C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

MSD Opti spark

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Old 11-21-2014, 04:58 PM
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Mels SS
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Default MSD Opti spark

What do you think of this product?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MSD-83811-Pro-Billet-LT1-Distributor/181408990650?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27538%26meid%3D15c5b60f065c42889ce96fbd8ec6e004%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D11353%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D321586959036&rt=nc
Old 11-21-2014, 05:03 PM
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1993C4LT1
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I've heard good and bad things about them.
Old 11-21-2014, 06:28 PM
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dizwiz24
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Do a forum search.

That has been beat to death
Old 11-22-2014, 08:08 AM
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Mels SS
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Just learning and asking sorry for the question.
Old 11-22-2014, 08:49 PM
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mtwoolford
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Originally Posted by Mels SS
Just learning and asking sorry for the question.
Don't let anyone discourage you for asking a question. Long story short, from my reading, a few years back some people on this forum had very poor luck with MSD...then again some were satisfied; apparently it may have been a quality control issue. MSD optis are expensive...no arguing that, and some members have had issues getting them past the "visual" part of a smog test, which may or may not be an issue for you
Old 11-22-2014, 10:24 PM
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l88rocket
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good product, worth the price difference between it and stock i dont think so
Old 11-23-2014, 01:48 AM
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dizwiz24
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Ok. I apologize for my sarcasm earlier.

Ive read lots of posts about msd opti failures.

These will leave you break down stranded

Sure, they will send you a new unit. But they wont reimburse the breakdown costs or labor to remove / reinstall the defective one.
Old 11-23-2014, 08:15 AM
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Mels SS
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I just purchased my C4 and the Chevy dealership they replaced the water pump and Opti Spark. They said the water pump was leaking on the Opti spark is this a very common issue?
Old 11-23-2014, 09:18 AM
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1993C4LT1
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Originally Posted by Mels SS
I just purchased my C4 and the Chevy dealership they replaced the water pump and Opti Spark. They said the water pump was leaking on the Opti spark is this a very common issue?
It is somewhat common. The water pump is on top of the opti.
Old 11-23-2014, 12:58 PM
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Mels SS
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So if you change out the water pump to electric the problem is solved?
Old 11-23-2014, 01:34 PM
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jispr
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My original opti lasted about 100K. Since that time, about 8 years I've been thru maybe 5 optis, all brands. They all seem to last about 1 year
so why pay for MSD? I run an electric water pump now but you still get oil seepage from the water pump shaft seal and it runs about 190 degrees in winter. Kinda cold in winter
Old 11-25-2014, 04:54 PM
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Strick
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Originally Posted by Mels SS
So if you change out the water pump to electric the problem is solved?
It solves the "leaking weep hole on the opti" syndrome. BUT, be sure to remove and seal up the water pump shaft. Take the timing cover to a good welder and cover the hole where the water pump shaft comes out. Hey, if you want a double roller timing chain, now it will fit. Mine has been running for at least 7 years.

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