Which optispark to use
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: So. Jersey
Which optispark to use
I'm replacing my optispark this week. My mechanic stated there are two i can use on my 92. One is the ac delco replacement the other is a aftermarket that my mechanic says is better. I do trust his opinion he does have 3 vettes and everyone around here who has a vette uses him. Is the aftermarket any better?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Central Maryland
You'll probably hear differing opinions on this, but here's mine, FWIW:
The DynaSpark is definitely an improvement over the OEM Optispark units. I installed one last year in my '94, and am very pleased with it. I was very impressed with the unit when I took it out of the box, and I'm not easily impressed. I think it's a very well engineered and manufactured item.
DynoTech actually encouraged me to hose down my engine with their DynaSpark installed, which is a pretty good indication of how much confidence they have in its water-tightness, which is a major issue with the OEM units (especially those used on the '92 - '94 Corvettes).
Visit DynoTech's website for more details:
http://www.dynotech-eng.com/dynaspark.htm
It is roughly twice the cost of the OEM unit, but considering the labor cost of doing the job, if you keep the car for a lot of years, it'll probably pay off in both reliability and $ since you, hopefully, won't have to get it done again anytime soon. The first-generation OEM Optis have some serious deficiencies, and I'd never install another one in my own car. DynoTech attempted to address every one of these deficiencies with the DynaSpark.
Good luck with it.
Be well,
SJW
The DynaSpark is definitely an improvement over the OEM Optispark units. I installed one last year in my '94, and am very pleased with it. I was very impressed with the unit when I took it out of the box, and I'm not easily impressed. I think it's a very well engineered and manufactured item.
DynoTech actually encouraged me to hose down my engine with their DynaSpark installed, which is a pretty good indication of how much confidence they have in its water-tightness, which is a major issue with the OEM units (especially those used on the '92 - '94 Corvettes).
Visit DynoTech's website for more details:
http://www.dynotech-eng.com/dynaspark.htm
It is roughly twice the cost of the OEM unit, but considering the labor cost of doing the job, if you keep the car for a lot of years, it'll probably pay off in both reliability and $ since you, hopefully, won't have to get it done again anytime soon. The first-generation OEM Optis have some serious deficiencies, and I'd never install another one in my own car. DynoTech attempted to address every one of these deficiencies with the DynaSpark.
Good luck with it.
Be well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
The Dynaspark would be great with the new MSD CAP and Rotor. The MSD is a little behind, okay alot behind in production as they had to redo something. BUt, that being said, see if Dynaspark can do one with the MSD cap and rotor, and I think this is what GM should have done, as there probably wont be any problems.
Then again, if no mods and you dont plan on racing it, etc etc, get a GM OEM unit (complete) as you get the same warranty 1 yeaar and/or 12kmiles
Then again, if no mods and you dont plan on racing it, etc etc, get a GM OEM unit (complete) as you get the same warranty 1 yeaar and/or 12kmiles
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,354
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From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by steve40th
The Dynaspark would be great with the new MSD CAP and Rotor. The MSD is a little behind, okay alot behind in production as they had to redo something. BUt, that being said, see if Dynaspark can do one with the MSD cap and rotor, and I think this is what GM should have done, as there probably wont be any problems.
Then again, if no mods and you dont plan on racing it, etc etc, get a GM OEM unit (complete) as you get the same warranty 1 yeaar and/or 12kmiles
Then again, if no mods and you dont plan on racing it, etc etc, get a GM OEM unit (complete) as you get the same warranty 1 yeaar and/or 12kmiles
I feel that there's a lot more to the decision than just the warranty issue. Considering how inaccessible the Opti is, I believe it makes very good sense to install the very best unit available, which I believe is the DynaSpark. Especially if the alternative is to install another inferior first-generation OEM unit in a '92-'94, which strikes me as being a really bad idea.
Be well,
SJW
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
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I am actually using a Dynaspark after using 2 OEM units that had the rotor explode inside.
I am very happy with the Dynaspark, it has not been that long to say how long it will last, but so far so good.
It is a great built unit and the engine is working perfectly + I do not worry anymore about water splashing the optispark.
I think the price is fair when you take into account the quality into the ecuation.
Best of luck.
I am very happy with the Dynaspark, it has not been that long to say how long it will last, but so far so good.
It is a great built unit and the engine is working perfectly + I do not worry anymore about water splashing the optispark.
I think the price is fair when you take into account the quality into the ecuation.
Best of luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,931
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From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Originally Posted by SJW
I'm not aware of any deficiencies with the cap & rotor used on the DynaSpark.
I feel that there's a lot more to the decision than just the warranty issue. Considering how inaccessible the Opti is, I believe it makes very good sense to install the very best unit available, which I believe is the DynaSpark. Especially if the alternative is to install another inferior first-generation OEM unit in a '92-'94, which strikes me as being a really bad idea.
