So I bought a brand new, in the wrapper motor for my 94 Z. Everything is going good until.... I go to put the distributor on and there's a major difference. My old block has a small splined shaft coming out for the distributor to mesh to. The new block has a 2" hole in that spot and you can look in and see the camshaft. Does anyone know if there is an insert that goes in this hole to allow the old dist. to connect to the camshaft or do I need a different distributor? I hope I haven't been sent the wrong motor. God please don't let that be it. Thanks in advance guys.

 

Your new motor is a 95 or later where your old motor was the 94 and earlier. You will have to get a vented opti. The drive on the distributors changed in 95 so they are not interchangeable.

This is the early drive like you have.
http://shbox.com/1/93-94_opti.jpg

What you need is this
http://shbox.com/1/opti_back.jpg

Thanks Rob

There are several sources for the part you will also need the vent connections as well as the vacuum reducer.

 

So I will need a new distributor, vent tubes and a vacuum reducer. Where do the vent tubes run to and will my 94 electrical system support this change? I guess what I'm asking is, can I just put this new dist. on with the vent tubes and vacuum reducer or would it be more cost effective to get the motor with the older style dist. spline shaft and just bolt everything back up? I just don't want to have a lot of problems when the motor goes back in.

 

Just get the newer distributor, They are cheaper that the older ones plus have the benefit of venting. One of these two wholesalers will part with one for about $230.

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#Dal_and_Jason

Go here to #45-47 to see where the vacuum lines connect.

http://shbox.com/1/component_location_views.html

http://shbox.com/ci/opti_vent.jpg

edit: Here's a picture of where the air source for the opti is. It's the blue 90* connector. You'll have to drill a hole in the '94 elbow or get a '95 up one.

http://shbox.com/ci/ci05.jpg

links compliments of shoebox

 

i can sell ya my opti for 130 its a 95 and up only has 1,500 miles on it pm if interested

 

Yes, the 94 electrical system will support it. You're not adding any aspects to the electrical system. Just adding vacuum hoses.

 

So, it turns out that the factory sent me an LT1 for a 95 and newer Z. I'm thinking that all I need are a cam dowel pin, newer opti-spark and the vacuum hose. If I get that then I think I can use this motor. Can anyone confirm this for me?

 

The only other thing might be the 2 foot pigtail that plugs into the opti may be different but that's no big thing.

 

Has anyone ordered a new opti-spark lately? I need to know if it comes with a new camshaft dowel pin. I don't have one and can't locate one. I read that if it's too long it can damage the opti. I would like to have either a new one with the opti or one from an original motor.

 

A new Opti does not come with the dowel pin...
Doesn't the cam have a pin in it? it should be the correct pin, seeing as it has the 95 timing cover, etc. on it[where did you get this motor?]
Also, yes you will need a new opti 'pigtail' harness also for the vented 95-7 opti, and it will plug right into the 94 harness.. no other electrical /wiring issues..

 

The motor is at my buddy's shop, so I'm not looking at it right now. He's out of town until Saturday so I won't be able to tell if the pin is in the camshaft until then. But it's good to know that I will be able to use the motor instead of getting another one. Thanks for the help guys.

 

look into accel units..they're cheap and apparently great. they have a bulkier (is that a word???) base and much better components than a stock unit....and they're cheaper than most stock replacements.

the cam should have the dowel pin...if not look at this as an opportunity to get a cc305/6 cam or a GM 847 cam.

you might want to talk to some tuner guys in the tune forum to see if you'll have to do some ECM mods to make the new engine work properly. i dont really think so since everything that's going onto the motor is from the earlier ltx car but you never know....just make sure. also, if you want a HPP3 or some other tune...now's the time to do it. ion/madwolf did mine and he's great. there are a few other places to take it to tune if you dont want to ship though.

 

Pin is already in the cam. But you should confirm the length before possibly destroying a new opti. Let's again refer to Rob's website. Thanks Rob



GM spec says 0.62 inches I would go 0.64 to play it safe.

If you are considering an Accel opti go to JC Whitney for it.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...010239/c-10101

Not sure why they are only $199.00 from JC Whitney. That sucker is $300.00 from my favorite Summit.

You may notice that Accel says it uses a bushing. Do they mean in place of the bearing like all the others use including OEM

If so I ain't interested.

 

http://camaross.com/forums/showthrea...ght=Accel+Opti

 

The opti electrical harness (from side of intake to opti) is different. The different part being the connector on the opti end.