Opti going bad Need advice
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 348
From: Bay Area, CA
Opti going bad Need advice
I took Indy to the dealership today because my car has been having a hesitation problem and also doesn't want to shift under hard acceleration. They told me the optispark is going bad because the water pump is slightly leaking onto that area and some of the moisture has gotten in the opti (DAMN sealed Optis! 
) Anyways the optispark, water pump, and ignition wires need replacing. They quoted me $1800 to fix everything. I know that figure is way too high because they want over $600 just for the opti part alone and I read somewhere I can get it for $231 from gmpartsdirect.
So my questions are:
1. Where can I get the best price for a new optispark.
2. Will converting to a vented opti be realistic money wise (I don't know how to do work on my car myself for the most part so labor fees are a big factor).
3. Would going with an aftermarket water pump be a better choice than a stock replacement and if so what kind and how much is it compared to stock?
4. Where should I go to get all this stuff done/replaced. The dealer doesn't seem like the best option.
I appreciate any advice you guys can give... thanks
) Anyways the optispark, water pump, and ignition wires need replacing. They quoted me $1800 to fix everything. I know that figure is way too high because they want over $600 just for the opti part alone and I read somewhere I can get it for $231 from gmpartsdirect. So my questions are:
1. Where can I get the best price for a new optispark.
2. Will converting to a vented opti be realistic money wise (I don't know how to do work on my car myself for the most part so labor fees are a big factor).
3. Would going with an aftermarket water pump be a better choice than a stock replacement and if so what kind and how much is it compared to stock?
4. Where should I go to get all this stuff done/replaced. The dealer doesn't seem like the best option.
I appreciate any advice you guys can give... thanks
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 167
From: Bountiful, Utah
1. Search for Jason Cromer here on the board, he's a parts guy at a dealership in Florida or something, and has real good prices from what I've heard
2. Mine already is, but I have heard from those that switched that its well worth it.
3. I dunno
4. I'd do it yourself. get it done for a ton cheaper
Those are my opinions/knowledges
2. Mine already is, but I have heard from those that switched that its well worth it.
3. I dunno
4. I'd do it yourself. get it done for a ton cheaper
Those are my opinions/knowledges
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 37
From: Saginaw MI
one thing to remember: the dealer (almost always) quotes LIST price for everything. List price on an opti is like $660.
If you can change a waterpump on an old small-block chevy- you can do the opti yourself (IMO)
My opinion- do not use aftermarket parts (for the opti and waterpump)
Look for a AC delco dealer (or Jason Cromer ?)
AC Delco parts are the same as the GM parts- (just different box- sometimes the SAME box) In my area, there are a few WDs that sell just over their cost- great deal AND you get the GM part.
Lifetime warranty is nice on some aftermarket parts, put it does not count any of your time and labor.
Good luck.
Dan
If you can change a waterpump on an old small-block chevy- you can do the opti yourself (IMO)
My opinion- do not use aftermarket parts (for the opti and waterpump)
Look for a AC delco dealer (or Jason Cromer ?)
AC Delco parts are the same as the GM parts- (just different box- sometimes the SAME box) In my area, there are a few WDs that sell just over their cost- great deal AND you get the GM part.
Lifetime warranty is nice on some aftermarket parts, put it does not count any of your time and labor.
Good luck.
Dan
Registered User
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 538
From: valencia,california,u.s.a.
When my waterpump blew over a year ago,it saturated the opti,but was able to still drive gingerly about 8 miles to my mechanic.He replaced the waterpump,but wanted to wait and see if the opti servived.It did.No problems yet(gonna go out someday I guess).There is a big F-body club up in the bay area,and I believe they can direct you to a reliable mechanic,(maybe in Santa Clara somewhere,that won't stick it to you like the place you mentioned.).New waterpumps start at $99.00,and go up to around $350.00 I think.I actually saw the $99.00 out of the box,and I can't tell any difference,but there may be.Anyway,the waterpumps (weather gm or offbrand)don't seem to last long anyway.I would wait and see if the opti is fried first.My02
(Bay area F-Bodies????).
