Everything a LTx Owner must know

[KissMyWhtSS]

I would like to compile a thread of information of basic information that every LTx owner should know. A easy resource fo rpeople to come to.

Basic part numbers like a oil filter, the size of the oil pan drain plug, how many quarts it will hold...Etc.


Anyone else support this idea? We can collect ideas/information and compile them into one thread and sticky it in the LT1/4 section.

[Fastbird]

i like the idea. I think it's already been done though. It's called www.shbox.com. :D All kidding aside I like the idea of having a quick reference thread on here though.

[KissMyWhtSS]

i like the idea. I think it's already been done though. It's called www.shbox.com (http://www.shbox.com). :D All kidding aside I like the idea of having a quick reference thread on here though.
And that site would def. be a link in the thread. I've had that site bookmarked for many years.

[Fixxer99TA]

Get it going, and we will sticky it when theres enough info in it to do so. Try to get some people to do some writeups also, Im going to try to get some writeups done but I cant do em all. :D

[KissMyWhtSS]

maybeh i will.

[Fixxer99TA]

Maybeh? I think you will...

[KissMyWhtSS]

I think I did. :p

[Fixxer99TA]

I knew you did/would.

[Cross]

Heres something I found useful:
GM Part Number 12367777 LT4 Intake Manifold Race Gaskets
Also known as those popular gaskets with the FI Guys. They were def much nicer then the ones I got from the local parts store. Another LTx Guy told me about them, def a good guy I only remember his screen name though.

Also here is some great information on how to test the Opti, ICM (Ignition Control Module), and Coil:
Hey man had the same exact problem but took everyone's word for it and got a new opti and that wasn't the problem it ended up being the icm here's the steps I USED TO FIND THE PROBLEM

The first thing we will do is verify the optical sensor is working correctly. And here is how..

Unhook 1 fuel injector connector. With your test light check for pulsing ground on the NON PINK wire while cranking the engine (different years use different color wires but all year have pink wires for the positive voltage side of the connectors) The other choice you have is to use the noid light (noid light AZ OEM part number 25143), plug the noid light into the connector and crank the car. The light should flash..

Do you have a flashing ground while cranking?

Yes, the optical sensor is sending the signal and should be ok, continue to test the ignition system.

No, the optical sensor is not working see testing opti section.


Next we will see if the coil and ICM are causing the no spark.
First on the ICM connector with KOEO check for hot (93-95) on the Pink/Black and white/black wires or (96-97) on the Pink and Dark green wires. Do you have hot?

Yes, next step
No, (93-95) Check for hot at the pink wire a the ign coil. If you have power at the coil, but not at the ICM, The coil is shorted and preventing power from reaching the ICM. Replace the coil and retest. If you do not have hot at the coils pink wire, check the 10 amp Ign fuse. Repair as needed and retest.
(96-97) If you are missing hot on both wires at the module, check the 10amp ign fuse, Repair and retest. If you are missing hot only on the dark green wire, but not he pink wire, the coil has shorted and is preventing the voltage from reaching the module and must be replaced.

Next check for ground on the black wire. do you have ground?

Yes, next step
no, repair ground

next test for a pulsing ground at the dark green wire(96-97) or the White/black wire (93-95) at the coil coming from the ICM. Do you have a pulsing ground?

Yes, next step
No Replace the ICM *note, I have seen a bad coil burn up an ICM. It might be a good time to replace or upgrade your coil*


next with your test light check for hot on the Pink wire at the coil. do you have hot?
Yes, Replace your coil *note, High resistance from bad plug wires can burn out coils. You can Ohm test plug wires or replace them if wanted*

No, Check and repair ign fuse and retest




OPTI testing

If you failed the injector pulse test we must make sure that all the power is getting to the opti.

With the test light and the car on KOEO, unplug the opti connector at the optispark and test for hot at the red wire at the opti. do you have hot?

If yes. Next step

if no, the pos feed comes from the computer. Check that the PCM is sending the signal, if not then you might have a faulty PCM



Next, using a multi meter on volts scale, test the red/black and purple/white wires for 5 volts. Do you have 5 Volts?
Yes, next step
No, The 5 volt reference is provided by the PCM, possible PCM failure or PCM power feed problem


Next, test the pink/black wire for ground. Do you have ground?
Yes, then the optical sensor is not working and is probably bad. based on the other tests run this is causing your no spark condition. It’s time to replace your opti. You can also check for corrosion or damage to the opti connector and replace as needed.

No, the ground is provided by the PCM, possible PCM failure or PCM power feed problem.

Google dumdumdum.

[Fixxer99TA]

Good stuff Cross, now go yell at KissMyWhtSS to get off his WhtAss and add it to the section :D

[KissMyWhtSS]

I'll get it updated soon guys.

