I'm installing the opti right now, the 2 O-rings on the drive are trash. I've done the cloyes, elec. w/p conversion,cps delete etc. This might sound stupid but I cant see how they are needed. The shaft just sits in the hole in the end of the cam, no oil is in the middle of the cam. Is'nt the seal in the cover for the opti all that is needed. Someone explain why this is needed, dont ride me out please

 

they wouldnt be on there if you didnt need them

 

My thought is at least for the early opti's that it stabilizes [helps keep centered] the driveshaft so as to not rip up the seal..
Not that it actually 'seals' anything?
Can't think of any other reason tho..

 

Mine had oil on it when I pulled it out.....also as was mentioned, they probably keep it from vibrating(shock absorbers)

 

With all the things the opti is blamed for, why skimp out on something that could be a liability later?

 

As mentioned I think they are there to reduce vibrations from the cam to the opti. When I took my opti out recently there was only one of those rings left and it came apart in several peices when I pulled it out. I bought new ones at the dealer, a bag of 10 of them were like .99 cents. I would replace them, they are there for a good reason I'm sure.

 

u can also get em at your local hardware store.

 

thankx for all the replies. I knew they where there for a reason, I just couldnt understand why. If ya dont ask u wont know

 

Yeah, just walk in there and tell the guy "I need two GM optispark drive shaft O-rings for a 1997 LT1" and then wait for him to go, huh?



J/K seriously though, I'd just get em from the dealer to be safe, they were less than a buck for a pack of 10.