My car may be going down the Optispark replacement road. If so, I want to be sure and use a smart combo of parts. While I don't have an unlimited budget, I don't want to get sub-par results, either.

I'd like help deciding which specific parts to buy and install, including doing the waterpump. I'm not going to use MSD. Is the Delphi equivalent to the GM/AC-Delco Opti? If so, it's about 80.00 cheaper and I'd probably use that one. Can I skimp a bit on the waterpump? Stock GM/Delco is 220.00+. Off-brand is 85.00. Anyone know if the Delphi unit has everything needed - is it the whole schebang?

Here are some local parts I can get and their prices (below):

COSTLESS Auto Parts (local)

Optisparks:

Wayworld Power Systems $97.99

$347.99 AC-Delco

Water-Pumps:

$222.00 AC-Delco

$84.99 GMB Presto, new

GM PartsDirect (online):

Optispark: $366.04 + shipping/tax
Part Number: 1104032

Waterpump: 222.28 + shipping/tax
Part Number: 12527741

Opti Wiring Harness:
GM PART # 12130319
Price: $51.00

NewGMParts (online):

Optispark: $441.40
Part Number: 1104032
Link

WaterPump: 268.04 + s/h, tax
Part Number: 12527741
Link

NapaOnline/Napa Auto Parts (local):

$264.00 Delphi OptiSpark <--- I like this one!
Part Number: DEM DC20011

Link

Waterpumps - Napa

Water Pump - New
Product Line: Tru-Flow Water Pumps
Part Number: TFW 44037
Price: 154.00

Water Pump - Remfd
Product Line: Remanufactured Water Pump / Napa
Part Number: WP 58470
Price: 105.00
3.89 core

Link

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Optispark Wiring Harness (better price!):

$24.99, New
Bmotorsports
Part # CONN-85653
Link

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I also heard about Chandler Mortorsports. Any experience with these Optis? Price is right at about 90 bucks.

Part Brand: Chandler Motorsports
Manufacturer Part Number: DD-110403
Warranty: Yes
Interchange Part Number: 1104032

Link

 

Is the waterpump bad? If not, why are you replacing it?

Otherwise, I'm pretty sure the Delphi is the AC/Delco unit (I think Delphi was making them for GM when our cars were built before they spun off of GM).

 

I would do the water pump at the same time. You are going to get the new opti wet if you have to remove it down the line anyway. Why risk the small possibility of ruining the new one let's say if your pump dies a week later. Why are you replacing the opti to begin with? If you want to do just cap and rotor you have that option too.

 

Have a Delphi Opti w/ cap rotor, etc. ordered from a local Napa. New Waterpump. Electrical Harness from EFI (the hi-temp one).

??? Is there a special set of gaskets or seals to ensure this job is done right? We will locktite the internal Opti screws, though which flavor of locktite I'm not sure. I imagine I need the timing cover gasket set? Oil-pan gasket, too? Anything missing?

 

Fel-pro makes a timing gasket set for the LT1 that comes with everything you need to replace the opti.
Part numbers:
92-94 LT1 TCS45953
95-97 LT1 TCS45956
The main seals you should replace are the water pump driveshaft seal, and the oil seal behind the optispark. The opti seal just pops out with a screwdriver and you press it into position with your finger.
For the water pump driveshaft clean the coupler that goes between the pump and seal and sand it smooth. Take the new WP driveshaft seal and try to stick the coupler inside the seal. This will protect the seal when you install it. They make a special tool that does this but it costs like $50 and the coupler worked well for me. If it is hard to get the coupler into the seal; take a large pen that tapers and stick it in the seal to slightly open the hole, and then stick the coupler in it.

 

Oreilly sells a good water pump and get the Gm opti I had a bad experience with the MSD get the stock one you want be sorry.

 

"Fel Pro TCS45956 Timing Cover Gasket"

Excellent! I was just stopping by to ask if that set contained the two seals for the waterpump driveshaft and crank. Purchased individually, they are expensive but appear to come with this roughly 12.00 set. True right? It has both seals as shown in the pictures, right?

Also, thanks for the tip about the pen. Sounds like a sharpie or fat sharpie may do the trick.

I got a Delphi Opti and New waterpump from a local Napa for 300.00. It happened to be their 2nd-Saturday sale. Would have been well over 100.00 more. A little trip across the bridge into Oregon and no sales tax, so well over 130.00 less... No shipping costs or wait-time. I had considered the Chandler. FWIW, the Delphi was manufactured in Mexico - not China, as the Chandler people had claimed. *Shrug*