i have a 95 z28 and the distributor is going cuz i have a horrible stumble and its my last solution...how long will this distributor take to put in??? any ideas?? will this be easy to do using the manual?? thanx alot
kevin

 

First time through count on about 6 hours. After the learning curve it can be done a lot quicker. You'll need to fully drain the coolant system (radiator and block) as the waterpump will need to come off. The crank pulley will also need to be removed. The crank hub can stay put but you'll need to rotate the crank to provide clearance to remove the opti.

When installing the new opti make sure you line up the pin in the end of the cam to the correct "rib" of the opti...one of the ribs has a deeper "hole" in it then the others.

You'll need to scrap off all the old waterpump gasket material. The waterpump has a shaft that drives the pumps from the back. There are 2 small seals that fit on the gears that fit into this shaft...I'd replace those.

It's a good time to replace your spark plugs wires if you're due.

 

Here's a link to an opti install page:
http://www.houston-f-body.org/tech/optispark/

You might also want to do a search to find other install guides.

 

Are you sure you need a new opti? Unless it is throwing codes wouldn't replace it. It could be something easy like a dirty IAC valve.

 

I too am facing an opti install & want to know how many shop hours to expect.

I will supply the part to the mechanic either from Jason Cromer or gmpartsdirect.com. Anybody else locally charges 2x for the part.

ttt for you

 

first time, kinda hard. took me like 3 or 4 days with about 2 hours a day of work. now, I feel i can do it in like 2 hours

 

Its really not that hard to do at all. Probably just more time consuming. Instead of paying someone to do it, just use the same money to buy a manual and whatever tools you may need. You dont have to drain the block of coolant. When I took mine off for a cam swap I drained the radiator, and then pulled the waterpump and just let whatever needed to drain out drain from that point. Theres plenty of people on here that can help if you get stuck or have any questions.

Aaron

 

I can knock one out in about an hour now. No need to drain the coolant from the block, just pull the 2 radiator hoses going to the water pump, most of the coolant will come out that way. Pull the crank pulley, not the hub. Remove the AIR pump and bracket, 6 bolts to the h20 pump. Then 3 to the opti, clean up H20 pump gasket surfaces and reinstall. Only tricky part is getting the dowel pin lined back up on the cam gear and opti. email if you have any questions I've done a bunch of opti's.

 

Before you change anything, pin-point the problem! If you do find that the opti is bad, by all means do it yourself...it's a lot easier to change than what most people make it out to be.

 

My 1st time took about 3 hours... wasnt nearly as difficult as I thought it would be

-Robert

 

it seems pretty easy and all, but how much does it cost to get done? I mean, when I get an LT1 f-vody I'll end up doing the work myself, but it's nice to know how much I've saved up front

 

"Are you sure you need a new opti? Unless it is throwing codes wouldn't replace it. It could be something easy like a dirty IAC valve."

Most bad opti's will not throw a code. Before you determine the OPTI is bad, check for other possible problems like the IAC,plug wires,MAF ect...

To have the OPTI replaced, I would expect anywhere from 500-800 $$$ for the job to be done. Do it yourself and save a lot and get to know your car. As previously stated, the work is fairly easy to do, just time consuming the first go around. Good luck!

 

My opti went out and didn't throw a code, and it isn't horrible to do, just takes a while as everyone says. If your hesitant to do this on your own, I would see if you could find someone in your area that would be willing to look over your shoulder. It may cost you lunch, but it will definitely be worth it. Good idea doing it yourself, seems that LT-1 owners end up doing these often.

 

I appreciate everyone's good wishes and confidence on doing the project myself. Right now I do not have access to the tools & lift I normally do. Plus I want the mechanic to verify the opti w/ a scan.
And if I mess it up I'm deeper in....

Please don't take my reply the wrong way, someone out there must know what the shop manual says the amount of hours are
for this job.

Again I really do appreciate everyon'e help

Thanks again

 

if you dont have channel locks/vice grips and a socket set to do THIS job, id look into getting some