hub puller makes the project go alot easier I didnt have the right one and spend the first 5 hours searchin for it! If you have a spot to work the tools and the knowhow its not too bad!