I think my opti is crappin out on my 93Z. Was wondering if the vented are better or worse. I think mine got some water in it somehow when I got my radiator flushed.

Also, would it just be economic to go aftermarket. Is there a way to completely do away with the system and use something completely different? More reliable, accessible, and economic.

just wonderin
Finch

 

vented is better
also, i read i think it was in gmhigh tec mag, that one guy put an msd billet distributor in there and disconnected the opti somehow
i know there was a thread going on about eliminating it, search either here, or in advanced tech

 

Keep in mind, that in order to swap to a vented opti, you'll need to change out the timing chain set, and replace the dowel pin in the cam shaft with a longer one, as well as swaping to a 95 or later timing chain cover, and 95up opti wiring connector.

If you already knew that, sorry. Just didnt want anyone to mistakenly think the vented unit was a direct replacement on 93 and 94s.

 

Or you can vent the opti yourself. You can get a GM vacuum harness for about $30 and some vacuum line fittings for $10. I've done it to my 94 and have had no problems and have taken it apart since and it's like brand new on the inside instead of rusty like the non-vented ones. If you do a search you can probably find direction on how to do it.

 

Check out dynotech - they offer a vented opti that will bolt right up to your Z without any changes to the car. I don't see any reason for the LTCC if you don't have some radical motor.

 

with opti the prob is its right beneath the water pump i think, and sometimes it gets water... the vented ones make the water flow right through the opti...

right? correct me if i'm wrong

 

Not only what you mention, but the hole in the end of the cam where the vented opti seats has to be enlarged.

http://para.noid.org/~muttvette/opti.html

 

In my opinion the non vented opti is just as good as a vented opti if you make sure its sealed good.
My original Opti lasted for 135k and I put a new one in and its been good so far and I fully expect it to last just as long.
I like the drive mechanism alot better on the older style as well.

 

Highly incorrect. The purpose of the vent system is to remove moisture and ozone from the opti. It does not cause more moisture to be pulled in.

 

You can also run the vented cap on a nonvented opti by reusing the old plastic plate that has the plug housing built-in. I ran my second non-vented opti that way for 3 years with no vacuum lines hooked up, rain and shine. Opti was spotless inside when I took it off to convert to double roller this year. I suppose the heat from the motor evaporated any moisture from inside the opti, and the vent hole allowed for an escape route.

BTW, my orginal non-vented opti lasted about 90k, but was internally coated with rust by the time it keeled over- looked very bad in comparision to the non-vented opti with the vented cap.