Also, if you guys are doing the person in need car giveaway. I have a great person (single parent mom) that needs a car and lives in Chicago Absolutely legit on the need. Let me know if you want her contact info.
I’m not sure why I enjoy watching your super long videos whereas I don’t usually have the attention span for other long videos of similar types. Great work guys
I like how you keep all the little detailed parts that most dudes leave out and keep the video at an hour so we see what’s really going on when you’re diagnosing problems in the cars you do
i love the fact that you film so much of the process, most youtube channels don't go that far and i cant get over how far you go to show what you are doing.
One of the reasons why I like watching his videos. I can reference his videos for some diy projects I chose to tackle. Some channels just showing a build montage.
You guys are a blast to watch, never boring...it was interesting for me especially since I own a '95 Z28 and I had to replace the optispark TWICE !! No fun, I don't have access to a lift so it's laying underneath doing the dirty work. I stress to viewers, heed Alex's advice about not buying a cheapo opti ! I did that the 1st time around and it puked in one week...I then did a lot of research and found a Corvette restoration company in Alabama, bought a new opti from them, it's been 8.5 years and not a single issue ! Kudos to you and Pete on a really good "tutorial" on diagnosing the bad opti and installing the new one, I enjoy the goofy,lighthearted humor you guys bring. You guys are truly Legit.
Really enjoy the content and I know he’s got a system and doesn’t like to drag things out, but Only 4 of the top 20 videos on the channel are over 30 mins. Something to consider.
I hate watching tv cause I sometimes feel like it’s a waste of time but there’s something about watching Alex and Peter fix cars that makes me forget I spent an hour watching my phone. 😆 Keep up the great videos Alex and Perter. Always looking forward to ur next projects and fixes.
The second time I had a bad Opti-Spark on my 93 Firebird Formula, I said im done, and purchased the Delteq Ignition coil conversion system. Kit came with Cadillac Northstar coils, Valve cover braket system, and a new pigtail to connect to the default optispark connectors. Didnt even need to remove the old optispark, since none of the connectors were connected to it anymore. I eventually removed it when i did the electric waterpump conversion, but that was about a year later. That Delteq ignition coil system was a phenomenal life saver. Car ended up with a common build for those LT-1's, CC306 cam, AFR 227cc heads, 52mm TB, Ported LT-4 Intake, built forged 383 with H beam rods, and supporting mods. Also had a 150 shot kit. Tuning was a bit wonky since it was the old eprom, and i never went with a different ECU. Car had the supporting mods for the engine build, and suspension mods. upper and lower control arms, pan hard bar, sub frame connectors, tubular k member, 3.73 rear gears (yes I stupidly kept the shitty 10 bolt) and Eibach Sportlines which gave it a beautiful drop on its face. It was a beautiful car, and I miss it. I still have love for those LT-1's.
You can tell you have children because your patience is immaculate with these repairs. On the plus side I learn a lot through the whole process. Thank you for your time and the video.
I was just about to go to work. But yeap, another cup of coffee sounds good. Plus it's cold asf outside so I'll take my time before firing up the E55 now. 😆
What Greg said below is correct. That board that the Motes chip is mounted to is an adapter board. The PC board bypasses the factory Eprom chip in the PROM (CALpack). The factory CALpack plugs into the pins on the board. With that CALpack not installed it goes into limp home mode, and on a modified car the engine would barley run, which is the condition you are seeing.
Alex, one thing I noticed… there is an install tool required for the front cover on the water pump shaft. The seal has two lips, and inner and outer. The inner seal will catch the lip of the shaft and it folds over which will cause it to leak. Just wanted to forward that information to you.
The seal has two lips, an inner and an outer. The inner seal will catch the lip of the SHAFT and it folds over which will cause it to leak. THATS WHAT SHE SAID!! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😆😆😆😆
@@thebeardofgaming81 I received my '96 LT4 'Vette with 20K miles of oil-leaking pump shaft seal leakage because the nimrod that built this engine didn't bother to use the install tool. I made one on my lathe before reinstalling the cover and that was over four years ago - no leaks.
I’m not what you would call a “car guy” but this series has been super interesting and really fun to watch. You guys are naturals on camera and keep it fun and light. Can’t wait to see the rest of the story. I really hope you guys can fix it and that it really runs the way it was intended. Good luck!
I really appreciate your logical diagnostic methodology as well as your patient, careful removal of the "opti." I will never own a Corvette or do this repair, but watching your process is real stress reliever. Keep up the great work.
If your kit is anything like the one in my C5, check your boost control valve. Among many other issues that caused boost leaks, my boost control sealing o rings were blown all into places other than where they belong. I went from 5-6psi to 11-12 and all the breaking up went away.
Definately I had a small hole in the plastic line going to my boost gauge on a DSM and it was enough of a leak to throw off the MAF and make it run bad and shudder at 10 psi. Fixed the leak and would pull hard to 20 easily. Strongly suggest putting shop air in the air filter side and checking everything in the charge pipes and intake for any leaks. Even a tiny hole will mess up the MAF
If you leave the whole snap up without cutting it off, you can push the oil pan up and it will hold both the gasket and the oil pan in place while you start he other screws. Then you can just remove them with your fingers and put the last 4 bolts in. I did this on an explorer and it was awesome. I was able to save the snap ups for re-use as well
Thank you for not making this into like 5 separate videos we have to wait 2 months to see. I loved that halfway through I was thinking it was about over and then he went into seals and heads and all that goodness.
As someone thats done several of these optisparks. Please note that the waterpump shaft seal is prone to leaks. It’s probably where most of the leak came from. Additionally the new seal has to be installed a certain way as its double lipped which requires the lips to face outward and requires a special tool to install. Ill post a link.
