MSD Optispark
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 52
From: Reno NV
MSD Optispark
I was having code h36 problem. After installing new ICM for $100 I said what the hell I'll just rip out my msd I just payed $500 for in end april.
Whats this black ball ? Oh its one of the bearings
Whats this black ball ? Oh its one of the bearings
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,847
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
OK
I just took mine apart
Mine's fine.
It looks like the part in your pic is the contact from the cap that's support to hit the middle of the rotor.
Take a look at the inside of your cap.
I just took mine apart
Mine's fine.
It looks like the part in your pic is the contact from the cap that's support to hit the middle of the rotor.
Take a look at the inside of your cap.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 18,346
Likes: 1
From: D / FW
The are all about the same though the GM opti has no history of screws coming loose causing failures like some aftermarket.
I'm running Accel opti and so far even after running the dog out of my LT 4 it's still doing fine.
They are great distributors just not in a good location.
GM Parts Direct is a good buy on GM replacement.
I'm running Accel opti and so far even after running the dog out of my LT 4 it's still doing fine.
They are great distributors just not in a good location.
GM Parts Direct is a good buy on GM replacement.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,847
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
I did check into relocating it, it turn out the optical wheel has been put in a regular distributor.
took my new MSD opti out of the box today.
Just had to see it if was possible to put it in the "standard" location.
A little on the tight side.
Perhaps of the fuel rail covers were removed, and if the fuel lines and EGR was rerouted.
Biggest thing would be the thickness and getting it underneath the base of the windshield.
Just had to see it if was possible to put it in the "standard" location.
A little on the tight side.
Perhaps of the fuel rail covers were removed, and if the fuel lines and EGR was rerouted.
Biggest thing would be the thickness and getting it underneath the base of the windshield.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 18,346
Likes: 1
From: D / FW
Do the mod of putting a fitting and hose from the weep hole on the water pump for long Optilife.
It's not uncommon for the 95 - 96 vented Opti's to go in excess of 200,000 no maintenance miles.
Despite common thinking that the vents are for removing moisture from the distributor it really is to keep the ozone gas created from the light emitting opticals from accumilating as it is a corrosive.
It's not uncommon for the 95 - 96 vented Opti's to go in excess of 200,000 no maintenance miles.
Despite common thinking that the vents are for removing moisture from the distributor it really is to keep the ozone gas created from the light emitting opticals from accumilating as it is a corrosive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,115
Likes: 3
When I replaced my opti I spent a lot of time searching the archives of this forum and I found quite a few complaints about the MSD. The fact that it seems to have been sold in relatively few numbers compared to the number of complaints made me skeptical and I ended up going with an OEM. My OEM lasted 15 years and almost 90K miles, and for all I know I would still be fine if a WP hose hadn't ruptured and doused it with coolant (my fault for not replacing the hose).
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,674
Likes: 751
From: NEwhere Ohio
I tell you what, you can just throw MSD products in the garbage can.
The one MSD ignition that works does not make up for the many I read about hear that fail.
Heres my failures w/ other MSD products:
1. MSD 8.5mm spark plug wires...coil wire spark arc'd against water pump when BRAND NEW
2. Three MSD DIgital 6 Plus ignitions (bought for their ability to spark-retard under nitrous spray) failed leaving me with a stranded-vehicle situation. One time this happened on a nighttime 55 MPH country road without much room to pull-off.
Funny thing is, some people on here will try to say MSD is great.
The one MSD ignition that works does not make up for the many I read about hear that fail.
Heres my failures w/ other MSD products:
1. MSD 8.5mm spark plug wires...coil wire spark arc'd against water pump when BRAND NEW
2. Three MSD DIgital 6 Plus ignitions (bought for their ability to spark-retard under nitrous spray) failed leaving me with a stranded-vehicle situation. One time this happened on a nighttime 55 MPH country road without much room to pull-off.
Funny thing is, some people on here will try to say MSD is great.