OK, several recommendations to check that the opti is on wrong. I'm confuse - i can see how the 95+ vented opti can be on wrong...but the 93-94 non-vented is keyed and will go on only one way no matter what you do. I found a picture from my install before i put the timing cover back on - that looks good...plus there is no way to line the cam sprocket up wrong as the dowel on the cam forces it to be put on the correct way: SPROCKETS

I never removed the crank sprocket so i couldn't have screwed that up. The cam sprocket also is keyed like the opti so the shaft will go on only one way (unlike the '95 and up). Pics of Both Optis

So as far as i can remember from the dissasembly, reassembly and all reference materials it's impossible for the non-vented opti to be on wrong...the only possible place for error seems to be the timing marks ont he sprockets not being lined up and my picture from before the install and memory tells me they were lined up correctly (as well as my friend who was there with me) and there was not enough slack in the timing chain for it to possibly jump on me. Maybe i'm answering my own question here - but if i am wrong somehow please tell me!

 

This is the spline (w/red arrow pointing to it) that was 180* out of phase on my car. Believe it or not, it will go in 2 ways (at least it did on my '94 TA). Car would not start, but it would attempt to fire, with this pin in wrong.



2x check your pin install. Unfortunately you have to pull the timing cover to change it.

 

OK, i see what you're talking about. Mine had a spline on only one side allowing it to be inserted only one way on both the sprocket and the opti??? I guess i'll take it apart and double check. Maybe if i feel like not spending a few hundred on a new opti i'll try pullin he one off my TA to use as a test.