Opi spark
08-07-2016, 10:06 PM
#1
Opi spark
I hope this isn't too dumb a question BUT do I have to be concerned about driving my C4 in the rain? I'm hearing a lot of horror stories about how sensitive the Opi Spark is. What about an auto car wash or squirting a hose under the fenders?AND if I have to ever change it are the after market ones an improvement?
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phrogs (08-18-2016)
08-08-2016, 09:32 AM
#3
Safety Car
Car washing and leaky water pumps are the main failures- that and people putting off servicing them and waiting for the wires to go bad just exacerbates things.
it is possible rain can get one, but not generally.
it is possible rain can get one, but not generally.
08-08-2016, 11:08 AM
#4
Race Director
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It won't melt! as stated above water pump going bag and improper engine washing are the most common ways to kill it. My 95 LT1 has just shy of 200k miles and has been driven in all weather, replaced opti once but I think it was just worn out. 
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phrogs (08-18-2016)
08-08-2016, 08:00 PM
#5
The material inside the opti is made from cheap materials that corrode and rust from what I have read, back in the day I was going to put a distributer in my 95 LT1, never again in my life dealing with opti (worst idea ever).
08-08-2016, 09:46 PM
#6
Drifting
Couldn't agree more. I bought 3 for an LT1 over a 2 year period.
08-14-2016, 12:16 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
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The concept of the OPTI was sound, but apparently the execution was flawed, and some of the aftermarket (off-shore) ones are far worse that OE.
The vented units (95-96) were apparently much better.
The vented units (95-96) were apparently much better.
08-18-2016, 04:44 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
I remember when I replaced the opti in my 96 z-28. It was the first time going into this type of engine setup and we saw the metal disk, and then a breeze came along and knocked it to the ground. Both the father-in-law and myself had that sinking gut feeling. But we put it all back together with an MSD unit and it started right up and ran great. I think it had about 125k miles on it when we replaced it.
There are still lots of these engines out there running in all sorts of weather. Don't be too afraid of them.
There are still lots of these engines out there running in all sorts of weather. Don't be too afraid of them.
08-28-2016, 03:03 PM
#9
Race Director
My '94 LT1 got buried in 2 ft of snow, and the opti got too damp and wouldn't start. I aimed a hair drier at it for an hour or so and then it fired right up.
08-28-2016, 06:23 PM
#10
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
For real? Wouldn't the hood keep the opti (and engine) pretty dry? Mine has never had any issue in the snow.
How much snow you get in Florida? Sorry, but this post seems rather trollish...
Here's mine...running great in the snow...
How much snow you get in Florida? Sorry, but this post seems rather trollish...
Here's mine...running great in the snow...
Last edited by Tom400CFI; 08-28-2016 at 06:23 PM.