I am currently attempting to replace my opti. I have done all the labor in takeing it out and ran into a small problem. It seems that the opti is affixed to the opti cap with 4 very small star shaped bolts. I do not have the tool to un-screw these star shaped bolts and have been to Auto Zone, Lows, Advanced Auto Parts and Sears with no luck. NO ONE CARRIES THIS TOOL!!! I have had no problem up to this point but its driving me crazy and I am about to bust it up with the biggest F#%^ing hammer I can get my hands on. Yes I need anger management. Can some one please help me and tell me what I need to get these little bastards out so I can separate the opti from the cap. Thank you.

PS. just for your info its a non-vented opti for a 93 Camaro.

 

If you are not replacing the whole thing, you may be back soon to do so. If you have a high mileage opti, it is just not economical not to replace the whole thing while you are in there.

That said, you can "make" a socket for the small torx screws by removing one of the screws in the top cover on the throttle body and clamp the end of it with vice grips. On the end there are no threads, so you won't mess them up.

 

Thanx for the reply but im not quite understanding what your saying can you be a little mor detailed? Thanx

Im new at this.

 

Hey Shoebox, this brings to mind a question I have been meaning to ask...

Just how long is the Opti likely to last? I know there are bazillions of variables, but what would you guesstimate?

BTW I did just my cap and rotor a while back (did them and the water pump because I needed to replace the front cover gasket) and I found the needed "star" socket set at Schucks.

Thanks,

 

The head of the throttle body screw will be your socket. Grab the screw by the other end with a vice grips.

 

I would expect 80k-100k miles to be reasonable. Some people get twice that.

 

LOL, we'll if it's never been replaced mine has 99K on it. Here's hoping!

Thanks

 

Thanks for the help shoebox. Im very glad we have individuals like yourself on here that know all the tricks of the trade. I will try it tomorrow after work. Your the man!!

 

You can get the socket you need at checker/kragen/shucks. Whichever is in your area.. It's called a reverse torx socket.. Thats where I got mine... Come's in like a kit with like 5 other ones...