LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

LT1 Opti SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

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Old 03-31-2010, 07:04 AM
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IMHO the opti is one of the best mechanical distributors ever made. What other distributer can determine cam and crank position to the 1/360 degree of a turn? Yes its in an inconvenient location but there is a reason for and its called direct coupling as to avoid slop as a result of right angle gears like a conventional SBC distributor.

When it works right, it works very well. The only "worst" thing is with the 92-94 optis that do not have venting to remove captured moisture.
Old 03-31-2010, 07:10 AM
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I hope that when my opti replacement is complete that I will think the same. As of before, the car ran like a 2.8 v-6. I have heard how great they run, so I hope so.
Old 03-31-2010, 07:16 AM
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Why are you guys telling him to pull the hub to replace the opti?????
Old 03-31-2010, 07:27 AM
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Are you trying to take off the balancer or the hub? You could take the hub off, but the bolt needs to be out of the center.

If you are just taking off the balancer and it's being stubborn you might try to use a long screw driver wedged between the balancer and the three hub fingers to get it started. Also, when you put it back together clean the inside of the balancer with sand paper and do the same to the hub. A little bit of clearance goes a long ways and if you're planning on keep the car plan on replacing the optispark every 2 to 3 years.
Old 03-31-2010, 09:26 AM
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Get a jaw puller than doesn't require the use of bolts. They work better, imo, and are much more versatile.
Old 03-31-2010, 10:42 AM
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YOU DON'T HAVE TO REMOVE THE HUB. Jesus Christ the shitty advice on these forums.

Take the 3 bolts out of the pulley. Take a rubber mallet & tap the back edges of the pulley (work your way around) & the pulley should eventually come off. You only have to remove the pulley NOT the hub to change the opti. No puller required.
Old 03-31-2010, 10:53 AM
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this is what you need to get. using the right tool makes the job alot easier!!!
Attached Thumbnails LT1 Opti SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!-image006.jpg  
Old 03-31-2010, 10:56 AM
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I love optis whats this op talkin about
Old 03-31-2010, 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 1994 TA
This opti system has to be the worst setup in the world. I cannot get the balancer off!!! Anyone run into that problem??? I am ready to push the car out for the garbage truck. Any pointers on how to change the opti without having a stroke??


OMG There's a thing called a Haynes Manual too that has step by step instructions.
Old 03-31-2010, 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by METALBEAST
YOU DON'T HAVE TO REMOVE THE HUB. Jesus Christ the shitty advice on these forums.

Take the 3 bolts out of the pulley. Take a rubber mallet & tap the back edges of the pulley (work your way around) & the pulley should eventually come off. You only have to remove the pulley NOT the hub to change the opti. No puller required.
If the balancer is rusted onto the crankshaft, which is certainly possible given the age of these cars, using a puller is much easier, imo.
Old 03-31-2010, 12:16 PM
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Old 03-31-2010, 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Greenfire
OMG There's a thing called a Haynes Manual too that has step by step instructions.
You are right there my friend, about ten fifteen dollars at your local auto parts store. This is your bible for the basics lol.
Old 03-31-2010, 03:39 PM
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Not to mention using a hammer is a good way to separate the outer ring from the inner ring.




PS...that's bad. Use a 3-toe puller.
Old 03-31-2010, 04:55 PM
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brass hammer for the win tap each side til it comes off
Old 04-01-2010, 11:53 PM
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Problem solved. I went and changed the opti. We did have to pull the hub unfortunately, but not the end of the world.
Old 04-02-2010, 12:15 AM
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You pulled the hub or balancer? Glad you got it fixed.
Old 04-02-2010, 01:19 AM
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You should be able to pull the crank pulley off by hand if you wigglie it good. The hub on the other hand can not be takin off by a regular puller because you need to get a really long bolt so your not just pushing on the hub. You will end up breaking the ears off the hub. Ask me how I know
Old 04-02-2010, 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by z99ls1
You should be able to pull the crank pulley off by hand if you wigglie it good. The hub on the other hand can not be takin off by a regular puller because you need to get a really long bolt so your not just pushing on the hub. You will end up breaking the ears off the hub. Ask me how I know
lol, you can use a regular 3 jaw puller to take the hub off. Just because your putting a long bolt in the crank for the tip of the puller to sit in doesnt make it a unregular puller.
Old 04-02-2010, 04:45 PM
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lolz!
really?
Old 04-02-2010, 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by wrd1972
IMHO the opti is one of the best mechanical distributors ever made. What other distributer can determine cam and crank position to the 1/360 degree of a turn? Yes its in an inconvenient location but there is a reason for and its called direct coupling as to avoid slop as a result of right angle gears like a conventional SBC distributor.

When it works right, it works very well. The only "worst" thing is with the 92-94 optis that do not have venting to remove captured moisture.
I see your point and I agree but I have to say I think it was a great concept, but poor execution. In a standard location yes then it would be a thing of dreams but in curent location and design, It lacks severely.



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