ALEX, the Moates adaptor allows you to use a modified eeprom but retain the other stuff (NETRES etc) on the stick memcal. Plug the stock memcal onto the pins on Moates adaptor, then plug the Moates adaptor into the ECM. Then you'll be using the modified chip that's on the Moates adaptor.
Chris from Petris helped me diagnose the Opti on my '94 and he's extremely helpful. He gave me very interesting knowledge of various components like the sending units in the fuel tank and other specific issues that happen with age on these. I'll be buying Optis only from him now.
The original chip in the ECM is supposed to sit ontop of the modified one otherwise all sorts of bad signals will be sent to the engine, i don't know how it got loose inside but i hope you put it back on correctly.
I swear Alex if you never started a UA-cam channel you would have been the BEST Auto Mech Teacher in any High School in any HS in this country!!!!Hands Down!!!
God bless you and Peter the patience and time you had to have to work on this vette! My friends Monte you had to take off the passenger wheel and fender liner to change the plugs!
I’m a C4 guy, having bought 2 new and one used, my 2nd 94. I’m glad you got that C4 as you took fixing it up seriously. In 20 years, a nice one will go for big bucks, like the good C2 do now.
Well I predicted a bad optispark two videos back. I have removed and replaced an optispark in a C4 myself. The LT4 red intake is nicer looking and would work better. I know this is a budget build and this is why you kept the LT1 manifold. It is nice to see the C4 getting featured on your channel. I should have never sold my LT4 but I moved to England for employment and LH drive just doesn't work well there. I'm glad you are enjoying your C4. They are under rated in my opinion. Maybe fuel problems next. It isn't good to let these cars sit for so long. It's acting like fuel starvation. Good luck with the fixing the next issue. Soon you will have replaced most of the things that can go wrong with these cars.
I'm English and just got rid of my Alfa Romeo 155 Q4 that was only ever available here in LHD. I can confirm with our tight streets that LHD is hardwork
unless you fixed it off camera you have an intake leak... go to 58:56 in the video and you will see the to left ports did not get sealed at the tops were the rounded slots are on the heads. great video btw.
I’m a recent subscriber and I must say, it’s def my top 3 favorite channels to watch. I spend most of my days off just watching this channel and thoroughly enjoy learning from it. Never thought I’d want a V-8 Mercedes in my life but, I find myself wanting one badly now! Keep up the good work Alex!
When you spun those tires I could smell the video. My lady friend laughs at me checking every couple of days checking this account for posts on this car. I’m so pumped for you.
For some reason I was under the impression that you just bought and sold cars. I'm pleasantly surprised that you're also a really good mechanic as well! Great job!
Yes, the factory "chip" plugs into the adapter. The factory chip does more than just hold the tune. Instructions can easily be found on the Moates website
Alex and Peter thanks for awesome content. It reminds me of the days as a kid I would watch my dad work on cars at home. You are a real gem. Would love to commission you to fix up something for my son's first car. I just can't do it any more. If you ever watched Fantom Works on Velocity, my dad and his beloved Willy's Jeep were featured on episode 1 of season 4 "Throwing Heat".
I've definitely had to replace my opti a few times before. Don't let LT1s sit too long. Stock unblown C4s have slightly better clearance, but it's still tight
I don't know what it is but this C4 has me addicted to it. Maybe since I was born in 1990 it was always a car I saw but dang I love to watch the C4 videos.
Hi, I'm in southeast Wisconsin. I have a 93 Vette. Mine is not built up like yours. I had engine running troubles and took it to a local guy that works on a lot of Vettes and racing cars for Road America. He thought it was the optispark, but it was fuel. The fuel rail regulator had failed, in the open position. When he tested the fuel pressure at the rail it was zero. At the fuel pump it was 80 psi, breaking his gage. After repairs, the car has balls. Really like your You Tube channel. By the way I also have a 2016 Vette with the Z51 racing package.
An MSD Cap and Rotor is a very cost effective way to add a Vent to your older Optispark unit. Petris has a FANTASTIC reputation, but if you have a Mitsubishi Optical Sensor in the unit you already have, you can save about $200 over fully replacing.
Absolutely, gotta wonder how many hundreds of thousands of those good OEM distributors were thrown in the bin when all they needed was a good clean out and a new cap and rotor, sometimes a new bearing.
I would recommend anyome to use a 10k ohm resistor to do the jump on the ECU diag connector. The paper clip will not limit the current that can go through it, the resistor will. This is important because by limiting the current of the jump you avoid frying the ECU due to a shorcut. Per example if you jump the wrong pins.
Cool comical commentary on cats and coils & jumper obd testing, so many ways to test/diagnose out of date technology, thanks for the humorous entertaining journey repairs to final drive😆🎼🐉
Great episode, guys! Interesting to see the dissection of the Optispark. Left us hanging at the end! What now?! Not the first time a LSC project has hobbled back to the shop after a test-rip, so I'm sure it will be resolved.
dope watching this corvette come to life, i worked at at adesa where it was before it went to copart, really wanted to hear it run in person but glad to see it going to good use. good work!
Dare I say best episode yet...😁 I dare and must say your repairs feel exactly like mine mostly professional and clean with a sprinkle of I'll figure it out and a hint of I'll mod it my way 😂
This is one of the coolest "finds" you've picked up at an auction. I'd never heard of "optispark" but that system looks like it had lots of potential failure points. That's something I'd probably want to modernize if I had a high performance setup.
