Optispark failed - Anyone near East Hanover?

[mixtape]

Hey guys,

I believe my opti finally gave out. A few days ago I was driving when I felt the engine get a little hesitant. I noticed that the RPM gauge was sporadically jumping up and down. Eventually the car stalled and I coasted into a spot. I waited a few minutes and it started up fine. I drove almost a half mile and it happened again. I suspected that my gas gauge may have stopped working and quickly got gas. Though still same problem. I can hear the fuel pump prime when I turn the key so I doubt the pump is faulty. My thought is Opti since I have over 100k on the clock. I recently had the codes checked and she displays 16, 36, and 42. Turns out the fuel pump is shut off by the computer when one of those codes are thrown.

I happened to be in East Hanover at the time so I parked the car at a friend's house. My buddy and I are "do-it-your-selfers," but this seems like a job that's out of our league. I believe the opti requires removing parts of the cooling system and messing with the timing. Does anyone on the forums live close to East Hanover that could lend a hand with installing the new opti some weekend? I'd be happy to cover lunch and hang out and talk cars. We wouldn't leave you stuck doing the job, just would really appreciate help by someone who's done an optispark job on an LT1.

If not, it's all good. Anyone know of a reputable/knowledgeable shop in Morris county that charges cheap/fair prices? It's probably safer for me to bring her somewhere than to risk damage doing it on my own. Most shops I've called said they've never worked on an LT1 optispark but can do the job .

Thanks in advance,
Paul

[LTb1ow]

Define your level of "DIY"...

An opti swap is really not that bad, there are quite a few writeups on it, and no, no timing changes are done.

Hardest part would be the hub removal from the crank, but again, do some online research and take your time, tis straightforward.

Heres one quick link..
http://shbox.com/ci/cam_removal.html

Granted you won't be doing a cam swap, but scroll down, opti R/R is covered.

[irocz2173]

im in florham park. Where is the car in east hanover. I cant say i have ever done an opti but have messed with my fair share of LS1 and TPI cars. Im sure i could figure it out if you need a hand.

[mixtape]

Originally Posted by LTs1ow

Define your level of "DIY"...

An opti swap is really not that bad, there are quite a few writeups on it, and no, no timing changes are done.

Hardest part would be the hub removal from the crank, but again, do some online research and take your time, tis straightforward.

Heres one quick link..
http://shbox.com/ci/cam_removal.html

Granted you won't be doing a cam swap, but scroll down, opti R/R is covered.

I'll check out that link. Thank you!

We tackle the simple things, but nothing too complex. We've done oil changes, strut/springs, brake lines, brake pads, custom fog lights, custom stereos, etc. We've even changed a distributor in a 1996 v6 Camaro. However the LT1 seems much more complex. I did order a Haynes manual though. Plus I found this link.

Originally Posted by irocz2173

im in florham park. Where is the car in east hanover. I cant say i have ever done an opti but have messed with my fair share of LS1 and TPI cars. Im sure i could figure it out if you need a hand.

He lives off of Ridgedale Ave. Kinda by the CVS, PNC bank, and Dunkin Donuts. Thankfully the LS1 doesn't have an opti, so you lucked out . Let me know if you have some free time this weekend as we'll probably be over there toying with the car anyway. Feel free to leave a PM .

[irocz2173]

shoot me a text whenever you are workin on it. I will prob be around this weekend. the only thing i have planned is a graduation on saturday evening and im going to look at a car for my friend
Matt
201-312-5446

[Tru2Chevy]

Originally Posted by mixtape

We've even changed a distributor in a 1996 v6 Camaro.

'96 v6 Camaro has no distributor.....just coil packs.

- Justin

[greenformula92]

opti is fairly easy, i'll give a quick run down. the most complicated tool you will need is a harmonic balencer puller.

1. remove air intake, belt, radiator collant hoses from water pump and fold out of the way.

2. unplug anything thats in the way

3. remove icm and coil bracket. take note of how the ground straps are attached as they will need to go back the way they came off.

4. next remove the smog pump and bracket, you may need to pull the fans to have enough room.

5. next remove the water pump and take not of where the bolts go, a couple of them are different lengths.

6. remove the harmonic balencer bolts and use the puller to get it off.

7. remove the opti mounting bolts. there are 3

8. reinstall is reverse

the opti and the balancer only go on one way so you cant screw it up. it is wise to just replace the water pump since you have it off and inspect the opti harness, now is the time to replace that piece of harness if its bad.

if you need pictures go on shbox.com and go through the site.

i hope this helps

[ib4200]

yeah its not a difficult job, it just takes a solid amount of time taking off all the hoses and unplugging the sensors especially if you label all the sensors while removing them