(Bay area F-Bodies????).
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 397
From: Upstate SC
I second everyone's notion here.
Search for and call Jason Cromer. he's gonna give you the best price. Get a vented opti and a stock Water Pump.
And, really...changing these yourself is not hard...AND WELL worth the money you save. Based on your dealer quote, you'd save atleast $1300!!!!! I think he sells the vented opti for around $275...not sure on the water pump. And, as long as you have some ramps or a decent jack and a metric socket set, you're good to go.
And...you've got a WORLD of people here that are willing to give advice and help you through changing this opti/WP yourself.
DJ
Search for and call Jason Cromer. he's gonna give you the best price. Get a vented opti and a stock Water Pump.
And, really...changing these yourself is not hard...AND WELL worth the money you save. Based on your dealer quote, you'd save atleast $1300!!!!! I think he sells the vented opti for around $275...not sure on the water pump. And, as long as you have some ramps or a decent jack and a metric socket set, you're good to go.
And...you've got a WORLD of people here that are willing to give advice and help you through changing this opti/WP yourself.
DJ
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12
From: Jax FL
Last year when I first got my 93 Z the waterpump went. I bought an autozone reman pump. I took it for a test drive and when it got to temp it blew the pressed in fittings right out of the pump! They gave me a brand new pump for free, but my time is money so.. ya know. Since then though i have been having ignition problems. I think its my opti.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 348
From: Bay Area, CA
Originally posted by LT1derful
I second everyone's notion here.
Search for and call Jason Cromer. he's gonna give you the best price. Get a vented opti and a stock Water Pump.
And, really...changing these yourself is not hard...AND WELL worth the money you save. Based on your dealer quote, you'd save atleast $1300!!!!! I think he sells the vented opti for around $275...not sure on the water pump. And, as long as you have some ramps or a decent jack and a metric socket set, you're good to go.
And...you've got a WORLD of people here that are willing to give advice and help you through changing this opti/WP yourself.
DJ
I second everyone's notion here.
Search for and call Jason Cromer. he's gonna give you the best price. Get a vented opti and a stock Water Pump.
And, really...changing these yourself is not hard...AND WELL worth the money you save. Based on your dealer quote, you'd save atleast $1300!!!!! I think he sells the vented opti for around $275...not sure on the water pump. And, as long as you have some ramps or a decent jack and a metric socket set, you're good to go.
And...you've got a WORLD of people here that are willing to give advice and help you through changing this opti/WP yourself.
DJ
I don't have ramps... jacks... nothing, I don't live in a house so I don't have a garage
Registered User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 525
From: Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S.
my advice to you would be to find someone nearby who has knowledge about this repair and maybe pay them to help you. It is a really simple swap and can be done by someone who has experience in a couple hours. most dealerships will make it out to be an 8-10 hour job when in reality it only takes that long because most of them have no idea how to work on these engines. jason cromer will be a good bet on prices. but many local places will probably have good prices also. you might try getting in touch with some other California f-body owners to help you out.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 250
From: Homestead, FL
Re: Opti going bad Need advice
Originally posted by Indy93Z28
I took Indy to the dealership today because my car has been having a hesitation problem and also doesn't want to shift under hard acceleration. They told me the optispark is going bad because the water pump is slightly leaking onto that area and some of the moisture has gotten in the opti (DAMN sealed Optis! ) Anyways the optispark, water pump, and ignition wires need replacing. They quoted me $1800 to fix everything. I know that figure is way too high because they want over $600 just for the opti part alone and I read somewhere I can get it for $231 from gmpartsdirect.
So my questions are:
1. Where can I get the best price for a new optispark.
2. Will converting to a vented opti be realistic money wise (I don't know how to do work on my car myself for the most part so labor fees are a big factor).
3. Would going with an aftermarket water pump be a better choice than a stock replacement and if so what kind and how much is it compared to stock?
4. Where should I go to get all this stuff done/replaced. The dealer doesn't seem like the best option.
I appreciate any advice you guys can give... thanks
I took Indy to the dealership today because my car has been having a hesitation problem and also doesn't want to shift under hard acceleration. They told me the optispark is going bad because the water pump is slightly leaking onto that area and some of the moisture has gotten in the opti (DAMN sealed Optis!