You can actually fully modernize this engine. A company called Toeqhead makes a fully optispark delete conversion kit. Utilizes the LS1 ECU and coil plugs and hooks right up to the factory wiring harness. All the gauge clusters still work and car can be tuned and codes read from an OBD2 reader. Next time my optispark dies I am going to be fully converting over to the Torqhead Kit.
I admire peters recommended taste test, and how he always convinces you to do it. 😂😂 you need to trademark that on a shirt @ 30:15 “ does it taste bad” 😂😂
Great work Alex and Peter. Can’t believe I made it til the end but it was so stimulating to see the work you were both putting in to that C4 project car. I hope the ending problem does not turn out to be something too catastrophic … fingers crossed!
I have a 93 Caprice Wagon. It has the TBI 350 in it. 1 year later in 94 they started putting the LT1 in the Caprice Wagon and at first I wished my car was one year newer so it would have the LT1. after watching this video I think I’ll stick with my TBI 350 with the old fashioned distributor on top! 😅
Brilliant, It's kind of sad, but I clapped my hands when the car started, well done guys it looked like a rough job! These videos are very educational and purely entertaining. I've learned a lot from your videos Alex, thanks you and Peter are awesome!!
My 92 did the same thing, MAP sensor was bad, bought my 92 with a update opti spark thank god, upgraded fuel injectors and wires, racing spark plugs and wires, next i will be adding a supercharger and NOS... great vids, us corvette guys need more of them...
Alsooooooooo keep in mind ECM drops out of closed loop in a sense because it will reset BLM/INT and not use o2 voltage signal anymore and just rely on the WOT tables for fueling. You're leaving a lot of HP on the table 💯
Finagle is not just a Chicago thing, we use it in North Dakota also... Like the video can't wait to see the finished product... Have watched all so far...
Damn, this car is a ton of work but pretty cool non the less. I hope you get it fixed up properly, which shouldn't be a problem for you. Great video and an awesome project. Keep up the good work and keep educating us Alex 👊
Can't say it enough times, love the long videos where we get to see the final product of all the work you did instead of how other UA-camrs brake it up in small videos of 12 to 15 minutes so they can get more viewers per video because people want to see the final results and have to wait weeks to see it. Also, I have been using the word Funangle, if that's even how you spell it, for years. Example, I need to Funangle this fricken part back into place, and I live in AZ 😁. Go Kari Lake
The material in the valve covers that you mentioned, those LT1 valve covers have oil "drip tabs." However, they have been ground down to fit those 1.6 RRs underneath, super common, quick "mod" to get RRs to fit underneath factory valve covers. LT1 and LT4 covers are actually different. Since LT4s came with 1.6 RRs from the factory, GM made the same exact looking covers for them but molded without the drip tabs. Since you have an LT1 and aftermarket 1.6 RRs, like mentioned before, in order to get LT1 covers to fit with them you have to cut/grind those tabs out, not a big deal, doesn't cause any harm or oiling problems etc. I just did this to my car not too long ago after my aftermarket valve covers started leaking, I put my stock ones back on and ground down my drip tabs. 👍
I have a 96 and I've seen every C4 video so far that's on UA-cam and you guys showed up in my feed. I subscribed and am enjoying you guys, thanks for the new C4 videos. Keep em coming. 🤟🇺🇸
Great video as always! One question, is there a reason why you went with replacing the optispark and not converting it to the LS1 ECU and coil plugs by using the Torqhead kit? Could be a possible video idea for you guys. They make a great kit and could be fun getting the engine properly tuned given swapping it to the LS1 ECU gives the possibility to use OBD2 tuning and code reading.
Torqhead says it won't work with chip tune LT1's, which is sorta true. I had to add extra wiring bits and do some fab work to make it run with my 93 Trans Am. It's awesome once it's all working. Alex might not have known about Torqhead or saw that it "doesn't" work with 92's.
@@johnsnow1355 You are saying that 90s SBC engines are not high boost tolerant? In the 80s and 90s there were many so called high performance cars than looked good but had unremarkable performance.
@@mightymikethebear stock rods from a na motor in the 90s sketch to put any boost on. The only engines even turbocharge back then we're Buick V6 and dodge 4 cylinder. The vector w8 had a high performance aftermarket motor. Just saying a cast rod in a lt1 I wouldn't even try 10psi it might shatter at 8.
@@johnsnow1355 also, GM had a turbocharged SBC based 90* V6 and a turbocharged 60* V6 when the LT1 came out. Not to mention the Callaway built turbocharged C4 Corvettes they were selling and servicing through the GM dealership network at the time too.
I had the same issue with my 1995 Corvette, my brother had bought an aftermarket Opti and it was bad, the bearings were shot, I am glad I saved the old Opti which tested good, just needed a new cap and rotor, bought an Accel and it been golden since!
Agreed, diesel fuel works REALLY well in the cleaning bin, but MAN OH MAN you smell like diesel for a WEEK every time! I HATE the smell of diesel.. Great video this week Alex and Peter!! Great to see him back and healthy again! Edit: You're LUCKY you got the opti-spark kit from Petris, they're now on BACKORDER (hmm, wonder why, Cov2-19) until JULY of 2023 and that's praying they get supplies in by then!! Wow.. Hopefully they have some in stock for the few people I KNOW are looking for one and you just made their decision on the quality of their kit (around 800 bucks) but it's TOTALLY worth it! (nobody wants to EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER do that job again!!)
In 1840, American humorist Seba Smith authored a short story “The Money Diggers” she wrote: “As it is said, 'There are more ways than one to skin a cat,' so are there more ways than one of digging for money.”
