Looking at doing a cam swap and making a list of things I need to buy. When I look for a timing chain this is all that shows up: http://sdparts.com/details/gm-perfor...parts/12370835

Do I have to get that and convert my car to a vented opti and all that BS in order to get a new timing chain? It looks like to convert to a vented opti it is going to cost about $500 everything... If I really do have to convert it to a vented style is there such a kit that someone sells that includes everything necessary?

Thanks in advance! And yes I did try lol.

 

These are the OE parts number.

stock timing chain= 10128485
cam sprocket= 10128349
crank sprocket= 10128346

For a 94 lt1.

 

Converting to a vented opti is more than just easy bolt-on parts. You also need a different camshaft.

Or, you could pick up the MSD cap and rotor kit that can make your Gen I opti vented.

 

If you are going to run a non-vented opti, you are pretty much stuck with a stock timing set, because the opti requires the splined cam gear to turn it. If you go with a vented opti conversion, your options increase and if you add an electric water pump, your options will include any SBC roller cammed set.

 

The plan is to do an Ai cam while all of this is apart. What aspects does that change for me?

 

It means you have the part of buying a cam covered for the vented opti conversion.

Pre-written blurb:

If you want to change to a vented from non-vented, you have to do many things. It may not be cost effective unless you are doing a cam swap at the same time.

Besides the optispark itself (GM p/n 1104032), you need:

• 95 or later timing cover [1995 front cover (includes round seals) GM p/n 12552426-now discontinued]
• late model or aftermarket cam (or have your cam modified by drilling the hole in the front to the proper size [.500"dia. X 1.0625" deep] and a longer dowel pin added (pin needs to protrude ~.650" from the nose of the cam)
• 95 and later optispark electrical harness GM p/n 12130319 (cheaper aftermarket harnesses available)
• optispark vacuum harness GM p/n 12555323
• vacuum fitting [GM p/n 14082470] or "tee" to provide vacuum for the opti
• 95 or later timing set components (or at least the cam gear) cam gear (GM p/n 10206039), crank gear (GM p/n 10128346), chain (GM p/n 10128485)
• timing cover gasket GM p/n 10128293
• water pump gaskets [2] GM p/n 10128343
• intake manifold gaskets if you are pulling the cam GM p/n 12524653

Or you can put an MSD cap/rotor kit on it and essentially have a vented opti. They come with their own similar venting system.

 

Would the MSD be a good idea instead of the ACdelco one? Just trying to weigh my options and want to know others opinions.

 

For a vented opti, I recommend the GM one over the MSD.

 

Ok. Thanks for the help!

 

What options do I have for timing chains besides the GM one? Do I have to get the GM timing chain set in order to swap to a vented opti or can I buy something cheaper instead? (like this: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LUN-93094/ )

 

^^^ yes but u then must run an electric water pump, see the top chain gear in an lt1'has a second gear behind the chain that drives the water pump gear.. That one does not

 

^^^^^

Just last week I bought the full GM timing set from gmpartseast and it cost $106 without shipping. Gmpartseast charges actual shipping.
I'll take OEM over aftermarket anytime.

 

I'm looking at this one http://m.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12371043 for less.. I also will run an EWP though ...

 

Can I purchase that and run it with the vented opti or is that a 1994 setup?

I know I am kind of all over the place, but I think what I would like to do is:
1. Run a factory style water pump (not electric)
2. Run a vented opti
3. Find the best deal on a timing chain possible (of course)

My opti died this weekend so I am going to go ahead and just put a vented setup in it... I guess I have plenty of time now. Haha

 

Did u miss the part where I said " you must run an electric pump" with either set listed above..?

 

Yes I did... Damnit. So, what are people running for an electric water pump?

 

The CSR ... Go to eBay and type " lt1 water" and u'll see em.. Grab a part number if u Wana buy it from summit... Search the
Topic here...