smooth1990

I know they make coil pack conversions for the LT1 cars But I am having a hard time finding any info on them. I would like to know who makes the kits....Anyone have any info?

JAKE-SON

I just got done doing mine on my lt1. Such a easy system to setup, looks great, very reliable. First you have to find the coils you want. Recommend the 5.3l ls coils from a gmc sierra or like vehicle or the ls7 coils. The reason for this, there is a guy on ebay who custom makes brackets for the coils on lt1 valve covers. Those coils are the easiest for him to deal with, also ls2/3 just not ls1. Do a search for ltcc brackets on ebay and you will find him. Then you want to contact bob bailey to make the ltcc kit for you. Ensure when you get coils that you get the wiring harness with it. Cost. Coils, got from craigslist with wiring harness were 100 for me, brackets 150, ltcc kit 400. Let me know if you need more specifics

jmgtp

+1 for the LTCC - left the inherent LT1 igntion problems in the mirror for me. I use LS1 coils but have aftermarket valve covers anyway. I made my own mounting brackets. PS - it still uses the Opti but only the low voltage side - so you need a functioning optical sensor in your opti (supposedly the factory mistubishi sensor is an excellent piece) and the bearing should be good as well.

No more dancing tach needle, misfires, cutting out. Eliminates the ICM as well.

Tom400CFI

The optical sensor and bearing are what causes most problems w/the Opti in the first place! The stock LT1 coil is not a problem point.

Jumping tach needle also comes from failing optical sensor. I thought that these kits eliminated the OEM primary side ignition system. If they don't....what improvement are they?

aboatguy

Great question?

jmgtp

I disagree - I believe the consensus is that the optical sensor in OEM optisparks is known to be reliable unit.

I chased down my jumping tach/misfires to what I believe was a failing ICM, after going through a couple aftermarket replacements which would work for a while before showing the same symptoms I said to hell with it and went to the LTCC. The LTCC brain box takes the Opti signal, eliminates the ICM and fires the 8 LS1 coils. It also has provisions for spark retard if you choose to use that option.

I continue to use my factory original 113k mile Optispark for the low voltage signals. I have no idea if the bearing is a weak spot but given that mine has over 100k on it I can't say that it is since it still works.

I agree that the stock coil isn't the problem, neither is the ICM or Opti - when they work. But nothing lasts forever and then aftermarket parts go in that aren't up to the task and it all goes to hell.

The LTCC eliminates the high voltage through the Opti. It solved my ignition probs which were ICM and possible the high voltage part of the opti failing. Sensor still works fine.

oilyfishhead

High voltage in the distributor cap causes ozone to be generated from the arcing. Ozone build up causes corrosion in some of the parts. This is exacerbated by the small air volume in the Opti's cap. The '95 and '96 Optis have an active venting system to help keep the ozone levels down. Venting systems are available for the older Optis. Removing the high voltage from the inside of the Opti solves the ozone problem completely.

Another failure mode of the Opti is the rotor coming apart. Coil packs allow you to remove the rotor button from the Opti.

Tom400CFI

I have not heard that consensus at all. When mine failed, it was the optical unit, and I proved it HERE... Interesting video -I recommend watching it. My car had 150K at the time, FYI.



I didn't mean to imply that the bearing is "weak" or porrly designed; They DO go well past 100k. What I meant was, in most that I know about that have failed, the bearing or the Optical unit is what fails. Of course, like ANY cap/rotor distributor, the cap/rotor wear and are replaceable, but most "opti issues" I have read about, and my own failure was the optical unit, with the bearing being obviously bad too (or about fail, and noisy). Anyway, the bearing isn't a BAD piece...but it's a bearing w/o new lube so it will fail. This system hasn't eliminated that. I thought that it did.




Copy that. It's great that it solved the issue for you. This thread was a real eye opener for me, however, about these systems. Glad that I clicked on it!

smooth1990

Thanks for all the info guys. Im going to do the conversion now while the engine is out of the car.

chevyman865

What all is required in doing this? Do you have to disconnect anything on the opti?

smooth1990

I just ordered everything. I bought some LS2/LS7 coils with the wiring harness off ebay. (part # 12573190). Then I bought some custom made coil mounting brackets off from ebay from a gentleman that makes them. Then I contacted bob Bailey (http://www.bailey-eng.com/LTCC.html) and purchased his Ignition control module set up for the LTCC conversion. It seems like a really straight forward set up and extremely simple to hook up. I am using it because My engine is a new supercharged 383 and this system has a built in 2 step rev limiter and retard system. Plus I dont want to have to deal with anymore opti issues in the future.

Tom400CFI

We'll see.... If you can get a sealed bearing and that optical sensor to eliminate all problems in the future, I will be some impressed.

smooth1990

It may not eliminate all the problems but it will eliminate some and it will be easier to change the plug wires, easier to tune, plus it adds the rev limiter and retard that I definitely need for my new engine.

Tom400CFI

Copy that...and agreed. Post pics when finished!

smooth1990

Will do. Hopefully the engine will be in soon and on the dyno for tunning.

dolbnyc

Thank you for posting this information! I am about to replace the opti due to a possible failure. Hopefully it's just the rotor that took a dump. Then I can salvage the opti and do this conversion.
Another 700 bucks

smooth1990

Just a update on an OLD thread!

I have got the engine in the car and running!
The Ltcc conversion was really straight forward and seems to work really well. The best part about it is the 2 step rev limiter, and the timing retard for the supercharged/turbo cars! Hopefully she will be on the road early next week and I can post some Dyno sheets!

LCJCary

Hello; I have the entire Bob Bailey LTCC kit with 0 miles for sale.


It even has the second generation computer chip. including coils and brackets.

Anyone interested?

808.271.4725 I am located in Virginia Beach

CJ