2 things that help a ton. Magnetic tray and Purple power. PP is way cheaper than degreaser. In do love amsoil products though. Another key deal when you first get a vehicle to repair that's old like the C4 is just go ahead and degrease the engine bay when you first get it. Thanks agiain for all the awesome videos that I like, share and hope everyone follows.
Thanks for doing this video. I just acquired a 1993 LT1 Trans am that was my Grand dads originally, then my uncle owned it and it sat for the last 6 to 7 yrs in his back yard. Now I have it to restore. Very excited!
Skinning a cat is not talking about a pet cat. They are talking about a catfish. Anyone who has ever cleaned catfish knows that there are many different ways you can skin a catfish. 😂Yes I’m country I’m from Alabama 😂
You are very courageous buying this modified C4. Ignition and fuel injection system were very sketchy theses years. But I enjoy as much as you do fixing these cars one at the time and getting stranded! Keep your authenticity! Well done guys!
You are honestly one of the most affable people on this platform when you get cars started I am genuinely joyful and when you can’t get them running I feel sad. And your partner is freaking awesome that guy is amazing he’s folksy and smart as hell just like you, smart honest and to the point
I never seen what so great about standing on the brakes and burning up a good set of tires. Thanks for the education on the Corvette Lt1. I had a 88 Greenwood 93 40th, 25th Ani. Look forward to next find👍
I thoroughly DETEST the Optispark system! LOL! Had a '95 Roadmaster Estate Wagon with the LT1. After troubleshooting and replacing everything that didn't cost an arm and a leg, I came to the conclusion that it was the Optispark. Since no one else in the aftermarket made a replacement that was reliable, I luckily found someone from the Impala SS forum that had a brand new GM Performance unit that I got for about 1/2 price (still $300 though). 4 hours later and a new water pump to boot, and it worked again. I sold the car shortly thereafter. :)
Phone call with the previous long-time C4 Owner on my new 2nd channel! ua-cam.com/video/Nmc0a_iMBT8/v-deo.html
Subscribe to win a $500 gift card!
The Term was coined in 1854 by Arthur Sebe Smith, it was was used in context there more than one way to make money.
Love the content Subbed!!!
There's more than one way to misgender a she/her/him/he/them/they/cat/catiss.
Sub earned.
What does Sub Earned mean?
Everyone should have their own "Hype Guy" like Peter. That man is a saint!
You two are great together on the channel. Asian respect from a Filipino gearhead
Also, if you guys are doing the person in need car giveaway. I have a great person (single parent mom) that needs a car and lives in Chicago Absolutely legit on the need. Let me know if you want her contact info.
… Saint Peter
#boostedsix
💯
I’m not sure why I enjoy watching your super long videos whereas I don’t usually have the attention span for other long videos of similar types. Great work guys
I feel the same way 😂 Robot Cantina is another great channel if we have similar interests you might like that!
It’s easy to watch the longer video formats because you get two studs underneath an 80s car getting dirty. 😂
@@brodyz8327 I know, right? Peter is so f*cking cute tbh
"There's more than one way to skin a cat."
same :D
I like how you keep all the little detailed parts that most dudes leave out and keep the video at an hour so we see what’s really going on when you’re diagnosing problems in the cars you do
I agree, we get to go through the pain so we can also appreciate the repairs
I love that aspect . I wish his vids after I’m done working on cars all day myself
Totally. So many 3-12 min videos are like - "ok step 1: fix the car. Step 2: VROOM! Magic ✨ thanks Performance Auto Parts!"
@@someguy9440 exactly and those people don’t earn my sub and if the info is incorrect thumbs down
Absolutely. It makes the videos super interesting.
i love the fact that you film so much of the process, most youtube channels don't go that far and i cant get over how far you go to show what you are doing.
If you like this guy, you need to see M539Restorations.
One of the reasons why I like watching his videos. I can reference his videos for some diy projects I chose to tackle.
Some channels just showing a build montage.
You guys are a blast to watch, never boring...it was interesting for me especially since I own a '95 Z28 and I had to replace the optispark TWICE !! No fun, I don't have access to a lift so it's laying underneath doing the dirty work. I stress to viewers, heed Alex's advice about not buying a cheapo opti ! I did that the 1st time around and it puked in one week...I then did a lot of research and found a Corvette restoration company in Alabama, bought a new opti from them, it's been 8.5 years and not a single issue ! Kudos to you and Pete on a really good "tutorial" on diagnosing the bad opti and installing the new one, I enjoy the goofy,lighthearted humor you guys bring. You guys are truly Legit.
Time for another hour of pure enjoyment from my favourite UA-cam channel! Keep up the fantastic work Alex and team ❤
Thanks brother! Appreciate that!
@@LegitStreetCars Like Ashley said great video guys I look for you every Saturday morning 😎🤙🏾🏁
Really enjoy the content and I know he’s got a system and doesn’t like to drag things out, but Only 4 of the top 20 videos on the channel are over 30 mins. Something to consider.
@@LegitStreetCars, check out my other comment. I think I saw something you missed
I hate watching tv cause I sometimes feel like it’s a waste of time but there’s something about watching Alex and Peter fix cars that makes me forget I spent an hour watching my phone. 😆 Keep up the great videos Alex and Perter. Always looking forward to ur next projects and fixes.
The second time I had a bad Opti-Spark on my 93 Firebird Formula, I said im done, and purchased the Delteq Ignition coil conversion system. Kit came with Cadillac Northstar coils, Valve cover braket system, and a new pigtail to connect to the default optispark connectors. Didnt even need to remove the old optispark, since none of the connectors were connected to it anymore. I eventually removed it when i did the electric waterpump conversion, but that was about a year later.
