OT: 94 Formula V-8 (LT-1) engine problems
06-25-2003, 02:20 PM
#1
Nordschleife Master
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OT: 94 Formula V-8 (LT-1) engine problems
My friends LT1 is haveing problems. It seems to be missfireing and hessitation on "middle acceleration" I havn't got a good look at it yet but here are some of the things we plan on doing (or checking)
Plugs (altready ordered needs them anyways)
plug wires
ECU
Fuel pump
Fuel filter
timing
Something else I should look for? He says that he has had 2 plug wires replaced and he doesnt remember the last time he put plugs in so thats why we ordered the plugs.
Plugs (altready ordered needs them anyways)
plug wires
ECU
Fuel pump
Fuel filter
timing
Something else I should look for? He says that he has had 2 plug wires replaced and he doesnt remember the last time he put plugs in so thats why we ordered the plugs.
06-25-2003, 02:34 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
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umm you can't set the timing. It has an opti-spark unit under the water pump. These are notorious for causing all kinds of problems. If the water pump has failed recently chances are the opti is failing. They aren't sealed and get full of antifreeze from the pump leaking and it ruins them. They have a lo-resolution and hi-res. signal that is detrmined from two separate wheels inside, basically a cam and crank sensor in one unit. You can replace the cap and rotor button but they are approx 150 bucks and it necessitates a water pump removal and then removing the optispark unit as well. It uses a very small e2 or e3 inverted torx socket. If the car has much over 80 or 90 thousand I would replace it anyway as it will leave the car sitting. They aren't cheap however. Also routing the plug wires properly on those cars is a pain and is seldom done correctly b y amatuers, Thats how most of them I get at my shop are. Most "professional" shops don't route them correctly either because they are in a hurry. Hope this helps or feel free to email about any questions you have. badcoupe@msn.com Later, Mike
06-25-2003, 04:13 PM
#3
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Plugs and wires are a job on a LT1. I would suggest you go to <a href="http://www.camaroz28.com" target="_blank">www.camaroz28.com</a> for help. Those guys specialize in LT1/LS1
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06-25-2003, 09:34 PM
#8
Three Wheelin'
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Nope it's not really a distributor in classic form but it does have a rotor button and cap but it's otherwise totally different than a conventional distributor. it runs off the cam gear. really crazy setup
06-25-2003, 11:52 PM
#9
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Badcoupe I can route the plugs fine (easy)
I have done it alot before.. (on other Lt-1's just never in a car...) Just lots of wires.. anywho I think that you might be onto something with this opti-spark units..
I have done it alot before.. (on other Lt-1's just never in a car...) Just lots of wires.. anywho I think that you might be onto something with this opti-spark units..
06-26-2003, 02:53 AM
#10
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yeah you can pick them up at az etc for about 159 (my cost) without the distributor cap and rotor. the cap and rotor is an additional 150 or so. If I recall the dealer gets about 5 for a new one with a cap and rotor but it's been awhile since I bought one from GM. If the car has many miles I would replace it as good maintance. I can check my pricing on one for you if you'd like and let you know (I own a Garage). Later, Mike
06-26-2003, 03:37 PM
#12
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remove the water pump which first requires removing the air elbow etc. It has I believe three bolts on either side You'll also need new WP gaskets. You may have to remove the smog pump as well first to get to the lower dr side wp bolt. Once you get the pump off then the optispark is right in front of you. Remove the harmonic balancer. It is a pain and you need a long bolt that bottom out in the crank and give you a place to run your into. I use a socket head cap screw otherwise you'll ruin the threads in the crankshaft. Pull the plug wires off and thenthe other other electrical connections. I believe that the bolts are 10mm that bolt the opti to the block. It has a small splined pin in the back of it that drives it. Then remove the cap with an inverted torx socket and voila! When you go to order one tell them you need a distibutor. Opti-spark is the GM given name to it. Later, Mike Ohh yeah I'm only about 45 min west of dayton I'm not sure lebabnon is but if I can help you out lemme know
06-27-2003, 01:35 AM
#14
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Lemme know does it run? You can bring it to my shop or maybe I can come over there. I do alot of LT-1 LS1 and mustang work mostly performance work but several of my usual customers have these cars as well and I've been through the process quite a few times.
06-27-2003, 03:10 AM
#15
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
It run's and tell us when and we will bring it by. We got the plug wires and plugs (prolly needed new ones anyways..) and I guess we can diagnose better there