Anyone interested in not having to remove the water pump in order to change the opti?

[firebird_1995]

This concept spaces the lt1 water pump off the block just enough to allow the optispark to be removed without having to actually remove the water pump. This obviously saves a LOT of hassle AND in spacing it away from the opti, allows a little more airspace around the unit, allowing it to potentially run cooler, and keeps the weep hole from weeping all over the opti in the event of a failure. Possibly the biggest advantage of this is the confidence to run your run of the mill parts store opti with a lifetime warranty and never have to pay for another again, without the hassle of draining the coolant system if/when it goes bad. Because of the nature of this mod, electric water pump users are probably not going to be able to run the spacers without some extensive trimming of the radiator fan shroud (I highly doubt a mezierre will fit, a CSR or jets unit MIGHT).

Basically this kit would include two CNC aluminum 1.25" spacers, extended bolts, two sets of water pump gaskets, and either a new or extended water pump drive coupling. Still working on gathering materials for production pricing, (and possibly a vendor to supply internally splined couplings so i don't have to weld an extension to the OEM coupling.... aka more money) so that is still an unknown at the moment but I'm looking at around $150 shipped (this is an ESTIMATE, not a final price!)

This being said, give me your thoughts and opinions on the concept and if you think this is a product you would be interested in.

Here are a few quick (and dirty) videos showing the installed water pump and the removal and installation of the opti to show that it works, and a pic of these beautiful spacers....

[nateleduc]

I'd take a set. I hate having to change the opti. Honestly though, for $150, its going to limit the market. I paid $140 shipped for my LCA/Panhard.

Looks great though, I'm happy to see you're still creating for the LTX

[97firehawk]

Pretty slick

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

[popo8]

Genius!!!

LTXtech.com is my DRUG!

[Tinbender59]

where is my set?? LOL

[firebird_1995]

I'd take a set. I hate having to change the opti. Honestly though, for $150, its going to limit the market. I paid $140 shipped for my LCA/Panhard.

Looks great though, I'm happy to see you're still creating for the LTX

I don't like the price point either. And to be honest, it will be a stretch to offer all the extras at that price. CNC machining is expensive! But comparing this to lca's or a panhard bar isn't really an apples to apples comparison. Entertain the idea that you could install this kit for $150. Then you buy an auto parts store opti with lifetime warranty for $150. Your total investment is $300. While I believe the acdelco is the most reliable unit available, it still fails sometimes....
My original intention was to get them water jet or laser cut but at 1.25" thick, it may not be feasible. If a guy wouldn't mind removing the balancer hub, I believe I could get the spacer even tighter, possibly 3/4". This would allow more ewp users into the market. They would be the cheapest ones to cater to because they wouldn't need the drive coupling.
This is a just a feeler at this point as a production item. As a one off for my application, I love it. I'll never have to get into that water pump again for an opti repair.

[Fastbird]

Those look great, but that price point, it's a little ouch. I think people are going to look at the ROI on it and say it's not worth it for $150. You figure what, about $20 between coolant and gaskets for an opti change. That would have to be 7+ opti changes to recoup your costs, and unless you're REALLY unlucky........you probably won't do that.

I love it, and you've really proven it works. I bet you'll get a few sales for sure, but I don't see it being a large volume seller for that price. Just being realistic. If there was a way to do a cheaper cast version you'd probably have a freaking home run at 1/3 the cost.

[firebird_1995]

where is my set?? LOL

Well, you're looking at them! I only have one set at the moment. We are going to try to gauge interest and hopefully make a few more. I just need to extend the coupling and I'll get this one out to you.

[firebird_1995]

Those look great, but that price point, it's a little ouch. I think people are going to look at the ROI on it and say it's not worth it for $150. You figure what, about $20 between coolant and gaskets for an opti change. That would have to be 7+ opti changes to recoup your costs, and unless you're REALLY unlucky........you probably won't do that.

I love it, and you've really proven it works. I bet you'll get a few sales for sure, but I don't see it being a large volume seller for that price. Just being realistic. If there was a way to do a cheaper cast version you'd probably have a freaking home run at 1/3 the cost.

I don't disagree with you a bit on the cost. I estimated about the same cost per opti change, $25 (gallon of antifreeze and gaskets). But you're not going to buy something like this in an attempt to recoup your money in antifreeze savings per opti swap. Its going to be a convenience item. I'm betting from start to finish I will be able to change an opti in 10 minutes. I looked into doing a version in cast aluminium, however, you still have to machine both sides of the spacer and there were virtually no savings to be had. I'm going to continue to work on some alternate ways to cut the spacers (waterjet, laser, plasma) in an attempt to lower the cost. That being said, what would you consider a fair price for something like this? Would you want it to include hardware and gaskets or would you just want the business parts?

[Fastbird]

I don't disagree with you a bit on the cost. I estimated about the same cost per opti change, $25 (gallon of antifreeze and gaskets). But you're not going to buy something like this in an attempt to recoup your money in antifreeze savings per opti swap. Its going to be a convenience item. I'm betting from start to finish I will be able to change an opti in 10 minutes. I looked into doing a version in cast aluminium, however, you still have to machine both sides of the spacer and there were virtually no savings to be had. I'm going to continue to work on some alternate ways to cut the spacers (waterjet, laser, plasma) in an attempt to lower the cost. That being said, what would you consider a fair price for something like this? Would you want it to include hardware and gaskets or would you just want the business parts?

You're going to go down in history for creating the 10 minute opti change, just want to point that out. Your name will forever be remembered now, lol.

I would DEFINITELY include everything as a kit. No doubt about that. Giving a 100% everything included kit makes people quite happy.

Price point? I have an understanding of how much goes into the CNC setup. For what it's costing you, the $150 isn't off at all. It's just hard to get people to bite off on it to spend $150 for a convenience item. The place that's actually doing the CNC work to these......are they willing to give a break in price concurrent with volume ordered? Maybe do a pre-order at a slightly discounted rate (I.E. cut your profits initially) for a specified amount of sets in order to gauge general interest, and if it's there, do orders in batches to help keep costs down? Just thinking out loud.......