That Delteq ignition coil system was a phenomenal life saver. Car ended up with a common build for those LT-1's, CC306 cam, AFR 227cc heads, 52mm TB, Ported LT-4 Intake, built forged 383 with H beam rods, and supporting mods. Also had a 150 shot kit. Tuning was a bit wonky since it was the old eprom, and i never went with a different ECU. Car had the supporting mods for the engine build, and suspension mods. upper and lower control arms, pan hard bar, sub frame connectors, tubular k member, 3.73 rear gears (yes I stupidly kept the shitty 10 bolt) and Eibach Sportlines which gave it a beautiful drop on its face. It was a beautiful car, and I miss it. I still have love for those LT-1's.
You guys are so intricate... It's so good to see technicians so careful and loving what they do!
You can tell you have children because your patience is immaculate with these repairs. On the plus side I learn a lot through the whole process. Thank you for your time and the video.
I think the factory chip is suppose to plug into the pins on top of the aftermarket chip
Yep it piggy backs the upgrade chip.
Dang was about to leave for the gym but might as well make me another cup of coffee to watch... Lol
Haha literally the same here 💀😂
I was just about to go to work. But yeap, another cup of coffee sounds good. Plus it's cold asf outside so I'll take my time before firing up the E55 now. 😆
Do you even lift bruh
At work since 6am and just got my breakdown done, perfect entertainment for lunch break
I've watched/listened to so many of these vids in the gym. Lol
What Greg said below is correct. That board that the Motes chip is mounted to is an adapter board. The PC board bypasses the factory Eprom chip in the PROM (CALpack). The factory CALpack plugs into the pins on the board. With that CALpack not installed it goes into limp home mode, and on a modified car the engine would barley run, which is the condition you are seeing.
hopefully he sees this comment this is just what i was thinking
Alex, one thing I noticed… there is an install tool required for the front cover on the water pump shaft. The seal has two lips, and inner and outer. The inner seal will catch the lip of the shaft and it folds over which will cause it to leak. Just wanted to forward that information to you.
The seal has two lips, an inner and an outer. The inner seal will catch the lip of the SHAFT and it folds over which will cause it to leak.
THATS WHAT SHE SAID!! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😆😆😆😆
Yes sir it sure does. Experience taught me that one.
@@thebeardofgaming81 I received my '96 LT4 'Vette with 20K miles of oil-leaking pump shaft seal leakage because the nimrod that built this engine didn't bother to use the install tool. I made one on my lathe before reinstalling the cover and that was over four years ago - no leaks.
@@GFTP100 awesome
What did your lathe tool look likeL@@GFTP100
I’m not what you would call a “car guy” but this series has been super interesting and really fun to watch. You guys are naturals on camera and keep it fun and light.
Can’t wait to see the rest of the story. I really hope you guys can fix it and that it really runs the way it was intended. Good luck!
I really appreciate your logical diagnostic methodology as well as your patient, careful removal of the "opti." I will never own a Corvette or do this repair, but watching your process is real stress reliever. Keep up the great work.
Agreed I look forward to this shit like Saturday cartoons at 31 years old
Far and away the best automotive UA-cam channel. Keep killing it, Alex 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Yea it’s not even close
If your kit is anything like the one in my C5, check your boost control valve. Among many other issues that caused boost leaks, my boost control sealing o rings were blown all into places other than where they belong. I went from 5-6psi to 11-12 and all the breaking up went away.
Definately I had a small hole in the plastic line going to my boost gauge on a DSM and it was enough of a leak to throw off the MAF and make it run bad and shudder at 10 psi. Fixed the leak and would pull hard to 20 easily. Strongly suggest putting shop air in the air filter side and checking everything in the charge pipes and intake for any leaks. Even a tiny hole will mess up the MAF
If you leave the whole snap up without cutting it off, you can push the oil pan up and it will hold both the gasket and the oil pan in place while you start he other screws. Then you can just remove them with your fingers and put the last 4 bolts in. I did this on an explorer and it was awesome. I was able to save the snap ups for re-use as well
I'm loving the C4 videos, my wife and I have a stock 93 C4 40th anniversary that I do all the maintenance on, I enjoy all of your videos!
Thank you for not making this into like 5 separate videos we have to wait 2 months to see. I loved that halfway through I was thinking it was about over and then he went into seals and heads and all that goodness.
As someone thats done several of these optisparks. Please note that the waterpump shaft seal is prone to leaks. It’s probably where most of the leak came from. Additionally the new seal has to be installed a certain way as its double lipped which requires the lips to face outward and requires a special tool to install. Ill post a link.
ua-cam.com/video/FnbBIXoT9zw/v-deo.html
My long cranks were fixed by a fuel pressure regulator replacement
The harmonic balancer is the car wizard correct in what he says you have to remove ?😅
ALEX, the Moates adaptor allows you to use a modified eeprom but retain the other stuff (NETRES etc) on the stick memcal.
Plug the stock memcal onto the pins on Moates adaptor, then plug the Moates adaptor into the ECM. Then you'll be using the modified chip that's on the Moates adaptor.
Yeah he should just visit moates homepage, and follow the instructions for the adaptor...
I was about to explain but you beat me to it. Nice
Chris from Petris helped me diagnose the Opti on my '94 and he's extremely helpful. He gave me very interesting knowledge of various components like the sending units in the fuel tank and other specific issues that happen with age on these. I'll be buying Optis only from him now.
