I am still a bit of a noob, so this might sound a little retarded. But here it goes; I am on a very limited budget right now so I can't do the heads and cam right now like I want, however I do need a new opti and I would like a vented unit. I could change the cams out with a 96LT1 that I have and buy a new vented GM opti for about 90 bucks cheaper than the non-vented one. Or i could buy the MSD probillet optispark I for about 120 more(than the non-vented opti). The MSD includes components to convert it to a vented distributor. I know its been debated over to death for optis. But from what I getting out of all of it is that the MSD probillet isn't really worth it and a stock replacement GM Opti is really the best one to go with. To go with a vented opit I would need to change over everything from the 96 motor. Which may not make much sense to do all of that work... So my question I guess I am asking is what would be the best solution here. I figure most on here will say either to swap the 96 LT1 in if its that important to have a GM vented opti or do the easiest thing to do and buy the MSD opti, or its not worth having a vented opti and I should just get a non-vented opti.

 

I am currently having a 383 built now on a 94 block. I was having a ton of problems on the spline driving opti as far as missing..... So i got a pin driving cam, Timing gear and chain, and you will have to get a new timing cover 95-97 instead of 93-97 to make the vented opti work. But it should all be worth the conv. on what i have researched

 

You need a 95 timing cover 96-97 have provisions for a crank position sensor that you would need to plug.

 

Yeah forgot about that one. Sorry thanks for the repost

 

So I should converted to the pin drive opti. Could I just swap everything over from the 96 LT1 and then put on a new Opti? Or is it wise to get a new timing chain and gear, and swap only the cams?

 

I like the Dowel Pin Version.. it's a pain in the *** a little bit more, but the Cams for it are alot more common. A LT1 is a pain in the *** to begin with anyways..

 

i will second that, What merv said

 

What things do I need to change over then? Cam, timing chain with the gear... anything else? I might as well put in a new cam, springs and timing chain along with a new vented opti then I suppose if that is the case.

 

Need the harness that plugs the opti into the harness on the intake manifold

 

So if i have a 95 is it vented?