Msd Vs. Delteg
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 273
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From: Sacramento California
Msd Vs. Delteg
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
thanks boonie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,946
Likes: 39
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
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
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
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,861
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From: Bremerton WA
St. Jude Donor '09
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,946
Likes: 39
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Originally Posted by CHarris85Vette
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
From: Toronto ONTARIO
Originally Posted by steve40th
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 
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
**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
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
Last edited by Tom Piper; Jun 1, 2006 at 07:12 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,373
Likes: 2,288
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by boonie
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
thanks boonie
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
Last edited by SJW; Jun 1, 2006 at 08:43 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,946
Likes: 39
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Originally Posted by SJW
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
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
The engine compartment doesnt look all that bad, but the best part it runs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by tjwong
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.
(jk)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
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.
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Originally Posted by bogus
will MSD be including a harness adaptor for use 1992 owners? That flat 4 pin connector is about useless...
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Originally Posted by tjwong
They have a 92/93 version that will be available soon. I have some of them coming as well.
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
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Originally Posted by tjwong
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.
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.
