more optispark
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 71
Likes: 1
From: orleans ontario
more optispark
As I contemplate resuming my search in the spring for an LT1 with the rare manual transmission, I realize I will have to check used car lots, and we all know what they do there. THEY WASH THE ENGINE!! When this piece of crap optispark unit fails because it got wet, does it quit right away, or is it a lingering death affair that is going to fail shortly after I drive it off the lot? Also, I read in a buyers guide that all the first production optisparks were replaced because of a bad venting design, and since I will be searching for a /92, is there anyway to tell just by looking at the engine, if it has the original unit or an upgraded one? Just as a matter of information, my friendly Canadian GM parts person says the optispark will cost me $962.50 and the water pump is another $367.00, then the government adds on 15% tax. Ouch, eh? Thanks for any help guys, this is a great forum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: more optispark (boss302)
Optis are usually a lingering death. Mine went for 2 months getting slowly worse. As long as they wash the engine cold, it probably won't hurt. Water isn't the main culprit, it's the anti-freeze.
A new version opti (or a vented old version) will have a small rubber tube plugged into the air intake hose between the MAF and the TB. It supplies fresh air to the opti.
There are now 2 ways you can go when you replace the opti. 1) A stock OE opti from Jeff Kopp will run you ~$330US. 2) Theres now a company that is suppling a redesigned opti for ~$600 (it corrects 99.9% of the opti problems and is rebuildable. It also comes in pretty colors!). Either way it's a DIY job so you can save a bunch. A new pump will run ~$220 (part of the same DIY job).
If that's the only thing you find wrong with the car, buy it.
I have heard that some Canuks have Jeff drop ship it to a forum member in the US then have them reship it as a gift to you. Mind you I've only heard that this happened. :D
A new version opti (or a vented old version) will have a small rubber tube plugged into the air intake hose between the MAF and the TB. It supplies fresh air to the opti.
There are now 2 ways you can go when you replace the opti. 1) A stock OE opti from Jeff Kopp will run you ~$330US. 2) Theres now a company that is suppling a redesigned opti for ~$600 (it corrects 99.9% of the opti problems and is rebuildable. It also comes in pretty colors!). Either way it's a DIY job so you can save a bunch. A new pump will run ~$220 (part of the same DIY job).
If that's the only thing you find wrong with the car, buy it.
I have heard that some Canuks have Jeff drop ship it to a forum member in the US then have them reship it as a gift to you. Mind you I've only heard that this happened. :D
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 43,370
Likes: 0
Re: more optispark (boss302)
Boss302, I like the name. Anyway, the Opti seems to sometimes die slowly or right off the bat, depending on how it's been washed. I've heard people that power wash their engine compartments and then the car won't start, I've heard others go for months while it slowly dies. DynoTech, their link is on the left side of this page under Tuners, three up from the bottom above Tires, makes a billet aluminum one that corrects almost all of the old problems with the original Opti. A word for the wise, don't buy a Corvette from a used car lot. Find a private owner that has one for sale. You'll get a better 'vette that you actually know history on, and probably a better price. When you find a possibility, check with folks here on the forum to see if it's a good deal and if you should buy it. Guys here know what they're talking about (I do too, most of the time ;)) Good luck, and welcome to the forum. :cheers:
EDIT: Do you own a Boss 302? If so, I'd love to see pictures! I love those Bosses. Someday my dad and I will trade up with our Mach to get a Boss.
[Modified by GDP, 4:19 PM 1/2/2003]
EDIT: Do you own a Boss 302? If so, I'd love to see pictures! I love those Bosses. Someday my dad and I will trade up with our Mach to get a Boss.
[Modified by GDP, 4:19 PM 1/2/2003]
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Spring Hill Florida
Re: more optispark (boss302)
Mine went fairly quickly.... took about 2 weeks. At first it just seemed to be cutting out and at the end it was a bi-och to start. I brought it to a GM dealership and they replaced everything but the steering wheel and charged me about $1,200. It's been running great since then, (as well it should for that kind of $)
It was never a dependable undependability though... at times it would start fine and run fine and just about the time I'd think it healed..... WHAM!
It was never a dependable undependability though... at times it would start fine and run fine and just about the time I'd think it healed..... WHAM!
