Optispark.....What is it?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 697
Likes: 16
From: Antioch Calif.
Optispark.....What is it?
I keep hearing that these go out. I hate to sound stupid, but what is it? How much do they cost and what happens when they go out. Where is it located? My 92 has 59k miles, how can I tell if it was replaced. :confused:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14,177
Likes: 274
From: Shitcago IL
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08
Re: Optispark.....What is it? (Cal Vette)
i think the optispark replaces the distributor on the LT1/LT4 cars.
I'm not sure where it's located since I don't have a vettem but I heard people saying it's somewhere near the water pump, which people were complaining about since the optispark doesn't like water.
I might be wrong so don't take my "vetteless" word for it
I'm not sure where it's located since I don't have a vettem but I heard people saying it's somewhere near the water pump, which people were complaining about since the optispark doesn't like water.
I might be wrong so don't take my "vetteless" word for it
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Optispark.....What is it? (Cal Vette)
The optispark is the distributer on the LT1/LT4 motors. In this picture you can see it behind and below the waterpump with the plug wires running to it. 
:steering:
:steering:
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Optispark.....What is it? (Ramrod92)
It's not as bad as people make it out to be. It is very sensitive to water, but what ignition system isn't?
On my '95, GM put the improved "vented" version which last scads longer than the earlier design.
It's a very good idea that was executed too quickly and took a couple years to get it just right and then they changed it when the LS1 engine came out.
There are some who have converted their Opti's to the LS1 style ignition system, I'm going to be one of them since the opti on my '93 just crapped out.
So far I have seen an opti last over 96,000 miles with no problems including a water pump that blew, but that was on a '96.
Here are a few links to look over
http://www.charm.net/~mchaney/optisprk/optisprk.htm
http://para.noid.org/~muttvette/opti.html
http://www.fierolt1.com/lt1_95_up_OptiReplace.htm
http://bailey-eng.com/LTCC.html
On my '95, GM put the improved "vented" version which last scads longer than the earlier design.
It's a very good idea that was executed too quickly and took a couple years to get it just right and then they changed it when the LS1 engine came out.
There are some who have converted their Opti's to the LS1 style ignition system, I'm going to be one of them since the opti on my '93 just crapped out.
So far I have seen an opti last over 96,000 miles with no problems including a water pump that blew, but that was on a '96.
Here are a few links to look over
http://www.charm.net/~mchaney/optisprk/optisprk.htm
http://para.noid.org/~muttvette/opti.html
http://www.fierolt1.com/lt1_95_up_OptiReplace.htm
http://bailey-eng.com/LTCC.html
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