I going to have to buy a replacement for my OPTI-SPARK Gen1 distributor, i was told that the MSD Opti-Spark replacement won't be available for another 2 weeks so that gives me time to inquire about DELTEG Opti Spark replacement. is the DELTEG a better way to go? it appears to be a much simpler system to install, but i need your experences and remmember i live in California where we have a thing called visual smog inspection. So which of these systems would you install on your LT1 Engine?
thanks boonie

 

Just so you know there are a million threads, okay 980,000 on this topic.
Seriously, the DELTEQ, with the rotor cut to keep the optical sensor plate rotoating for timing, is the way to go, according to Gordon Killebrew.
I went through, as others have several Optis, and upgraded to Dynaspark, Vented style and after I screwed up the installs I went with the DELTEQ, only to find out later that if the rotor does blow up you wont have an ignition. SO, I took the Opti out, cut the rotor tip off, and put it all back together and Voila, ignition!
So, if you have no codes(meaning your Optical sensor is good IMHO), go Delteq. If you have codes go Dynspark as it kicks OEM butt. Then , and if it dies(seriously doubt it will die), go Delteq.
Just my 2 cents

 

 

More MSD blues....


http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=517029

 

I think the MSD 6A is hurting Optis, as they throw extra firings till about 3000-3500rpms, which cant be good for the cap/rotor. IMHO

 

I think that's exactly what the problem is. I don't think msd will support use of aftermarket cd ignitions with the opti. Although it would be odd since the cds are theirs as well

 

**Edit: wrong subject, that's what I get for doing this at work**

I think the MSD is Capacitive Discharge.
I know the Delteq is multiple coil Inductive Discharge.

If Inductive Discharge has enough "dwell" time (like in a multiple coil setup like Delteq and LTCC), it is superior to any Capacitive Discharge system at all rpms.

If you are using a single-coil inductive discharge system (like the factory LT1), the CD has an advantage above about 6K rpms.
The stock system has an advantage over CD up until about 4K rpm.
The reason: Inductive discharge has a longer spark duration than CD at low rpms.

There is a reason that the OEM systems (like the LS1) are not CD.
GM wouldn't put a multiple coil system in the LS1 that costs more to produce than CD if there wasn't a very compelling reason.

Tom Piper

 

The Delteq is a pretty slick package. But, be aware of the following:

1. The Delteq does not replace the Optispark. What it does is to eliminate the high-voltage distribution portion of the Opti. Even with the Delteq, the ECM will still require the low-resolution and high-resolution optical sensor signals from the Opti in order to determine when to trigger the waste-spark coilpacks of the Delteq.

2. When last I investigated the Delteq, I was told that it would not drive the factory tachometer in my '94 Corvette without either bypassing the underhood tach filter, or installing an MSD amplifier. Check into this before you buy so that you know the scoop.

3. The Delteq will add a non-factory appearance and some clutter under the hood. Spark plug wire length and routing will be significantly altered, although this may be for the better.

Consider the DynaSpark as a true, bolt-on replacement for the OEM Opti. I consider it to be the best alternative for replacing a first-generation, passively-vented OEM Opti on a car that will not be revved beyond the factory-programmed rev limit. If you plan to rev this engine well above 6k RPM, the Delteq in combination with a DynaSpark with the high-rev option (rotor removed) is the ticket to ride.

Be well,

SJW

 

I have been running a GM Opti in my blown 396 since 1996 and haven't had any issues. I am also running a Crane ignition as well, I guess I am one of the lucky ones that has never had a problem.

 

I agree, but the Opti I have doenst have a full rotor within it, as I cut the top of it off, so it is just a big fat plastic wwasher to hold the metal plate that goes into the Optical sensor. But the cap isnt doing anything other than keeping moisture out, which I sealed VERY well.
The engine compartment doesnt look all that bad, but the best part it runs.

 

Well that's just great Tom. You're exactly the guy that all of these problems should happen to; so that you can satisfactorily resolve all the issues for everyones elses benifit (jk)

 

I just received my shipment of the new MSD OPTI's here is a link to a couple pictures of them up close. These are very well engineered units. I am pretty impressed with what MSD has done with them:

http://members.aol.com/tjwong008/public/msdopti1.jpg

http://members.aol.com/tjwong008/public/msdopti2.jpg

Notice that MSD has incorporated a integral wire harness eliminating one weak spot, also there is a **** for a manual timing adjust of plus and minus 5 degrees. It is very well sealed as well.

 

will MSD be including a harness adaptor for use 1992 owners? That flat 4 pin connector is about useless...

 

They have a 92/93 version that will be available soon. I have some of them coming as well.

 

Since the connector pins can be ejected from the harness connectors and put into the later connectors without soldering and splicing, it might be worthwhile to change the unique connectors on the '92 to the later style connectors.
Delteq may sell just the connectors to you (or be able to tell you where to get them)-- then it is simply ejecting the pins and installing them in the new style connector.
That way, anything you do in the future that is associated with those connectors will be painless.

Tom Piper

 

I have a like new complete Delteq kit for sale. PM me if interested.

 

I see its also held together with good old philips head screws; no need to buy an E4 socket from Snap-On for $14.