95-96 Optispark
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Bardstown Kentucky
95-96 Optispark
I noticed that Corvette Central has a replacement Opti for a 92-94 LT1, but does not have one for the 95-96 LT1-4. Is the Opti in the 95-96 cars a redesigned unit that doesn’t go bad as often as the earlier ones? Just wondering if I will have to replace the one on my LT4.
Racer
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From: houston texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Portland Oregon
Originally Posted by stormin310
surely the opti isn't different on the lt4? Just re-read add says lt1 only huh?
www.samtaylor.com
Racer
Joined: May 2005
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From: houston texas
Good deal sent part # on their site didn't get a price if can deliver for alot less than $259 what a deal....I've heard stories of people paying over $300 for new opti's 
I could only save $8 off the $259 by picking up at this new car parts department about 2 miles from my house would cost $251 if they are alot cheaper will buy one....
I could only save $8 off the $259 by picking up at this new car parts department about 2 miles from my house would cost $251 if they are alot cheaper will buy one....
Last edited by stormin310; Dec 17, 2005 at 11:27 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
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From: Portland Oregon
Originally Posted by stormin310
Good deal sent part # on their site didn't get a price if can deliver for alot less than $259 what a deal....I've heard stories of people paying over $300 for new opti's I could only save $8 off the $259 by picking up at this new car parts department about 2 miles from my house would cost $251 if they are alot cheaper will buy one....
I could only save $8 off the $259 by picking up at this new car parts department about 2 miles from my house would cost $251 if they are alot cheaper will buy one....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 536
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From: Bardstown Kentucky
Originally Posted by stormin310
surely the opti isn't different on the lt4? Just re-read add says lt1 only huh?
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 279
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From: houston texas
I know same thing here when i got address off the internet where they were located new power antenna off their ebay site $97 went there was a new car parts department i had printed the ebay add showed it to them they gave me part would have been $176 i think if i had just walked in and asked fot the part....lol 
No more available now back to retail thats why i thought sooner ot later will need an opti for my lt4 won't last long at these prices.
No more available now back to retail thats why i thought sooner ot later will need an opti for my lt4 won't last long at these prices.
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Team Owner
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From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
How much for the newer style timing cover?
You need that to run the newer opti.
For the newbie, the biggest difference is that the newer ones are vented. They also have better seals and bearing.
BTW Here's a good How-to article
http://corvettefever.com/howto/16758/
You need that to run the newer opti.
For the newbie, the biggest difference is that the newer ones are vented. They also have better seals and bearing.
BTW Here's a good How-to article
http://corvettefever.com/howto/16758/
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 279
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From: houston texas
I think the '95 '96 vented optis are s0 much cheaper cause there overstocked not many buyers never had a problem with my '96 think i'll wait might be a $100 soon lol nobody needs them...So I think i'll wait noticed on same site i found the $259 vented the older non-vented were way more expensive..... 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Slidell Louisiana
Originally Posted by stormin310
I think the '95 '96 vented optis are s0 much cheaper cause there overstocked not many buyers never had a problem with my '96 think i'll wait might be a $100 soon lol nobody needs them...So I think i'll wait noticed on same site i found the $259 vented the older non-vented were way more expensive.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by 96lt4c4
I noticed that Corvette Central has a replacement Opti for a 92-94 LT1, but does not have one for the 95-96 LT1-4. Is the Opti in the 95-96 cars a redesigned unit that doesn’t go bad as often as the earlier ones? Just wondering if I will have to replace the one on my LT4.
1992 - 1994 used the first-generation, passively-vented Opti. This unit had three weep holes in the bottom of the housing to drain moisture out. There are significant design weaknesses in this unit, and they contribute to durability issues.
1995 - 1996 used the second-gen, actively-vented Opti. This unit uses manifold vacuum to pull filtered air through the Opti housing to purge moisture and the ozone that occurs with the electrical arcing between the rotor and cap. This unit is a significant improvement over the first-gen Opti.
Unless your LT4 has high miles on its Opti, I'd leave it alone. And, even if the miles are high, if it's working well, I'd leave it alone unless I had to remove the water pump -- in that case, I might spring for a new Opti while I've got the front torn down that far.
The second-gen OEM Opti costs significantly less than the first-gen OEM unit. If your car had a first-gen unit, I'd suggest you consider the DynaSpark as a replacement, but because you have the second-gen Opti, I'd suggest a replacement OEM unit (genuine GM part from a dealer, not aftermarket from a generic parts house).
Does this help?
Be well,
SJW