That's life with old cars for you. From high revs and burning tires to wtf's in minutes. Good video as always 👍
ITS THE RETURN OF PETER!!! 😂 That Vette was a killer find. And great hack for the OBD 1 system with the 1 cent diagnostic tool aka paper clip.
Lol thanks for the warm welcome back 😂😂
The original chip in the ECM is supposed to sit ontop of the modified one otherwise all sorts of bad signals will be sent to the engine, i don't know how it got loose inside but i hope you put it back on correctly.
exact +1
It was upgraded for the supercharger and the OEM was just placed in there.
Just watching, and was hoping they figured that out, and if they check moates web site they would figure out.
@@stoneman8110 The OEM MEMCAL is still used for some functions like knock control so it's necessary for it to be plugged into the Moates adapter.
@@stoneman8110 watch the aftermarket assembly when it comes out, it has pins on the side to connect the original chip.
Great video Alex and Peter. Chasing the cascade of failures until everything is fixed is most of the fun!
I swear Alex if you never started a UA-cam channel you would have been the BEST Auto Mech Teacher in any High School in any HS in this country!!!!Hands Down!!!
Also thanks for the trip down memory lane with these older cars LT1 & old Fox body 5.0s. Takes me back to where my whole car journey (career) started.
1 step forward, 2 steps back. I know you guys will figure it out, keep up the good work!
Glad to hear Peter is feeling better.
Really appreciate the in depth troubleshooting. May have to go through the exact thing on my 96 impala
God bless you and Peter the patience and time you had to have to work on this vette! My friends Monte you had to take off the passenger wheel and fender liner to change the plugs!
Yours and Peter’s excitement is gold! I wish I had a Peter. You have created a monster with this find!
I’m a C4 guy, having bought 2 new and one used, my 2nd 94. I’m glad you got that C4 as you took fixing it up seriously. In 20 years, a nice one will go for big bucks, like the good C2 do now.
Well I predicted a bad optispark two videos back. I have removed and replaced an optispark in a C4 myself. The LT4 red intake is nicer looking and would work better. I know this is a budget build and this is why you kept the LT1 manifold. It is nice to see the C4 getting featured on your channel. I should have never sold my LT4 but I moved to England for employment and LH drive just doesn't work well there. I'm glad you are enjoying your C4. They are under rated in my opinion. Maybe fuel problems next. It isn't good to let these cars sit for so long. It's acting like fuel starvation. Good luck with the fixing the next issue. Soon you will have replaced most of the things that can go wrong with these cars.
I'm English and just got rid of my Alfa Romeo 155 Q4 that was only ever available here in LHD. I can confirm with our tight streets that LHD is hardwork
unless you fixed it off camera you have an intake leak... go to 58:56 in the video and you will see the to left ports did not get sealed at the tops were the rounded slots are on the heads. great video btw.
I’m a recent subscriber and I must say, it’s def my top 3 favorite channels to watch. I spend most of my days off just watching this channel and thoroughly enjoy learning from it. Never thought I’d want a V-8 Mercedes in my life but, I find myself wanting one badly now! Keep up the good work Alex!
When you spun those tires I could smell the video. My lady friend laughs at me checking every couple of days checking this account for posts on this car. I’m so pumped for you.
For some reason I was under the impression that you just bought and sold cars. I'm pleasantly surprised that you're also a really good mechanic as well! Great job!
Hey Alex, if I’m not mistaken the factory chip has to plug into the aftermarket chip using the golden looking prongs.
Yes, the factory "chip" plugs into the adapter. The factory chip does more than just hold the tune. Instructions can easily be found on the Moates website
Alex and Peter thanks for awesome content. It reminds me of the days as a kid I would watch my dad work on cars at home. You are a real gem. Would love to commission you to fix up something for my son's first car. I just can't do it any more. If you ever watched Fantom Works on Velocity, my dad and his beloved Willy's Jeep were featured on episode 1 of season 4 "Throwing Heat".
I've definitely had to replace my opti a few times before. Don't let LT1s sit too long. Stock unblown C4s have slightly better clearance, but it's still tight
I don't know what it is but this C4 has me addicted to it. Maybe since I was born in 1990 it was always a car I saw but dang I love to watch the C4 videos.
Hi, I'm in southeast Wisconsin. I have a 93 Vette. Mine is not built up like yours. I had engine running troubles and took it to a local guy that works on a lot of Vettes and racing cars for Road America. He thought it was the optispark, but it was fuel. The fuel rail regulator had failed, in the open position. When he tested the fuel pressure at the rail it was zero. At the fuel pump it was 80 psi, breaking his gage. After repairs, the car has balls. Really like your You Tube channel. By the way I also have a 2016 Vette with the Z51 racing package.
An MSD Cap and Rotor is a very cost effective way to add a Vent to your older Optispark unit. Petris has a FANTASTIC reputation, but if you have a Mitsubishi Optical Sensor in the unit you already have, you can save about $200 over fully replacing.
Absolutely, gotta wonder how many hundreds of thousands of those good OEM distributors were thrown in the bin when all they needed was a good clean out and a new cap and rotor, sometimes a new bearing.
You guys are legends! No other youtubers keeps me for 1hr+ holding my phone to my face
That aftermarket chip should have the factory prom plugged into it at a 90deg to the factory prom port.
I would recommend anyome to use a 10k ohm resistor to do the jump on the ECU diag connector.
The paper clip will not limit the current that can go through it, the resistor will. This is important because by limiting the current of the jump you avoid frying the ECU due to a shorcut. Per example if you jump the wrong pins.
