No, I can't really smell any gas in the oil. Getting ready to drop the gas tank and see about replacing the fuel pump. it's in the upper 90's right now with plenty of humidity to boot so this may take awhile...

No, unfortunately I didn't think to take any pics, but I did spend a lot of time making sure everything was just right during installation. Like lining up the rotor with the number one contact and tracing out all of the plug wires 2 or 3 times. If it has anything to do with the opti it's more than likely because the new opti is bad. Not likely, but possible I guess...

dropping the tank requires that the rearend and exhaust come out. not fun. hatch method is faster and easier.

You seem to show a lot of concern regarding the timing of the optispark. There is no need to check for the engine to be in any particular firing state. Since the opti is directly driven by the camshaft, no disributor gear, and being that the shaft of the opti is keyed to go in only one way unless it is forced, once installed it will be on time. See thumbnail.
Also, if you have plenty of time, you may want to look at this video from Delco.

And the winner is... I wanted to get a second opinion so I had someone else confirm it does smell like gas on the dipstick. So what am I looking at here a bad intake gasket, blown head gasket or ??

OK, what's the hatch method?

Great video, I really didn't want to pull the opti again because I was able to install it in several different locations without forcing it. which is why I thought I had it right when I attempted to line up #1 at TDC. It sounds like I need to look closer at the flat spot and apply some marks like the thumbnail suggests. Back to square one...

look at number 9 here https://camaroforums.com/forum/93-02...62/#post557634

did you check fuel pressure? i wondering if someone put a auto trans ecu in it.. what numbers are on the ecu aka main computer. located in the cubby between the passenger side fenderwell and the firewall.

That's great, I was thinking about how to make the necessary cuts, but with the measurements it will make the job much easier.