I'm in the process of reinstalling my timing cover for my cam swap and I was getting ready to reinstall the original opti. There was this plastic like bushing in the groove at the end of the opti drive shaft where it fits into the cam. I just noticed that it had fallen off and was in pieces, how important is this and should it be replaced? And does anyone know what it's called or an item number so I can order it? Thanks.

 

Sounds like you are referring to the 2 o-rings on the end of the opti shaft. I think just going to a local parts store and getting some o-ring would suffice. IMO

Joe

 

There are 2 o-rings that fit in grooves on the part of the opti drive that pokes into the cam. GM PART # 10474278

 

So there are two? Good thing I asked, I never saw the other one I assume an o ring would work but the piece that came off wasn't an o ring, it was a plastic ring. I just wanted to see if anyone had replaced it before. I know I sound like I'm being **** about this, I just don't want to get everything back together and have to tear it apart again because the opti failed due to some $.50 plastic ring

Edit: Thanks Shoebox, I knew someone here would have the part #

 

Could be that the o-ring(s) had just become hardened and brittle. You might compare to this pic to be sure part of the drive mechanism did not break.

 

I thought maybe it used to be an o ring too but now it feels like a piece of plastic, there wasn't much left of the one I found and I didn't even see the other? The shaft spun freely though and didn't have a lot of play in it so I assume it's still ok. Also the car was running great (just not fast enough ) before I tore into it so I assume the opti's still in good shape.