Click and Clack were my favorites for years…you guys have jumpstarted my interest in cars again! ❤
Cool comical commentary on cats and coils & jumper obd testing, so many ways to test/diagnose out of date technology, thanks for the humorous entertaining journey repairs to final drive😆🎼🐉
I love the fact you do all in one full length episode for grown ups. None of this 4 x 15 min crap
Great episode, guys! Interesting to see the dissection of the Optispark. Left us hanging at the end! What now?! Not the first time a LSC project has hobbled back to the shop after a test-rip, so I'm sure it will be resolved.
Absolutely love videos like this, long and just two guys fixing broken shit they find.
dope watching this corvette come to life, i worked at at adesa where it was before it went to copart, really wanted to hear it run in person but glad to see it going to good use. good work!
Dare I say best episode yet...😁 I dare and must say your repairs feel exactly like mine mostly professional and clean with a sprinkle of I'll figure it out and a hint of I'll mod it my way 😂
This is one of the coolest "finds" you've picked up at an auction. I'd never heard of "optispark" but that system looks like it had lots of potential failure points. That's something I'd probably want to modernize if I had a high performance setup.
Its in the transformer movies also😂
@@MarkSmith455 I knew the name sounded familiar lol
You can actually fully modernize this engine. A company called Toeqhead makes a fully optispark delete conversion kit. Utilizes the LS1 ECU and coil plugs and hooks right up to the factory wiring harness. All the gauge clusters still work and car can be tuned and codes read from an OBD2 reader. Next time my optispark dies I am going to be fully converting over to the Torqhead Kit.
@@RedVelocistar Wow! Great to know. I really love this car... hope they get the last details sorted and have it back on the road soon.
this corvette series is one of the most entertaining and interesting and exciting I've ever watched
I bought an abandoned Cobra Mustang with 850 horsepower! ua-cam.com/video/Gu5kci7DPXw/v-deo.html
I admire peters recommended taste test, and how he always convinces you to do it. 😂😂 you need to trademark that on a shirt @ 30:15 “ does it taste bad” 😂😂
Alex, great chemistry between you and Peter make LegitStreetCars garage hum.
Great work Alex and Peter. Can’t believe I made it til the end but it was so stimulating to see the work you were both putting in to that C4 project car. I hope the ending problem does not turn out to be something too catastrophic … fingers crossed!
probly fouled plugs
I have a 93 Caprice Wagon. It has the TBI 350 in it. 1 year later in 94 they started putting the LT1 in the Caprice Wagon and at first I wished my car was one year newer so it would have the LT1. after watching this video I think I’ll stick with my TBI 350 with the old fashioned distributor on top! 😅
This Channel was the best automotive channel on UA-cam b4. But since Peter is here…. Whole new level! Great team!
Brilliant, It's kind of sad, but I clapped my hands when the car started, well done guys it looked like a rough job! These videos are very educational and purely entertaining. I've learned a lot from your videos Alex, thanks you and Peter are awesome!!
Some quality repairs you did there!👍 I’m sure you’ll get the rest in the next video and it will be running mint and reliable as well.
My 92 did the same thing, MAP sensor was bad, bought my 92 with a update opti spark thank god, upgraded fuel injectors and wires, racing spark plugs and wires, next i will be adding a supercharger and NOS... great vids, us corvette guys need more of them...
On the LT1 when a aftermarket chip is used, the OEM chip is also used. The OEM chip plugs into the side of the circuit board for the aftermarket chip.
Alsooooooooo keep in mind ECM drops out of closed loop in a sense because it will reset BLM/INT and not use o2 voltage signal anymore and just rely on the WOT tables for fueling. You're leaving a lot of HP on the table 💯
Sorry my mind isn't working right now as I'm scrolling through the comments. What is BLM and INT again?
Awsome video. Enjoyed this one. Can’t wait for next one. Glad to have Peter back. Hope your doing well too Max. Great job guys. You have a solid team.
I've been waiting all morning for this one. Time for another cup of coffee 👌
Love how it goes good then bad and you keep laughing and smiling. It’s the best attitude to have when playing with cars.
Finagle is not just a Chicago thing, we use it in North Dakota also... Like the video can't wait to see the finished product... Have watched all so far...
Damn, this car is a ton of work but pretty cool non the less. I hope you get it fixed up properly, which shouldn't be a problem for you. Great video and an awesome project. Keep up the good work and keep educating us Alex 👊
A ton of work, but nothing major, and the cost is low.
Keep the great work and humor you guys have. I enjoy your videos 😀
Thanks! 😁
Can't say it enough times, love the long videos where we get to see the final product of all the work you did instead of how other UA-camrs brake it up in small videos of 12 to 15 minutes so they can get more viewers per video because people want to see the final results and have to wait weeks to see it. Also, I have been using the word Funangle, if that's even how you spell it, for years. Example, I need to Funangle this fricken part back into place, and I live in AZ 😁. Go Kari Lake
The material in the valve covers that you mentioned, those LT1 valve covers have oil "drip tabs." However, they have been ground down to fit those 1.6 RRs underneath, super common, quick "mod" to get RRs to fit underneath factory valve covers. LT1 and LT4 covers are actually different. Since LT4s came with 1.6 RRs from the factory, GM made the same exact looking covers for them but molded without the drip tabs. Since you have an LT1 and aftermarket 1.6 RRs, like mentioned before, in order to get LT1 covers to fit with them you have to cut/grind those tabs out, not a big deal, doesn't cause any harm or oiling problems etc. I just did this to my car not too long ago after my aftermarket valve covers started leaking, I put my stock ones back on and ground down my drip tabs. 👍
I have a 96 and I've seen every C4 video so far that's on UA-cam and you guys showed up in my feed. I subscribed and am enjoying you guys, thanks for the new C4 videos. Keep em coming. 🤟🇺🇸
Great video as always! One question, is there a reason why you went with replacing the optispark and not converting it to the LS1 ECU and coil plugs by using the Torqhead kit? Could be a possible video idea for you guys. They make a great kit and could be fun getting the engine properly tuned given swapping it to the LS1 ECU gives the possibility to use OBD2 tuning and code reading.
most likely he got payed to advertise the junky optispark in the video..