Excuses include:
-Entourage tonight
-Test tomorrow
-2 Tests Tuesday
-Project due tomorrow
-Project due Tuesday
-being hungover till 4pm today

[Fixxer99TA]

Nice, 4pm.. Must have been a good one :D

[KissMyWhtSS]

Sunday's are the best.

[Fixxer99TA]

Usually they get the job done :D

[KissMyWhtSS]

Usually they get the job done :D
found out one of my tests on tuesday is actually on thursday. yayyy

[Fixxer99TA]

Too bad its only one that got moved, thats still quite the list.

[slowdime]

Steam tube mod...
1. throw stock junk away
2. lightly run 1/4 NPT tap through the holes
3. Install 1/4 NPT x -6AN straight or 90* in each head
4 Plumb using either braded lines or push lock and tee off up to the radiator
( I used braided on mine then switched it over to push lock hose right before the radiator as it slips on to the barb on the radiator

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n43/slowdime/DSCN0157.jpg

Hope this was helpful.

[KissMyWhtSS]

sweet :cool:

[Fixxer99TA]

Nice job, adding this to my to-do list this winter.

[KissMyWhtSS]

Nice job, adding this to my to-do list this winter.
What, heads and intake? :metal:

[Fixxer99TA]

Heads/Intake/Cam are already on that list, but since they will be off this coolant crossover looks pretty solid. Wont be too expensive to make one either (using that graet quality braided stuff).

My winter mods = LE2 or 3 Cam (OR 847) / LE2 Heads / GGPC's ported HSR for LT1s... I really want to see what this intake makes for power when its finished...

The list is alot longer, but Im not typing all of it.... I will be adding the complete list to my Fquick soon...

[slowdime]

Damn, look at what I started already:secret:

BTW thats just a cleaned up stock intake and rebuilt heads with a good valve job from when this pig blew a headgasket. I did not have time to put anything really performance in it as I finished the headgaskets not even a wk before I left for PA.

Here's another shot of it all together
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n43/slowdime/DSCN0165.jpg

You can see where I adapted it from the braided to the push lock to slip onto the radiator. ( BTW that hose is much stiffer than regular rubber, be very careful putting it on the radiator as it could break the barb, i squirted some wd-40 on it and got it on without a hitch)

[KissMyWhtSS]

Heads/Intake/Cam are already on that list, but since they will be off this coolant crossover looks pretty solid. Wont be too expensive to make one either (using that graet quality braided stuff).

My winter mods = LE2 or 3 Cam (OR 847) / LE2 Heads / GGPC's ported HSR for LT1s... I really want to see what this intake makes for power when its finished...
sounds slow.

[Fixxer99TA]

sounds slow.

It does, doesnt it.

[JoeliusZ28]

part numbers for deep WIX oil filters are 51061 and 51060 (the latter is the anti-drain back version not necessary on a horizontal mount but still can be used of course).

[KissMyWhtSS]

I'll just add the 51061 then.

I'll get this updated this weekend hopefuly. School is ripping me a new one this week.
4 tests, 1 quiz, 2 projects

[bricez28]

how mayny quarts? thats a simple yet useful one. how about how many gallons is the stock fuel tank?

[KissMyWhtSS]

how mayny quarts? thats a simple yet useful one. how about how many gallons is the stock fuel tank?
Hmm... maybe. But then I might as well upload a PDF of the owners manual.

[RumbleZ]

I'm curious why this board doesn't have a whole forum for the Optispark, with a sticky in that section with a review of the whole sha-bang... what it is, what it does... how to check it....how to replace it.... detailed reviews of all the opti's available, maybe another sticky with a review of options to get rid of the opti or supplement it with multi-coil setups etc. Opti's are one of the biggest recurring topic on the boards, it's surprising nothing has really been done before to compile something like this. I guess most are like me and just figure that someday, somebody else will get it done that has a little more time. But really, if somebody is looking to try to compile some information for LT1 guys, this is something that should really be considered, IMO. There's a lot of info out there to pull from, it's just not all in one place.

[KissMyWhtSS]

I've never had a problem with mine.

[Fixxer99TA]

I already have a pretty detailed review of the MSD billet opti, I could do one of the stock opti but I am sure you all already know what thats about :D

I dont really think we need a specific opti section, because any opti related problems should be posted in the LT1/LT4 section. It will most likely be seen quicker there as its one of the higher traffic areas of the site. I am all for Opti reviews in the write-up section, this is important and if anyone wants to write them... Do itt!

You could add the MSD one here if you would like (I could even make it more detailed if needed), just keep my name on it. The writeups I do in the future are FOR this site, so use them where they might be needed.

[slowdime]

What about info, whats involved, ballpark price to convert 1gen style heads to reverse cool? That might be some useful info in here

[bricez28]

ive had 3 optis. the stock one worked great, but when i took the whole front of the motor off, it was all rusted andi couldnt see how it would last long, so that changed with the waterpump. then the crap one i got failed instantly. now back to a gmpp one. damn opti.