) Anyways the optispark, water pump, and ignition wires need replacing. They quoted me $1800 to fix everything. I know that figure is way too high because they want over $600 just for the opti part alone and I read somewhere I can get it for $231 from gmpartsdirect. So my questions are:
1. Where can I get the best price for a new optispark.
2. Will converting to a vented opti be realistic money wise (I don't know how to do work on my car myself for the most part so labor fees are a big factor).
3. Would going with an aftermarket water pump be a better choice than a stock replacement and if so what kind and how much is it compared to stock?
4. Where should I go to get all this stuff done/replaced. The dealer doesn't seem like the best option.
I appreciate any advice you guys can give... thanks
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,152
From: Woodstown, NJ
Converting to the vented Opti will be a pretty big job. You need to install a cam that has the longer driveshaft dowel pin that seats on the back of the opti. You'll need to pull the intake, fuel rail, radiator, water pump, cooling fans, opti, timing cover, timing chain, valve covers, rockers and valvetrain, and then the cam.
It's a pretty big job, and only worth it when you decide to install an aftermarket cam to begin with.
It's a pretty big job, and only worth it when you decide to install an aftermarket cam to begin with.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 250
From: Homestead, FL
Originally posted by RamAir95TA
Converting to the vented Opti will be a pretty big job. You need to install a cam that has the longer driveshaft dowel pin that seats on the back of the opti. You'll need to pull the intake, fuel rail, radiator, water pump, cooling fans, opti, timing cover, timing chain, valve covers, rockers and valvetrain, and then the cam.
It's a pretty big job, and only worth it when you decide to install an aftermarket cam to begin with.
Converting to the vented Opti will be a pretty big job. You need to install a cam that has the longer driveshaft dowel pin that seats on the back of the opti. You'll need to pull the intake, fuel rail, radiator, water pump, cooling fans, opti, timing cover, timing chain, valve covers, rockers and valvetrain, and then the cam.
It's a pretty big job, and only worth it when you decide to install an aftermarket cam to begin with.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 348
From: Bay Area, CA
No I haven't installed a new opti + water pump yet. The whole thing is still going to be expensive even with my buying the parts from Jason and having this guy install the parts... I'll still save about half the cost of the dealer but still expensive for a college student ya know.
I'm probably going to have it all done next month. I'll post a follow up and tell you guys how it went.
I decided against vented opti until cam swap which is way down the road anyways. I'm also sticking with a stock water pump because the electic's benefits don't outweigh the cons to me.
Thanks for the advice everyone.
I'm probably going to have it all done next month. I'll post a follow up and tell you guys how it went.
I decided against vented opti until cam swap which is way down the road anyways. I'm also sticking with a stock water pump because the electic's benefits don't outweigh the cons to me.
Thanks for the advice everyone.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 65
From: Nacogdoches,Tx.
Originally posted by RamAir95TA
Converting to the vented Opti will be a pretty big job. You need to install a cam that has the longer driveshaft dowel pin that seats on the back of the opti. You'll need to pull the intake, fuel rail, radiator, water pump, cooling fans, opti, timing cover, timing chain, valve covers, rockers and valvetrain, and then the cam.
It's a pretty big job, and only worth it when you decide to install an aftermarket cam to begin with.
Converting to the vented Opti will be a pretty big job. You need to install a cam that has the longer driveshaft dowel pin that seats on the back of the opti. You'll need to pull the intake, fuel rail, radiator, water pump, cooling fans, opti, timing cover, timing chain, valve covers, rockers and valvetrain, and then the cam.
It's a pretty big job, and only worth it when you decide to install an aftermarket cam to begin with.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,450
From: LA, So Cal
hey dude...i'm having the same problems right now....my water pump is leaking and when the car is hot it runs like crap.....i'm planning to change my water pump, opti and plugs wire.....and i'm too a college student, with no money and working with minimum wage....oh well, **** happens sometimes......