OptiSpark
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 393
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OptiSpark
I gotta tell ya, you guys had practically scared me away from a C4 with all the OptiSpark talk. Ive been researching on this for days to find out what exactly is the issue.
Luckily I ran across a thread that shows a comprehensive replacement of the OptiSpark. I think the original idea of the thread was converting the water pump to an electric pump.
I cant remember the name of the member that posted the thread, but I thank him for doing it.
It doesnt look like the replacement is as bad as you guys made it out to be. Sure its a job, but it is only taking apart the front accessories.
It does look to be a ridiculously expensive part though.
My question is what do you guys think about the MSD Pro Billet replacement OptiSpark?
Also what do you think of the LT-1 to LS-1 coil conversion?
Luckily I ran across a thread that shows a comprehensive replacement of the OptiSpark. I think the original idea of the thread was converting the water pump to an electric pump.
I cant remember the name of the member that posted the thread, but I thank him for doing it.
It doesnt look like the replacement is as bad as you guys made it out to be. Sure its a job, but it is only taking apart the front accessories.
It does look to be a ridiculously expensive part though.
My question is what do you guys think about the MSD Pro Billet replacement OptiSpark?
Also what do you think of the LT-1 to LS-1 coil conversion?
Moderator Emeritus
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 46,133
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From: Maryville Tn
CI 5 thru 12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '23
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I'll give you the same advice I got from forum member Mr. Mojo when I went from my '85 to a '93. Don't let the opti scare you away from the LT1 Vettes. The main thing is don't get them wet and drive the car. Corvettes shouldn't collect dust. If you have to replace a opti, go with a original AC Delco part. Heard of people having problems with the MSD and other units. Had a friend of mine do the coil pack conversion on his '93 and had problems.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
If you search there are folks with the MSD and other third party opti that had the rotor retaining screws back off. This causes rotor wobble and tears up the reader.
The hardest part of an opti change is removing the balancer hub because its usually rusted on. Once its off its 6 bolts for the water pump (change it while you are in there) and 3 bolts for the opti. Make sure you align the new one and it "pops" in place.
The hardest part of an opti change is removing the balancer hub because its usually rusted on. Once its off its 6 bolts for the water pump (change it while you are in there) and 3 bolts for the opti. Make sure you align the new one and it "pops" in place.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Ponce Inlet FL
The thing is that the only people who post anything about the opti are folks who have problems. If all the people who don't have problems with the opti posted, there wouldn't be any talk. Look, Corvettes have their issues. Like some have said before, some optis last 150,000 miles, some more, some less. But 300 HP is good stuff.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 616
Likes: 13
From: Loudon, TN
I owned a 93 and did a precautionary change of the opti because of some questionable work done on the car and the mileage. I did plugs, wires, water pump and opti in a day but it was a bit of a pain trying to get my hands into places meant for a 5 year old's hands. The opti is not a good reason to not consider an LT1. Even though I sold the 93 and now have a 90 it wasn't because of the opti that I bought a 90 instead of another LT1. I sold the 93 to purchase a good daily driver for work and waited 4 years to get into another Corvette. The 90 was in great shape and that is why I bought it. The LT1 engine is a much smoother running engine, more power and as reliable as the L98.