Torqhead says it won't work with chip tune LT1's, which is sorta true. I had to add extra wiring bits and do some fab work to make it run with my 93 Trans Am. It's awesome once it's all working. Alex might not have known about Torqhead or saw that it "doesn't" work with 92's.
El Pistol Pete is back! Glad to see him running well again
Thanks!
@@Aiurasensei is this actually peter? xD
@@canbunyan haha yeah.
@@Aiurasensei bet, do a short shoutout bit in the next video. i'll be watching xD
@@canbunyan I referred to myself as "Pistol Pete" in tomorrow's Corvette video. Not sure if it's going to make the edit, but be on the lookout for it!
You can order different pulleys for the super charger! Be cool to see if the company would work with you on updating the supercharger!
With stock cast rods your pushing it even putting 5psi in a 90s SBC. It's nothing like a LS block.
@@johnsnow1355 You are saying that 90s SBC engines are not high boost tolerant? In the 80s and 90s there were many so called high performance cars than looked good but had unremarkable performance.
@@mightymikethebear stock rods from a na motor in the 90s sketch to put any boost on. The only engines even turbocharge back then we're Buick V6 and dodge 4 cylinder. The vector w8 had a high performance aftermarket motor. Just saying a cast rod in a lt1 I wouldn't even try 10psi it might shatter at 8.
@@johnsnow1355 5psi is nothing for those rods
@@johnsnow1355 also, GM had a turbocharged SBC based 90* V6 and a turbocharged 60* V6 when the LT1 came out. Not to mention the Callaway built turbocharged C4 Corvettes they were selling and servicing through the GM dealership network at the time too.
I had the same issue with my 1995 Corvette, my brother had bought an aftermarket Opti and it was bad, the bearings were shot, I am glad I saved the old Opti which tested good, just needed a new cap and rotor, bought an Accel and it been golden since!
Loving the lengthy videos. Keep them coming. Need more content.
Agreed, diesel fuel works REALLY well in the cleaning bin, but MAN OH MAN you smell like diesel for a WEEK every time! I HATE the smell of diesel.. Great video this week Alex and Peter!! Great to see him back and healthy again!
Edit: You're LUCKY you got the opti-spark kit from Petris, they're now on BACKORDER (hmm, wonder why, Cov2-19) until JULY of 2023 and that's praying they get supplies in by then!! Wow.. Hopefully they have some in stock for the few people I KNOW are looking for one and you just made their decision on the quality of their kit (around 800 bucks) but it's TOTALLY worth it! (nobody wants to EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER do that job again!!)
Still can’t believe you picked up that corvette for about as much money as it is to take a bar exam!
In 1840, American humorist Seba Smith authored a short story “The Money Diggers” she wrote: “As it is said, 'There are more ways than one to skin a cat,' so are there more ways than one of digging for money.”
2 things that help a ton. Magnetic tray and Purple power. PP is way cheaper than degreaser. In do love amsoil products though. Another key deal when you first get a vehicle to repair that's old like the C4 is just go ahead and degrease the engine bay when you first get it.
Thanks agiain for all the awesome videos that I like, share and hope everyone follows.
Thanks for doing this video. I just acquired a 1993 LT1 Trans am that was my Grand dads originally, then my uncle owned it and it sat for the last 6 to 7 yrs in his back yard. Now I have it to restore. Very excited!
Skinning a cat is not talking about a pet cat. They are talking about a catfish. Anyone who has ever cleaned catfish knows that there are many different ways you can skin a catfish. 😂Yes I’m country I’m from Alabama 😂
Just earned a badge on Facebook for being a top fan while watching this
There's always a new and exciting issue with old cars. I belive in you that you can get this resolved!
You are very courageous buying this modified C4. Ignition and fuel injection system were very sketchy theses years. But I enjoy as much as you do fixing these cars one at the time and getting stranded! Keep your authenticity! Well done guys!
You are honestly one of the most affable people on this platform when you get cars started I am genuinely joyful and when you can’t get them running I feel sad. And your partner is freaking awesome that guy is amazing he’s folksy and smart as hell just like you, smart honest and to the point
You can fix anything! Fearless to dig right in like the oil sucking o ring on the benz, amazing talent, bravo!
I would never be able to keep track of the fasters and how things go back together. You do amazing work
I had a feeling it was that I commented on the first video and said that it was the optispark but I’m glad you guys figured it out
I never seen what so great about standing on the brakes and burning up a good set of tires.
Thanks for the education on the Corvette Lt1. I had a 88 Greenwood 93 40th, 25th Ani.
Look forward to next find👍
I thoroughly DETEST the Optispark system! LOL! Had a '95 Roadmaster Estate Wagon with the LT1. After troubleshooting and replacing everything that didn't cost an arm and a leg, I came to the conclusion that it was the Optispark. Since no one else in the aftermarket made a replacement that was reliable, I luckily found someone from the Impala SS forum that had a brand new GM Performance unit that I got for about 1/2 price (still $300 though). 4 hours later and a new water pump to boot, and it worked again. I sold the car shortly thereafter. :)
Can't waite until the next video on this car. Thumbs up!