Unfortunately that is correct, GM list the none vented Opti at just over $700. Add the gaskets, other materials ( sealant, anti-freeze and labor and your 're looking at over a grand for a dealer to fix it!

Even GMPartsdirect list them for about $375, which is allot of people will go aftermarket.

DAMN! Maybe I was looking at prices for a vented opti??

Vented opti FTW. How hard is the conversion?

i'd personally stay away from msd's. they seemed to be hit or miss. while ac delco's can see 100k no problem, spinning at stock speed of coarse!

conversion, not that bad, but pretty involved. i saw a write up online. i wouldn't want to do it!

form nonvented to vented? Not worth it.

Very worth it. But thats my .02.

GM dealer prices: ( ugh!)

Vented - $614
None Vented - $709

The conversion is a good idea but only if you're doing allot of mods and want more then the stock timing chain, such as going to a LT4, extreem duty or double roller. If not then just stay with the none vented.

To convert to a vented opti you need: 95-97 timing cover, opti, wiring harness, vent hoses Timing chain set, and a different cam. The 92-94 cams have a different size hole in the front that will not accept the vented opti drive shaft. So for that much effort and money just throw another non-vent in it!

There is actually a kit to vent a none vented opti. It's nothing more then a vacuum hose, T-fitting, filter and some sealer. No definite answer if it really helps? There are 3 vent holes on the bottom of the opti, you seal two holes and use a vacuum hose in the 3rd hole to draw out any mositure out.

With a non vented opti, you can't run a big single roller chain? I didn't want to grind mine so I just went with a pro gear but I guess the timing cover on a 94 is closer to the block? Seems strange to me.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/...e195942d_b.jpg
Do that!

I don't think a distributor would fit under the cowl.

Thats the optical portion of the opti hacked up, and yes a regular dizzy will fit under the cowl but its tight.

then what in the picture are you recommending to do?

Oh, its just a conversion, figured it was cool enough to post. So you use the optical part to trigger coil packs and you can relocated it from under the waterpump, its a win win.

A low profile dizzy might.

The 93-94 cover is not closer. It's the lack of performance chain and gear with the proper spline drive for the opti.

Ahh ok, 95 FTW

Yes, one will. Back in the 90s there was a company called LT1 Motorsports who did a conversion to run a low profile [non-HEI] style dizzy on the back of an LT1. The owner had a 396 LT1 in a Camaro running this set up. They used to have a website, but seem to be defunct now.