Be well,
SJW
I feel that there's a lot more to the decision than just the warranty issue. Considering how inaccessible the Opti is, I believe it makes very good sense to install the very best unit available, which I believe is the DynaSpark. Especially if the alternative is to install another inferior first-generation OEM unit in a '92-'94, which strikes me as being a really bad idea.
Be well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by steve40th
The Dynapsark uses OEM cap and rotor, which is still a weak point IMHO. They build theres to a much tighter/better degree and fix 10 main porblems, but the cap and rotor are still OEM. Thats what needs to be replaced too with the MSD, then the Dynaspark will be as good as it is pretty. IMHO
If you do go with the MSD cap & rotor, make sure the new cap seals well to the DynaSpark!
Be well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Gonna be tough tryin to swap the cap on a Dynaspark they are riveted on not screwed.If they fail Dynaspark will repair them for a very cheap price under $100 if I remember right so the added cost includes a repair warranty of sorts.Plenty of people have gone through multiple Optis as even OEM come bad out of the box sometimes....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,931
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From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Originally Posted by Redeasysport
Gonna be tough tryin to swap the cap on a Dynaspark they are riveted on not screwed.If they fail Dynaspark will repair them for a very cheap price under $100 if I remember right so the added cost includes a repair warranty of sorts.Plenty of people have gone through multiple Optis as even OEM come bad out of the box sometimes....
The warranty is nice, but the fact is the factory rotor is weak, and untill we see how the MSD works, its all we have. I bet the MSD is a much better quality unit. And combined with the Dynaspark, I think the entire Opti issues will be just that, issues of old.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: So. Jersey
Thanks for all the info. This optispark should have been a major recall, what a pain in the a$$. I can't believe they put a distributer under a water pump. What was that guy thinking of when he designed the engine ($$). Was the designer of the engine invovled in the aftermarket product. LOL,
I am also looking at a 98 vert, anything bad on them?
Thanks Jeff
I am also looking at a 98 vert, anything bad on them?
Thanks Jeff
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 617
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From: Loudon, TN
I replaced the opti on my 93 with an OEM opti at 112K or so. It was functioning correctly but I decided to replace it when I did the plugs and wires because of the miles on it and not having a past maintenace record. Now if I was drag racing or running autocross then I might possibly consider aftermarket. I don't participate in those activities so why spend double the money of the OEM unit and in my case much more than double what I paid on e-bay for the new one. I have a bit over 5K on the new one and no problems so far. I seriously doubt I'll have my Corvette when it hits 224K. I see no reason the new one won't last as long as the original.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: So. Jersey
George,
I agree I don't intend on racing and never did. I have a 92 yellow vert 1 of 230. It has 83000 miles, and is a garage kept fair weather car. I do drive it when I can. I would also not to like to have anymore problems with it. I can't believe the design. Jeff
I agree I don't intend on racing and never did. I have a 92 yellow vert 1 of 230. It has 83000 miles, and is a garage kept fair weather car. I do drive it when I can. I would also not to like to have anymore problems with it. I can't believe the design. Jeff
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by George Dickel
I replaced the opti on my 93 with an OEM opti at 112K or so. It was functioning correctly but I decided to replace it when I did the plugs and wires because of the miles on it and not having a past maintenace record. Now if I was drag racing or running autocross then I might possibly consider aftermarket. I don't participate in those activities so why spend double the money of the OEM unit and in my case much more than double what I paid on e-bay for the new one. I have a bit over 5K on the new one and no problems so far. I seriously doubt I'll have my Corvette when it hits 224K. I see no reason the new one won't last as long as the original.
Be well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,354
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From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by tnt-sportfishing
George,
I agree I don't intend on racing and never did. I have a 92 yellow vert 1 of 230. It has 83000 miles, and is a garage kept fair weather car. I do drive it when I can. I would also not to like to have anymore problems with it. I can't believe the design. Jeff
I agree I don't intend on racing and never did. I have a 92 yellow vert 1 of 230. It has 83000 miles, and is a garage kept fair weather car. I do drive it when I can. I would also not to like to have anymore problems with it. I can't believe the design. Jeff
Be well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
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From: CLT, North Carolina
Optispark Reliability Question
Aren't the Optisparks fairly reliable if you don't get them wet? I guess this is a built in problem though when the water pump fails. The vented 94-96 redesign should be better because it has a vacuum hose connection to the intake manifold to draw air through it. Wouldn't the revised design solve the moisture problem and dry it out when you start the engine? I guess if you drive with a failed water pump it will still take out the Opti but is washing the engine still a problem with the revised 94-96 Optis?
Regards, Greg
Regards, Greg
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 130
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From: So. Jersey
Question, I think I have seen this Dynaspark design before is it the system that uses independant coils for each plug? And do the coils mount on top of the motor? If so with this affect my status at shows with Mods? Thanks Jeff