My '94 Formula stopped firing yesterday. I converted to a vented Opti a few weeks ago, but it was a used Opti...I'm thinking it bite the dust. I tried to start it a couple times yesterday, then the starter took a dump. After replacing it, the car started once, ran 2 seconds then went dead and won't fire anymore. I checked it with my timing light, it simply won't fire the plugs. Any votes on a bad Opti?
Kevin

 

Did you check the igntion coil? HOw about the wires and plugs?

 

I haven't checked them, but the plugs and wires only have around 1500 miles on them. The coil is an MSD part that only has a few thousand miles on it as well. The Opti has over 100K miles on it. I've got a new Opti on the way.
I'll be sure to let everybody know as soon as it's fixed.
Kevin

 

I installed a new AC Delco Opti last night. That fixed it! It has better throttle response that ever. It fires right up too. That may have something to do with the new battery and TCI ministarter though.
Kevin

 

Hey bad79z28, Just wondering how hard the install was for you ? Im attempting it right now but the only thing holding me back is the Crank pulley that blocks the last bolt on the distributor from comming out. Any tricks or advise ? My car made a nasty loud backfire before it decided to sh*t out on me. Thanks in advance!

 

You need to remove the pulley. Have you looked at any of the online guides, like this one?

 

What Shoebox said...
Simply take the three pulley bolts out and remove the pulley. Mine took a bit of pursuading. I didn't have a puller that was large enough to pull it off, but I did have a torch though. I simply heated the pulley a bit and tapped it off with a hammer.
You can remove the Opti with the hub still on the crankshaft, but I did find that there was one hub position that made Opti removal and installation easier.
Good Luck,
Kevin

 

how much harder is it to change the timing chain once your at the point where the pulley is off?

 

It's a bit more work, but probably worth it if you have lots of miles. You will also have to remove the hub. Basically you are doing a cam install without actually changing the cam. You can look at the cam removal/install info on my Tech Page and Street Illusions to get an idea what you have to do.