I am installing my LT1 in my 87 Camaro, and I need to know which opti-spark to buy. It's a 94 LT1 which means of course, its not vented. But someone was telling me that its not hard at all to convert to vented. Is there any truth in that? Because the Non-vented is more expensive so, if I can, I'd like to buy the cheaper, better one. Let me know.

 

there is parts need to do the conversion. Such as a 95-97 timing cover, some type of pigtail adapter and some other small parts. I am sure that somone that know exactly or somone that has done it will chime in. If i were you i would try to get my hands on a MSD opti. i know that they are hard to get but i wwould try. Also Accel is out with an opti. i saw it the other day i cant remember where but it was 300 vs 500 for the MSD. I think for my 94 i paid 380 for a new one (GM). this is just my 2 cents though.

chris

 

It is not a direct bolt-in, and will take some work. It will end up being about $200 more than the cost of the non-vented opti.

You'll need a 95 timing cover, vented opti, 95+ opti harness and vacuum lines, new cam gear, intake fitting, and most importantly, a longer dowel pin, which is not easily acquired without swapping in a new camshaft.

It's a bit more involved than the person who told you it isn't hard at all.

 

I was afraid of that. Now, my next question will be, is it really worth the time and effort. I hope to be installing an Electric water pump soon after the install of the engine. From what I hear, the weep hole on the electric water pump sticks out further past the opti, not allowing it to **** on it when it goes bad. Well, Im new to the LT1 stuff so help me out. Thank you all for the input. Much needed.

 

Most people convert to a vented opti when they do a cam install so that they are not confined to using one type of timing chain on a 93-94 car (such as a Cloyes, LT4 ED, etc.). Not to mention the improved design over the non-vented. OBDII cars can also delete the CPS if it isn't needed or desired.

An electric water pump uses the OEM water pump housing, thus the weephole stays in the same place. If you do install an electric pump, then you won't have to worry about the weephole because it is blocked off using a freeze plug.